8th Annual Proud+ Exhibition at Studio Door

by Patricia Frischer

David Acevedo For the 49,  Best in Show

The Studio Door directed by Patric Stillman presents the 8^th Annual PROUD+ Exhibition in Hillcrest showing until August 1^st. This year’s show was aided by Jonathan Carver Moore (Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery,)  a contemporary art gallery director in San Francisco that specializes in working with emerging and established artists who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and women. Studio Door is our leading gallery in support of LGBTQIA  (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) in San Diego.

We were impressed to learn that In 2024, 9.3% of U.S. adults identified as LGBTQ+, according to a Gallup poll. This represents an increase from 7.6% in 2023. The percentage has nearly doubled since 2020. We looked at this show, not so much from that lens, but at the high quality of the work presented. All good art is art first. However, there is no doubt that the point of view of LGBTQIA is well represented here.

David Acevedo was awarded best in show for his pride flag depiction in rich, warm, subtle color. Titled For the 49, it honors the tragic events of June 12, 2016, at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida where 49 lost their lives in a mass shooting. the club was hosting its weekly Latin Night at the time. 

There are two featured artists in the exhibition. Max-Arthur Mantle: Fierce, Framed, and Unapologetic with wonderful photographs of black, brown male nudes, brings such a powerful and aesthetically pleasing view to all of his works with queer, and Caribbean lives. Desire, pleasure and connection murmur from each of these works. 

Carole Kuck delivers a joyful installation of The Colors of LGBTQIA+ Pride with all the variety of flags represented and a nostalgic look of building blocks. Every combination is possible to make our world more accepting.

Many more of the artist are on view at The Studio Door, but there is also an online showing including artists from across the nation. You can view the entire Catalog of artists.

Max-Arthur Mantle  

 

Carole Kuck  

 

Tommy Diehart, Winter, the Old Men of Ice and Snow 

Anuj Jenveja and Priyanka Pathak, Hot and Bothered 

Robin Venter, Crossed

Local LGBTQ+ Artists: WORDS OF PRIDE

Words of Pride is actually a collaboration with the San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s GLBTQ Historic Task Force.  We applaud that Hillcrest is now official recognized as an LGBTQ Cultural District. We now have a Black Cultural District with undefined borders, and an Asian Cultural District near Convoy.  We know that the City of San Diego will be working on an official cultural district policy in 2026 which hopefully sets precedent for the county as well. In the meantime, the three state recognized cultural districts are Balboa Park, Barrio Logan and Oceanside.

This panel features 30 local LGBTQ+ artists and is made to travel. So, watch for it nearby in the coming year. They hope to grow this  tapestry with even more community support.  Artists included are:

Esau Andrade, Alexander Arshansky, Anthony Ayala, Betty Bangs, Chad Berwald,Nik Boivin, Yvette Deas, Stevan Dupus, Jackie Han, Michael Hopkins, Liliana Hueso, John Keasler, Vanessa Lopez, Martin Luera, Marina Molodets, Causaundra Perez, Big Mike Phillips, RD Riccoboni, German Rubio, Danne Sadler, Michael Saltsman, Patric Stillman, Syd Stevens, Ramona Szczerba, Stefan Talian, Teemstir, Aries Tjhin, Tim Weedlun,

8^th Annual PROUD+ Exhibition
The Studio Door
On view until August 1.
3867 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103-3113 between University Avenue and Robinson Avenue
Tuesday - Saturday • 11 AM - 6 PM or by appointment  

For more info forallweknow@thestudiodoor.com 619-255-2867