From right: Tara Spence, Carolyn Ferros and Erin Chrusciel at PFLAG’s tabling event at Longmeadow Pride.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow’s new PFLAG chapter is propping up artists in the LGBTQ+ community in its first annual Community Art Festival.
The free event is being held at the historic Norcross House, 89 Maple St. on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Patrons will be able to view and purchase art from local artists, try hands-on art activities for all ages and help support the chapter in continuing its work supporting the community’s LGBTQ+ kids, friends and parents. It will also feature live music from the band Date Night and free sandwiches, provided by Frigo’s.
PFLAG is the “nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them,” the website states.
East Longmeadow’s chapter is a community of parents, families, allies and LGBTQ+ individuals working together to create a safer, more inclusive world — starting in East Longmeadow and surrounding towns. It holds monthly support meetings, community outreach and educational events to promote understanding and acceptance for all.
Founding member and Chapter President Erin Chrusciel said PFLAG’s main message is to “lead with love” and that the chapter began while finding ways to be more proactive in the community and sharing the passion with people.
She also said her child, who identifies as nonbinary, was able to start a pride club at school. This led to thinking about ways to get more involved townwide.
“They’ve had good support in the school system, and we’re grateful for that, however, the LGBTQ+ community is facing an unprecedented surge in legislative attacks, discrimination and increase in hate crimes,” Chrusciel said. “People are scared. We want people to feel safe. Fellow parents, Tara Spence, Carolyn Ferros and I decided to look into what organizations would be appropriate for us to get involved with, and that’s where I did some research on PFLAG.”
She added that since establishing the nonprofit, they were lucky to add Treasurer Christina Uss, an author, librarian and parent.
While the art festival is PFLAG’s first sponsored event in the town, the chapter has been tabling in the community, such as at Longmeadow Pride and the Celebrate East Longmeadow Festival. The monthly groups also help people who may just need some support or want to get involved more.
Chrusciel said an art-focused event was inspired by reading the book “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us” by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen.
The book looks at the science behind how engaging with art can reduce stress, boost creativity and improve overall well-being, citing research showing that just 45 minutes working on an art project can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by 25%.
“One of the things I always thought of, having grown up in Massachusetts, is we have LGBTQ communities that are so rich with art, like Northampton and Provincetown, and it just made me think there’s something there,” Chrusciel said. “I feel like creating an environment for people to create and view art is something a little different that can help build community.”
She said there are a lot of festivals where people can purchase art, but that she wanted adults and kids to get into the art.
“We have woodworkers, we have people who have done textile art and we have people who are gonna guide, people creating very non-traditional portraits,” Chrusciel said. “We also have people who are in the LGBTQ community who are there to sell art because we want to highlight and support those folks … we really hope that it’s very interactive.”
The event, and PFLAG as a whole, is a way to bring people together, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who may feel alone in uncertain times.
“One of the things we decided to do is create T-shirts that say “I’m a proud, blank,” so at the festival you will see proud parents, proud friends and proud allies,” Chrusciel said. “The idea is that we are your neighbors, your coaches, your kids’ friends. Life is difficult right now for this community and we hope we can use art to bring people together through the arts.”
She said that the chapter received a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which is helping to make this event free.
“We’re not charging anything,” Chrusciel said. “We’re just asking for donations.”
Information on the chapter, monthly meetings and upcoming events can be found at pflageastlongmeadow.org.
