Artist Steven Teller Selected to Paint Pride Center Murals

The Fort Lauderdale native will create 3,000 square feet of art for The Pride Center's Equality Park campus

Fort Lauderdale native and artist Steven Teller has been selected to paint nearly 3,000 square feet of mural art for The Pride Center‘s Equality Park campus. ArtServe led the selection process and chose to feature Teller’s work after reviewing the applications of more than 90 artists for the coveted spot. Teller’s brilliant artistic vision, technical skill, and design creativity were among the qualities that led to the decision. The murals will transform the Equality Park campus into a vibrant public art destination.

Equality Park will soon be the site of Florida’s first affordable housing community with customized support services for LGBTQ+ seniors.

To fully absorb and invoke the essence of The Pride Center and Equality Park in his creative process, Teller will interview members of the local LGBTQ+ community to better understand the importance and relevance of LGBTQ+ community centers like The Pride Center, which has been serving South Florida for more than 27 years.

“The more I learn about the world around me, the more I tend to notice similar points being drawn. When I connect the dots, the visual elements of my artwork begin to emerge,” Teller said. He envisions that the mural will come to life with symbolic elements of The Pride Center community’s growth reflected through his trademark use of bright, harmonious colors evocative of nature and florals intertwined in a geometric, abstract space.

Steven Teller painting mural in the West Arts District. Photo by Dave Rein.

“Steven’s artwork is beautiful and inspiring. It elicits positive emotions and a sense of unity that will be a beacon of joy shared by The Equality Park residents, tenants, and neighbors for generations to come,” said Ed King of ArtServe. “We take our role very seriously when it comes to being a ‘seed planter’ and facilitator of paid opportunities to further our artists’ careers, since integrating them with the business community affords substantial economic development for all.  The mural project checked all of those boxes and ArtServe is profoundly grateful to have been selected as The Pride Center’s partner.”

To install the mural, an architect will first specify the measurements of the space and create a plan for installation. Teller will then create a design from his St. Augustine studio, which will then be photographed, digitized, and transferred to metal sheets and installed on The Pride Center façade. The design will be ready for digitization by mid-August, with final installation of the metal panels scheduled for September.

“I am beyond excited to be a part of this mural project and with the selection of Steven Teller as our mural artist,” said Jason Hagopian, Pride Center board member and principal architect of TSAO Design Group. “Steven’s work is awe inspiring and his heartfelt approach to all his art is visible throughout his portfolio.  I am happy to not only serve on the Pride Center Board but to assist the design team with architectural technical expertise that Steven will need to create his murals.

Facebook Comments