In the Curator's Words: New Balboa Park exhibit showcases the work of LGBTQ artists
In the Curator's Words is an occasional series that takes a critical look at current exhibitions through the eyes of curators.
When artist RD Riccoboni heard that the Village Arts Center wanted to showcase the work of LGBTQ artists but needed someone to make it happen, he didn't hesitate to lend a hand.
"They offered the space but needed someone with both curatorial perspective and community connection," said Riccoboni, who has a studio at Village Arts Center, also known as Spanish Village.
Through his network, he started with Patric Stillman of The Studio Door in Hillcrest. Together, they worked to bring a new exhibition, titled "ArtSpectrum 2026," to Balboa Park.
Riccoboni, who curated the exhibition, takes us behind the scenes.
Q: What is "ArtSpectrum 2026"?
A: "ArtSpectrum 2026" is a new exhibition presenting 12 of San Diego's premier LGBTQ artists, brought together in collaboration with the Village Arts and Education Foundation and presented in Gallery 21 in Balboa Park. On view from May 5 through June 1, the exhibition coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, placing these artists at the center of one of the city's most visible cultural moments.
Q: How did this exhibition come to be?
A: The exhibition began with a desire from the Village Arts and Education Foundation to create greater visibility for LGBTQ artists within Balboa Park. They offered the space but needed someone with both curatorial perspective and community connection. I immediately reached out to collaborate with Patric Stillman of The Studio Door, producer of the annual PROUD+ exhibition. He agreed to produce the exhibition, and together we identified and invited artists whose practices reflect a high level of commitment and professionalism, building a show that represents the strength of this community.
The artists were selected for the strength and clarity of their individual practices, as well as their accomplished careers and the fact that each is working at a creative peak. The exhibition will showcase Miguel Camacho-Padilla, Trevor Copenhaver, Tommy Diethert, Don Grant, Brian Hicks, Carole Kuck, Martin Luera, Danne Sadler, Stefan Talian and Tim Weedlun. Patric Stillman and I will also contribute our work to the exhibit. While each artist approaches material and subject matter differently, what unites them is a sustained commitment and a willingness to push their practice forward, honoring local LGBTQ creativity. I see this as a moment that reflects the strength and maturity of San Diego's LGBTQ art community.
Q: What can we expect to see?
A: Viewers can expect a range of work across painting, sculpture, ceramics and stained glass. While the approaches vary, what connects the artists is the level of rigor in their practice. This is more than a survey of emerging work. It is a presentation of artists actively sustaining professional studio practices. The exhibition reflects where LGBTQ artistic production in San Diego stands right now.
Q: What was the most challenging part of putting this show together?
A: One of the challenges was balancing production timelines with the ambition of the exhibition. Many of the artists created new work specifically for this show, which requires time and trust in the process. Coordinating that alongside installation logistics in a shared space required flexibility, but it also underscored the level of commitment each artist brings to "ArtSpectrum."
Q: Now that it's ready for showtime, what's the most rewarding part?
A: Seeing the work come together in the space is the most rewarding part. Individually, each artist has a strong, distinct voice. Collectively, the exhibition reveals something larger, a sense of momentum within the community and a shared investment in pushing the work forward. Viewers will encounter a wide range of work that is not necessarily defined by LGBTQ subject matter, but the perspective of each artist is present throughout, shaping how the work is seen and experienced. It feels vibrant, alive and growing, and it is exciting to see that energy take shape in one place.
Q: What do you hope viewers will take away from this exhibition?
A: What excites me most about "ArtSpectrum" is that it not only showcases the strength of our community's premier artists, but that this work is being recognized in Balboa Park, the cultural jewel of San Diego. Visitors can expect to be wowed by the quality and range of the work, but there is also something deeper running through the exhibition. You may not see explicitly LGBTQ themes in every piece, but the artists' perspectives are there, shaping the work in meaningful ways.
For younger queer artists especially, there is an important undercurrent. This exhibition offers a real example of what it looks like to stay committed to your practice, to grow and to reach a professional level over time. My hope is that people leave not only inspired by what they see, but with a clearer sense of what is possible.
More than anything, I hope viewers leave energized by the experience. Spend time with the work. Meet the artists. Support what resonates with you. Be part of this moment. It reflects a community that is vibrant, generous, and continuing to define itself with confidence and creativity.
"ArtSpectrum 2026"
When: Through June 1. Open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Gallery 21, Village Arts Center, 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park
Admission: Free
Online:villageartscenter.org
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This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 5:56 AM.