Leading with Art. Advocating for Change.
"By embracing the full spectrum of human experience, we honor the courageous voices of artists and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of free expression and creative exploration."
— Patric Stillman
For Patric Stillman, art is more than a form of expression—it’s a tool for social change. Through his work, Patric has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the arts, curating exhibitions that showcase diverse and underrepresented voices. From mentorship to public speaking, he actively fosters a more inclusive art world where everyone can see themselves represented.
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Mentoring
Patric Stillman’s leadership in the arts is strongly rooted in his dedication to mentoring emerging and mid-career artists. Through The Studio Door, he has created a platform where artists can develop their professional skills, engage in creative commerce, and grow their careers. Stillman’s mentorship has been recognized through honors such as Professional Artist Magazine’s “Mentor of the Year” award, acknowledging his role in helping artists navigate the complexities of the art world. His belief in professional development, combined with his own experiences as an artist and entrepreneur, has empowered countless creatives to turn their passion into sustainable careers.
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LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Stillman has long been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, both through his activism and his art. From his early work with AIDS support services and hospice care to his founding of The Studio Door, Stillman has continuously used his platform to elevate LGBTQ+ voices. Living with HIV, he is an active member of Visual AIDS New York. Through The Studio Door, exhibitions like PROUD+ and ART+ LGBT History has become a vital space for LGBTQ+ artists to showcase their work on a national level, creating opportunities for dialogue and visibility. Stillman’s own artwork often reflects themes of identity and LGBTQ+ history, further contributing to his role as a cultural advocate for the community.
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Community Leadership
As a driving force in fostering San Diego’s arts and LGBTQ+ communities, Stillman's leadership includes working with the City of San Diego to select local nonprofits for arts funding, jurying shows for local art organizations, and creating events such as the California Arts Council funded LGBTQ+ & Democracy Spoken Word Evening. As programmer of the premier Cine Gay showcase at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, he championed LGBTQ+ filmmakers, providing a vital platform for international queer cinema. Stillman has also written arts columns for various West Coast publications, further elevating local and regional artists. As a board member of Hillcrest Business Association, he has supported initiatives to create the cultural district of Hillcrest, cementing his role as a community leader dedicated to arts-driven social change.