You don’t want to miss the technicolor “rainbow of love” that is Verasphere: A Love Story In Costume. This new KQED Truly CA short documentary film made me smile, laugh, tear up, and want to pull out my glue gun and start making costumes again, all in the span of 20 minutes.
[It] follows two San Francisco artists, David Faulk and Michael Johnstone, who fall in love at the height of the AIDS epidemic. While most of their community is overcome with grief and rage, David and Michael discover an unlikely joy through the creation of Mrs. Vera, an outrageous costumed character made from found materials. What began as an intimate art project and a way to pass the time while they faced an inevitable death, soon took on a life of its own. Now 25 years later, a large and diverse community has evolved around Mrs. Vera, all centered around one day of costumed celebration in the San Francisco Pride Parade.
For SF Pride this past weekend, Mrs. Vera and Michael Johnstone rode in the parade as Community Grand Marshals, followed by colorful members of the “Verasphere.” Put on your sunglasses because the photos are super bright!:
Mrs. Vera
Mrs. Vera and Michael Johnstone
Marcos Sorensen and Isabel Samaras
Andy Cowitt and Michael Wertz
Also, don’t miss Mrs. Vera’s Daybook, an ongoing series of photos by Michael of David as Mrs. Vera.
Thanks to Ruby Rieke for the SF Pride photos!