The Des Moines Art Center will be opening a solely LGBTQIA+ art exhibit named Queer Abstraction from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 1. LGBTQIA+ identifying artists and performers, working solo or collaboratively, are able to submit a proposal for one of two pop-up art experiences.

This show is the first in the Art Center’s 70-year history to focus exclusively on LGBTQIA+ art and artists. The event is free and anyone is able to attend.

The first experience, an interactive art activity, will get artists and attendees involved in art together.

“The activity could focus on the creation of an object, an experience, a performance, or an adornment,” according to the Des Moines Art Center website. “Examples would be something guests can create to take home, an activity centered on self-care/art therapy, an activity performative in nature or it could be something guests can wear such as temporary tattoos, buttons/pins or make-up.”

Two to three proposals will be selected and each artist selected will be awarded a total honorarium of $150.

The second experience, a pop-up installation, will create an immersive pop-up installation for guests to commemorate their experience.

“Guests will be encouraged to take photographs and selfies in the pop-up space and share their images on social media,” according to the Des Moines Art Center website.

One artist proposal will be selected and the artist selected will be awarded a total honorarium of $300.

To enter in this exhibition, artists need to identify within the LGBTQIA+ community, must be located in Iowa and the art piece must be original in nature and comply with the themes of Queer Abstraction.

Rules for submissions state that no loose glitter is permitted, all exhibits must be temporary in nature, any supplies or tools that will leave a film or residue behind are not permitted and any modifications made after the original proposal must be approved by Art Center staff.

Entries must be submitted digitally to the Des Moines Art Center by May 9. Artists selected to participate will be notified by May 13.