CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Pride Rocks: World Refugee Day Art Exhibit and Fundraiser, an event scheduled for June 20, from 5-8 p.m. at DBO Gallery, will feature folk art and fine art side by side.

Organizers say it’s a celebration of diverse, intersecting identities and inclusion. This event, hosted by Pride Rocks, is raising funds to support The Guardian Group and The LGBT Asylum Project, non-profit organizations that help LGBTQ+ individuals seeking asylum.

Pride Rocks, a new program of CAMTAN (non-profit, 501c3), seeks to bring together people of marginalized communities for arts and ‘craftivism’.

“We aim to lift one another up and amplify the voices of those who have been systemically silenced. We are empowering individuals through artistic expression in all forms. Our goal is to show the community that ‘PRIDE ROCKS’!” organizer Lisa Eckman said.

This World Refugee Day (June 20) the group hopes to raise $3,000 for The Guardian Group and at least $4,000 for The LGBT Asylum Project.

“Seven thousand dollars is a large goal, but it could mean the difference between life and death. We need your help,” Eckman said. They are seeking sponsors, donors, artists, and activists.

Specific needs ASAP include:
• Gallery space sponsorship ($200)
• Donations of supplies (Amazon wishlist 1, Amazon wishlist 2)
• Donated items for the silent auction

Contact leckman@priderocks.org for more information.

Tickets to the event are suggested donations only ($10) and nobody will be turned away due to their inability to contribute.

Info on The LGBT Asylum Project: “Quality legal representation will cost a typical asylum-seeker between $4,000 and $10,000, yet asylum applicants are unauthorized to work in the United States for the first 6 months after submitting their application. Your donations directly benefit our LGBT brothers and sisters who need us most.”

Info on The Guardian Group: “People seeking asylum are not allowed to work for six months after filing their paperwork. The Guardian Group helps them find free housing and tries to provide food, transportation (Clipper Cards), basic cell phone coverage, and incidentals. This survival support costs at least $500 a month per asylum seeker.”

For more information, visit Pride Rocks on Facebook.