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PREVIEW: Art exhibition: Images of Masculine Males

Artist Mike Thorn will be presenting an exhibition of his work at the Honeysett Gallery during Brighton Bear Weekender.

Mike Thorn

BRIGHTON Bear Weekender takes place from Friday, June 19 to Sunday June 21.

For more information, click here:

Mike was born and lived in London for most of his life, but recently relocated to Saltdean in Sussex – and he is loving it!

He specialises in drawing and painting heavier, masculine men, including bears, skinheads, leather men, and men in uniform. His work has developed a style and reputation that has led to a strong following among admirers of the masculine male.

Mike said: “I’m inspired to show images of gay men which present an alternative to the stereotypical ideal, and my subjects often include labourers, skinheads, club bouncers, wrestlers and football fans.

“I enjoy showing a tough sexy image of men, but at the same time allowing just a glimpse of fun to show through. I challenge the so-called ‘desirable’ images  of  smooth clean-cut men so often portrayed as the gay ideal.

“My work is mainly figurative, although I also include landscape and still life in my work. I work in oils, coloured pencil, and accept commissions for portraiture and other work. My portraits make an original and affordable gift for a birthday, or anniversary.”

Mike has exhibited in London, Paris, Cologne, Berlin, Sydney, Bergen, San Francisco, and Amsterdam and his work has been featured in The Bear Book II, Fur – The Love of Hair, Id Magazine, and many gay publications.

Mike Thorn


Event: Exhibition of Masculine Art to tie in with Brighton Bear Weekender

Where: Honeysett Gallery, Arch 280, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 8PT

When: Friday, June 19 to Sunday June 21 with a private view which everyone is welcome to attend on Saturday, June 20 from noon till 9pm. Free bubbly and nibbles will be provided.

For more information, click here:

Actually help ‘Inclusion For All’ take anti-LGBT bullying message on tour

For the last year Actually Gay Men’s Chorus have been raising money at their concerts for the national anti bullying project, Inclusion For All (IFA).

Shaun Dellenty with Actually Gay Men's Chorus
Shaun Dellenty with Actually Gay Men’s Chorus

WHEN Shaun Dellenty the founder of IFA called into a recent rehearsal at St Andrew’s church in Hove, Actually Gay Men’s Chorus were on hand to present him with a cheque for £1408.40.

All the money raised through chorus performances and their generous audiences, will support the important work that IFA does, tackling homophobic, transphobic and biphobic bullying and language in schools.

The money is already earmarked and will be used to benefit young people and educators throughout the country, as IFA takes a brand new anti-LGBT bullying project on tour.

Actually have been working with Shaun Dellenty and IFA over the last 12 months and Chorus members are pleased to be continuing this support over the coming year.

Shaun was awarded Highly Commended at the Excellence In Diversity Awards in 2014, for challenging LGBT bullying.

He said: “IFA is incredibly honored and grateful to be partnered with the inspirational Actually Chorus again this year. The funds raised through Actually’s concert performances will help fund IFA’s anti-LGBT bullying theatre in eduction tour, delivering vital messages about difference, diversity and acceptance to whole school communities.” 

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