Some knew him as Harry, others knew her as Margo. I was privileged to know them both. Several years ago, when Margo was diagnosed with cancer and hospice was called in, she asked me if I would take care of her large, local art collection.
Some of it went to the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and other works were donated to local charity fundraisers. Margo wanted to give back to the community that she said supported her with open arms.
Margo loved Eureka Springs and in her late seventies felt comfortable enough to gradually come out as a woman. It was something she only shared with a few close friends for many years.
An avid art lover and collector, Margo started painting in her later years. Mostly self-taught, her watercolors were predominately self-portraits; paintings of her in various wigs, costumes and jewelry. She adored glamour.
Amateur, primitive, naïve? However you want to label them, these portraits convey a raw truth of a biological male’s identity struggle and project how she longed to feel and appear as a woman.
Several of Margo’s self portraits will be part of the new exhibition at Brews. Timed for Summer Diversity Weekend, “We’re Here” is a group show featuring the work of local LGBTQ artists.
The show will run through Sept. 11, with an opening reception Thursday, Aug. 2, from 5 – 8 p.m.
Alas, Margo will not be there for the opening, but her vivacious spirit will be. She would be so proud to be showing her work along side other LGBTQ artists.
All proceeds from the sale of her art will go to benefit the Eureka Springs Transgender Collective.
These portraits have been tucked away in my studio for seven years, awaiting the right moment to see the light. That moment is now, for Margo and everyone in the transgender community who bravely take a stand by simply and proudly claiming their identity.