Echo arts statement

January 27, 2025

To our community near and far:

We are reaching out to make our stance on LGBTQ+ equality, specifically our support for the trans community, crystal clear, after some misunderstanding. 

Last weekend, we had an opening reception for two Montana artists for an exhibition of work at our gallery. Before the reception, we announced the show through our e-mail newsletter and our Instagram. After the reception, through social media, some members of the trans community and LGBTQ+ advocates raised concerns about one of the artists’ alleged viewpoints on trans rights. 

We were taken aback as we have prepared for this exhibition for many months and had not received any concerns before that moment. This exhibition’s content was not controversial, but as we discovered, our promotion of the artist in our gallery space was the issue. Let us be clear, Echo Arts does not promote or condone hateful speech, nor anti-trans ideologies. After considerable discussions this weekend, we received her confirmation that neither does the artist, Birdie Hall. An artist deserves the autonomy to release any more specific public content beyond this statement. We will not speak on behalf of any artist in that regard, nor should we be expected to.

We support our trans family, friends, and neighbors’ efforts to be seen in a time of unprecedented hate at the state and federal level. LGBTQ+ people, including trans people, deserve equal rights and protection under the law. Please learn more regarding Montana’s proposed HB 121 here. We encourage you to contact your representatives or the ACLU of Montana to make your views known.

In an increasingly myopic world, where soundbites and rallying cries too often eliminate curiosity, consideration, thoughtfulness and nuance; galleries where people can connect with, view and discuss art are more important than ever. We appreciate the opportunity to learn from our community, and we hope our community trusts that our intentions are honest, forthright and focused on the present.

We welcome the humility that comes from truly trying to understand another point of view. Thank you for engaging with us respectfully and we will always do the same.