Panel Discussion with Bill Stelling, Alex Fiahlo, Kimball Higgs, Mary-Ann Monforton, Adam Rolston, Barbara Braathen, and David Pace

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. In conjunction with the exhibition, a group of artists, art historians, writers, and members of the art scene describe the action at 56 Bleecker; the personalities that dominated the scene; and the AIDS crisis in New York City at the time. Art advisor Kimball Higgs will be the master of ceremonies, leading the group discussion with exhibition co-curator and 56 Bleecker director Bill Stelling; Visual AIDS program director, Alex Fialho; Bomb Magazine associate publisher and curator Mary-Ann Monforton; architect, ACT UP activist, and Dean Rolston sibling Adam Rolston; gallerist and 56 Bleecker neighbor Barbara Braathen; and David Pace, designer of posters and announcements for 56 Bleecker Gallery. Each one of these panelists brings a unique perspective to the gallery’s heady mix of creativity and naughtiness, and to the explosive intersection of art, performance, music, fashion, and incredible nightlife culture of the era.