Arleen Olshan
Arleen Olshan is a visual artist, graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and hand crafter of custom leather accessories. She has been active in the LGBTQA+ and Feminist Communities for over 50 years trailblazing the way forward. Beginning in the late 1960s, Arleen worked with Radicalesbians and the Gay Activist Alliance. She was co-coordinator of the original Gay & Lesbian Community Center (now William Way) on Kater Street. From 1976 – 1986 she was the co-owner of Giovanni’s Room. Arleen was a case manager for We the People Living with HIV/AIDS helping with housing and daily living issues, and Thomas Jefferson Hospital as an Addictions Counselor working with women in recovery. Arleen was the co-founder of the Mt. Airy Art Garage where she served as Treasurer and Executive Director for over 14 years. She also developed exhibition space, educational programs in schools, and collaborations with creatives in Northwest Philadelphia.
She has always wanted to do work that was meaningful, where she could be Out & Proud. Her current project is a celebration of the LGBTQA+ ancestors, primarily Philadelphians who have been courageous warriors.
Awarded Grants
2024
Art and Change Grant (ACG)
Related grantees
Overview
Arleen Olshan will create a series of portraits featuring predominantly Philadelphia-based LGBT ancestors who were friends, lovers, co-workers in various community activities, and family of choice, to tell their stories so they will not be forgotten. This project, entitled Dead Dykes and Some Gay Men, will remember and celebrate the people who helped lay the foundation for LGBT activism and organizing in Philadelphia and at-large, through their outspoken activism, humanity, and persistence. The work will be in oil and acrylic paintings, charcoal drawings, and scanned fine art prints in a variety of sizes and shapes – and culminate in an exhibition.
