My name is Jose Tinoco (He/Him), Director of Youth Services at The Center, with an exciting update: The deadline to submit artwork for this year’s Ageless Artists Art Show has been extended to Monday, October 12!

This year’s Ageless Artists Art Show on October 17 at The Center will feature a special intergenerational exhibition that brings together LGBTQ+ older adult artists and youth artists from our Youth Services program.

Traditionally, the Ageless Artists Art Show has celebrated the incredible talents of LGBTQ+ artists ages 50 and older. This year, thanks to grant funding and a collaboration between Senior Services and Youth Services at The Center, we’re expanding the exhibition to showcase selected youth artists alongside our older adult artists. Together, their work will create a unique gallery experience that celebrates both lived experience and emerging artistic voices.

For generations, LGBTQ+ artists have used their creativity to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard. Through painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, digital media, and other forms of artistic expression, our community has documented joy, resilience, struggle, love, and hope. By bringing artists of different ages together in one space, we have an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our shared experiences, and strengthen the bonds that connect us.

We’re also excited to announce that the Call for Artists deadline has been extended through Monday, October 12. LGBTQ+ community members ages 50 and older are encouraged to submit their artwork for consideration. We welcome submissions across all mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, mixed media, and digital art. Because exhibition space in The Center Auditorium is limited, artists will be asked to submit photos of their work through the application process for review.

While youth participants will be identified and supported directly through Youth Services, if you are a youth who is interested and wants to learn more, please reach out to HYC@thecentersd.org.

I encourage everyone in our community to save the date for The Ageless Artists Art Show, which will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 1–4pm at The Center. Admission is free and all are welcome. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to view original artwork, meet local artists, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the creativity that continues to thrive throughout our LGBTQ+ community.

I can’t wait to see the incredible submissions we receive and experience the stories that emerge through this year’s exhibition. Thank you to every artist who continues to inspire us through their creativity, passion, and self-expression. Your work helps ensure that our community’s stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

As we celebrate National Coming Out Day on Sunday, October 11, we’re reminded of the importance of visibility, authenticity, and the many ways LGBTQ+ people share our stories with the world. For some, coming out happens through conversations. For others, it happens through creativity. Art has always been a powerful way for our community to express identity, preserve history, and build connection across generations.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the artists, stories, and generations that make our community so vibrant.

In community,

Jose Tinoco (He/Him)
Director of Youth Services