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The
Power of Positive
Art
Celebrating ten years of making
art, the students of Patrick Palmer’s HIV art classes
mount a photography exhibit
by Sandy Stutz
Nine
years ago, after the death of a dear friend, Patrick Palmer
planted the seed that has since grown into the Positive
Art Workshop. Looking to overcome feelings of helplessness
after his loss, Patrick, an easy-going, good-natured man,
turned to the two things he did best: teaching and painting.
Palmer approached the Art League of Houston about giving
a 10-week art course to men and women who were HIV-positive.
The Art League said yes, and Palmer’s HIV art class
started in January 1991.
After the 10 weeks were over, Patrick was amazed to
find himself with 17 students who didn’t want to
stop. What to do next? “As long as there is interest,”
he thought, “we’ll just keep on going.”
Patrick kept the classes running by doing three big
fundraisers each year.
After six years of teaching the HIV art classes at the
Art League, Patrick started teaching full time at the
Museum of Fine Arts’ Glassell School of Art, the
art school in the glass block building across from the
MFA. His life was taking off and he had to inform the
Art League that he would no longer be able to raise
funds for the classes. Interestingly, word got back
to the Museum of Fine Arts. They proposed that Patrick
teach similar classes at the Glassell and the MFA would
handle the funding. The original HIV Art Course is still
being taught at the Art League on Thursdays under the
instruction of Kermit Eisenhut. Fridays, the Positive
Art Workshop is offered by Patrick at the Glassell.
When I met with Patrick, it was clear that this is a
man who truly loves his work. Relaxed in neat khakis
and a striped cotton shirt, he spoke with enthusiasm
about his students, who range from teens to age 60.
“The class is mostly men,” he says, “of
every race and from all walks of life.” Patrick’s
face is expressive and his eyes shine as he goes on
about the diversity of the class. One student drives
a Rolls Royce to class while others walk or take the
Metro. One of the reasons this class is beneficial is
because there is no tension here and no politics. With
many levels of artistic ability, it’s not about
performance. Some of the guys have been in Patrick’s
class four or five years; a feeling of family pervades.
The class starts by eating lunch together, and then
they discuss the goals of the day. They set out their
supplies and Patrick does a demonstration before they
get to work. One upcoming project is to create an animal
that reflects the soul of its creator—sort of a
totem that can be any color or scale, limited only by
the imagination of the student. Probably, Patrick says,
these works will be displayed in the office of Dr. Joseph
Gathe, known worldwide for his lectures on HIV/AIDS.
The Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center will be
displaying a collection of the students’ black
and white photographs, called “Positive/Negative
2000: The Positive Art Workshop Exhibition,” to
open May TK. With works ranging from poignant to peaceful,
the show was curated by the photographer Will Michels,
and originally displayed in February upstairs at the
Glassell School.
The MFA is not the only guardian angel for Patrick’s
class. The National Council of Jewish Women has adopted
the Positive Art Workshop. They provide hot lunches
every other week, alternating with Patrick who brings
sandwiches. Every year they give the students a Christmas
party and are involved in other ways as well. Patrick
describes these women as being “very giving”
and as “aunts,” adding to the feeling that
this class is an extended family for HIV-positive people.
Patrick likes to tell a story about one of the first
times the ladies were with the class: “They were
all in their pretty dresses, and Chi Chi [a large man
who has no boundaries where apparel was concerned] was
in this halter-top thing. It was a little bit tense,
because they didn’t feel comfortable and the women
didn’t know what to expect. Chi Chi went up to
one of the women and said, “Myrna, where’d
you get those shoes?” She looked at his feet which
were huge and she said, “Steinmart...and they have
your size!” They went on and on! From then on it
seemed like both groups just clicked.”
It is worth noting that some of these students did not
own cameras. Were it not for the support of the MFA,
they may not have been able to participate in the “Positive/Negative”
exhibit and other projects. The class covers a multiplicity
of artforms, including photography, ceramics, painting,
and linoleum, and costs approximately $5,000 to $6,000
a year. Individuals can help with funding by contacting
Tim Brookover of the Houston Gay and Lesbian Community
Center at 713/524-3818. In the past, the private sector
has donated art supplies as well.
If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling
in the Art Positive Workshop, there is no need to call
or make reservations. The class is open to all HIV-positive
people and meets from 1-4 p.m. every Friday at 2101
Montrose, room 202, year round, except for three weeks
in August when Patrick takes his (well-deserved) vacation.
“Positive/Negative
2000: The Positive Art Workshop Exhibition” will
open at the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center,
803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818 on Friday, May 12, 6–8
p.m. The center is open for drop-in visits Mon.–Fri.,
6–9 p.m.; Sat., noon–4 p.m.
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