Made with: Acrylic Glow in the Dark pigment powder Rainbows shine with black light and some of the images glow in the dark.  Growing up gay and having a relationship with God was challenging. Many in the LGBT community are taught that their identity conflicts with religious beliefs. For years, I internalized this conflict, feeling undeserving of God's love because of societal judgments about being gay like it being a sin or a choice. I struggled to reconcile my identity with my faith, questioning if I could truly connect with God while being who I am. Then, one day, I realized: What if God intentionally made me this way? Since then, I firmly believe that God creates each of us perfectly. Whether gay, trans, or anywhere in between, I trust that God loves us unconditionally. This belief inspired me to create "Rainbow Runner," symbolizing God's inclusive love for all. This artwork reflects my journey back to God and aims to inspire others like me to freely return to Him, disregarding the opinions of others.

David Santana

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Art holds tremendous power for me because it possesses the ability to heal. During my young adult years, when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I faced incredibly challenging times. However, amidst the turmoil, painting and creating art became my refuge. Through this journey, I discovered how to channel my emotions onto canvas, revealing not only the inner workings of my mind but also showcasing my triumph over negative emotions while expressing the beauty of positivity. Art infused with emotion has always captivated me in a profound, indescribable manner. Perhaps that's why I find myself drawn to abstract art the most. While I may not excel at articulating my thoughts, I've discovered a talent for conveying the emotions I experience through abstract art. When I create, I aspire for viewers to connect with the emotions I'm feeling, evoking sensations they may not even be accustomed to. When I was in second grade, I fell in love with art class and decided to share my aspiration of becoming an artist with my teacher. However, she discouraged me, suggesting I pursue something else. Despite not excelling in creating realistic images, I've found my niche as an abstract artist. This experience pushed me away from art until later on I finally rediscovered my passion and decided to pursue it again. I share this because I believe talent isn't a prerequisite for creating meaningful art.