Art at The Center

From Keith Haring's iconic 'Once Upon a Time' mural to the many portraits that double as walls, art has been an integral part of The Center’s history of activism in the city. Queer artists used their work to address issues of AIDS, homophobia, and social justice, helping to raise awareness and promote change. Through art, we’ve been able to express ourselves, share our stories, and fight for our rights, leaving a lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape.

Permanent Collections

The Center is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, featuring a permanent collection largely created for the 1989 Center Show, an exhibit hosted in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Visit us to view our permanent art collection. Not in town? Explore our exhibits from anywhere, anytime, via the Google Cultural Institute.

Keith Haring Bathroom

Description

The Keith Haring Bathroom is one of the most iconic murals in the world. Painted just before he died, Once Upon a Time is a celebration of the freedom, safety, and vitality gay men enjoyed before the onslaught of HIV & AIDS.

Keith Haring Bathroom Details

Be dazzled

“Be dazzled" brings together New York–based mixed media artists Khae Haskell, James Jaxxa, and Joan Reutershan in an exploration of queer materiality, luminosity, and urban life. Through collage, assemblage, sculpture, and installation, the artists transform found and reflective materials into vibrant works that celebrate connection, memory, and lived experience. Rooted in collaboration and queer visibility, the exhibition foregrounds the beauty, politics, and physicality of everyday life.

On view through August 30, 2026.

Artists

James Jaxxa

He/Him

Instagram

James Jaxxa was born in the Detroit area and grew up nomadically in a military family. His work has been shown in numerous exhibitions internationally including those at Terrain Biennial, New York Public Library, University of Nevada and Museo Maseo in Uruguay. Jaxxa’s work has been included in publications by The New York Times, Visual AIDS, New York Public Library and The Seattle Times. He received his MFA from the School of Visual Arts and his BS from Michigan State University.

Joan Reutershan

She/Her

Instagram

Joan Reutershan received her BFA summa cum laude in 2017 from Hunter College, City University of New York, where she was a Kossak Painting Fellow. Her MA Degree in Art History is also from Hunter. In 2024 she completed the year-long NYC Crit Club Canopy Program. Reutershan shows her work in solo, trio and group shows in and around New York City, as well as nationally. She enjoys attending artist residencies and participates in various artist-run organizations.

Khae Haskell

They/Them

Instagram

Khae Haskell is a mixed-media artist based in Brooklyn, NY. They received their MFA at Mass Art in 2020 and their BA at Marymount Manhattan College in 2005. They completed residencies at ChaNorth Artist Residency, Vermont Studio Center, The Loomis Chaffee School, and had an apprenticeship at Crozier Fine Arts. They were awarded the Young Talent Award by the Affordable Art Fair and Arts Gowanus in 2023, and are currently learning the art of Neon bending at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn.