Eli has curated two large, group exhibitions of fine art for the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, and curated numerous other exhibitions of his own paintings. The group exhibitions used the entire facility, covering 243 feet of wall space across multiple galleries on two floors, also including standalone displays and sculpture in the round. The first of these collaborative events featured a lineup of 8 transgender and gender non-conforming artists from the Merced and Bay Areas – the largest of it’s kind in California history. The second featured more than 15 LGBTQ+ artists and poets of all ages, primarily from Merced County.
These events brought together the rural LGBTQ+ community of Merced in ways that were not imaginable to many. Indeed, many worried about pushback or even protests and vandalism of works, from a community that was as yet unused to public LGBTQ+ events. However, the MAC received only positive feedback, and the tradition of an annual LGBTQ+ exhibition continues to this day.
Eli has also created collaborative art installations, inviting visitors to contribute a square to freestanding sculptural element, as a tribute to LGBTQ+ persons who have passed during the 2021 Queer Is. . . ? exhibition.
In 2019, he facilitated a group art-making event during Pride celebrations, attended by over 50 participants.
Combining art and community is a powerful tool for creating awareness, connection and understanding. Contact Eli today to start brainstorming on a unique connection event for your organization.
Colton Dennis
Executive Director, Merced Multicultural Arts Center