Steve Lovi collection on the Atlantic-Beacon Sculpture Committee

The Atlantic-Beacon Sculpture Committee (ABSC) evolved within the larger context of ArtWalk, an urban trail in the University Avenue neighborhood of Rochester, New York. ArtWalk was intended as a pathway between local arts and cultural destinations, taking walkers past prominent public art pieces along the way. The ABSC came from a desire within the Rochester LGBT community to add a memorial to the gay rights movement to ArtWalk. As a central point in a neighborhood associated with both the gay rights movement and prominent local gay artists, ABSC felt that the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Beacon Street would be an ideal home for such a sculpture. Original members of the committee were Russ Shaner, Steve Lovi, Gary Pease and Mike Polsenberg. The committee coordinated fundraising for the sculpture and held an open call for artists in the summer of 2004. The sculpture itself was dedicated on July 15, 2005, during the annual Rochester Pride celebration.

Steve Lovi is a Chicago native and owner of Deaf Outreach and Training Services, a firm focused on grant-writing and program development for non-profits. He also serves as a Regional Representative on the board of the National Association of the Deaf. Prior to this, Lovi was the executive director of a non-profit. He spent the majority of his career in non-profit management working for developmental disability related agencies and independent living centers. His past appointments include serving as a Governor's appointee to the New York State independent Living Council and serving as board president for a local arts agency, an LGBT organization and the Empire State Association of the Deaf. A graduate of RIT/NTID, Steve lives in Rochester with his husband, Jerry.