My name is Jason Cuneo (he/they), Senior Manager of Senior Services Program at The Center, and I’m excited to invite you to two important opportunities to connect, share your voice, and celebrate our community: the Senior Services Listening Session on August 24, and the Ageless Artists Art Show on October 17.

We are now accepting artist submissions for our Ageless Artists Art Show at The Center for LGBTQ+ seniors aged 50 and older. This year, we are collaborating with Youth Services at The Center to include a special intergenerational exhibition featuring youth artists! To be considered, art submissions are due by October 2.

For generations, LGBTQ+ artists have used art to tell our stories, affirm our identities, and preserve our histories. At a time when many LGBTQ+ people continue to face challenges to visibility and inclusion, art remains a powerful way to share our stories, celebrate identity, and strengthen community. Through our shared stories, we honor the legacies of those who came before us, build connections across generations, and create spaces where everyone can be seen and heard.

This year, the Ageless Artists Art Show & Fair will continue to build upon our long-standing community tradition by introducing a special, new intergenerational exhibition with youth artists. Thanks to grant funding, the gallery will uniquely showcase the artwork of our LGBTQ+ older adults alongside selected youth artists from Youth Services at The Center.

Call for Artists: Share Your Vision

With the launch of this exciting collaboration, our Call for Artists is now officially open to all LGBTQ+ community members aged 50 and older. We encourage artists to apply, and we are accepting all mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, mixed media, and digital art. Because space in The Center Auditorium is limited, applicants will be asked to submit photos of their artwork for review through our application, where you can find additional submission requirements.

While older adults can apply through our public submission process, participating youth artists will be identified and supported directly through Youth Services at The Center. We invite the entire community to save the date and join us for the free Ageless Artists Art Show to view stunning original artwork, meet the artists, and connect over refreshments.

This art show is deeply rooted in our history and remains connected to The Center’s Ageless Art Group, a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ artists aged 50 and older gather every Wednesday to create and inspire one another across all skill levels. Through our art show, we also honor the legacy of Sabato Fiorello (he/him), a beloved gay artist from Escondido and dedicated Center volunteer who played a pivotal role in establishing both the weekly art group and our annual art show. His passion left an enduring impact on our community, and his work remains proudly on display in our group rooms today.

We cannot wait to review all of your incredible art submissions and witness the profound talent within our community. Thank you for continuing to keep creativity, passion, and self-expression powerfully alive at The Center and beyond!

Help Us Shape the Future of Senior Services

The Ageless Artists Art Show is just one of the many ways our Senior Services: 50+ and Better Together program provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ seniors to foster health, wellness, and meaningful connections. In addition to the art show, we offer a monthly Lunch & Learn, a weekly Game Day, weekly yoga, weekly Trivia with Friends, and more. You can learn about our programming on our website.

Your voice helps shape the future of Senior Services. Join us for our upcoming Senior Services Listening Session on Monday, August 24, at 11am to share feedback, hear updates on current initiatives, and help identify priorities for future programs and services. This session is a wonderful opportunity to meet with members of the Senior Services Community Advisory Committee, which helps guide program development and ensures community voices remain central to our work. Please visit our website to RSVP for the listening session.

Thank you for getting involved with Your Center. Visit our website to see all the opportunities and events we have for our senior community.

In community,

Jason Cuneo (he/they)
Senior Manager, Senior Services Program