Arts & Entertainment

Art Exhibit Inspired By Scout Activist Ryan Andresen

'Free to Be' show by Martinez Arts Association is dedicated to gay rights advocate from Moraga.

The Martinez Arts Association is presenting its second annual "Free to Be" Exhibit, this year "inspired by and dedicated to Ryan Andresen, the Boy Scout of Moraga, whose compelling story and message of Tolerance will be celebrated during Pride Month," according to an email from association Creative Director Debra Dodson.

Andresen, 18, last fall was denied his Eagle Scout badge after he came out as gay to his Scout Troop. The petition drive for Andresen's Eagle Scout award is one factor in the mix as the national Boy Scout organization has talked about a policy change to allow gay youth members. Andresen's Eagle Scout project was to build a tolerance wall that is featured on a wall at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School in Moraga.

The Martinez Arts Association says this year's exhibit is titled "Free to Be 2: A Salute to Ryan Andresen — Courage, Honor, Tolerance!" It is asking for submissions through May 17. The application is here.

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For questions, please email to Dodson at debra.treasuretrove@yahoo.com


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