Dressed as police officers and wearing handcuffs, Atlanta's John Q artist collective piqued the interest of many who came to see the group debut its new performance while also signing copies of the Journal of Sexual Homos, or JOSH.

Wesley Chenault, Andy Ditzler and Joey Orr make up John Q and were the guest editors of the current and third installment of JOSH, a limited-edition magazine that is only sold in London, Berlin, New York, Chicago and, now, Atlanta, at Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse.

John Q held a Feb. 23 reading from JOSH, which includes original works by artists and photographers. GA Voice's Art Director Bo Shell is included with several of his  photos from John Q's "Memory Flash" public art performance that explored the city's gay history and memories.

The theme from the third JOSH is about memory and includes photos from a man who planted a flower in the place where he was beaten because he is gay. That place now, which held such a strong negative memory for him, has been transformed into a beautiful spot with flowers continuing to grow.

As for the performance, the guys explained that they were actually policing themselves and because they were policing themselves they could not tell the public what they were doing.

Interesting.

For photos from the event, please click here.

Top Photo: From left are Andy Ditzler, Joey Orr and Wesley Chenault, who make up the John Q artist collective. (by Dyana Bagby)