Slay: The Art of Drag by Artist Craig Mann

Portraits Celebrating Local Drag Artists

Drag has been in the news for brunches and bans.  It’s also a misunderstood art form that has been in existence since William Shakespeare’s choice of men to play female roles.                  Exploring drag as art, I celebrate local drag artists who bring joy and entertainment to their audiences in this exhibit.  Portraits of our queens are on display in varying sizes.                                    Are the paintings of men, or are they of women?  Are they frightful political tools, or are they beautiful beings?One thing is for sure.                                                                                                            They represent the essence of art: an unedited, questioning beauty.

-Craig Mann, Artist

Craig Mann is a successful local artist with an exclusive gallery and studio (Mr. Mann’s Design Gallery) located in the South of the Airport Arts District (4501 E. Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs CA).  The gallery started during the pandemic as a creative response to the isolation we were all experiencing.  Craig took inspiration from the local vistas and architecture of Palm Springs to create artistic impressions of the area he lived in.  At first an outlet for his creative energy, he soon found a following through word of mouth from patrons who loved his paintings, and who could relate to the sense of place the paintings created.

The paintings and Craig’s point of view reflect the local desert environment, the mid-century modern architecture, and local personalities that live and work in the area.    Colorful and impactful, Craig’s art is not limited to a specific style or genre.  The art can reflect realism, impressionism, cubism, or abstract or a combination of many.  All the art is very relatable.

Part of his range includes sculptures.  As a young teen, his work was acquired by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and San Francisco Children’s for their permanent collections.

 The exhibit will be on display in the main atrium of the Palm Springs Public Library September 18 – November 18, 2023

Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) are instruments designed to amplify sounds to make it easier for persons who are hearing‑impaired to enjoy a library program.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the City of Palm Springs, should contact the ADA Coordinator, as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.