Since 1994, The Andy Warhol Museum has become one of Pittsburgh’s most influential and important cultural organizations. Located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, The Warhol holds the distinction of being the largest museum in the United States dedicated to a single artist.
Honoring the eccentric, Pittsburgh-born pop art icon and openly gay artist is director Eric Shiner.
After coming out in January of his senior year at The University of Pittsburgh, Eric went on to study at The University of Osaka in Japan and then at Yale University. During his time at Yale, he was influenced by two professors, Laura Wexler and Dolores Hayden, who were both professors of American Studies; Wexler in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Hayden in architecture and urbanism.
After interning at the Warhol for many years, the New Castle native was named the first Milton Fine Curator of Art in 2009. In 2011, after long-time director Thomas Sokolowski resigned, Shiner was named director and accepted it with open arms.
The world of art is a home to many, and Shiner feels that it is important that LGBTQ youth know that the Warhol Museum is an open forum for creativity where self-expression is encouraged. Shiner says, “I’ve never once experienced resentment, difficulty, or negative feedback in my profession as a gay man in the art world.”
Many teens feel that they do not belong or have a niche in this world, but the director assures that The Warhol is a safe place that is dedicated to queer youth. The museum offers many diverse programs, even hosting the Youth Pride Prom, and encourages them to participate in an environment where they can feel comfortable.
Diversity is a core value at The Warhol and Shiner says that it is only fitting that the installations reflect that and encourages all to attend the Caldwell Linker exhibit “All Through the Night,” an intimate and celebratory portrait of Pittsburgh’s vibrant and underground queer community.
Pittsburgh’s many LGBT events, including this year’s Pittsburgh Pride, have had great effect on Shiner as they showcase the change and acceptance that the community is making. Showing his own pride, Shriner says, “Pittsburgh is where I came out and developed as a gay man.” It is only fitting that he, embracing his true persona, is working to make our city an even more open-minded place. The museum, as well as Eric Shiner, are true gems in the steel city.
For more information, visit warhol.org.
Visit The Andy Warhol Museum this summer and learn more about upcoming installations, including the LGBTQ Linkers Exhibition online at www.warhol.org.
