Patric Stillman (he/him) is a visual artist using art to create connections for the LGBTQIA+ community through humanizing history and uncovering the complexities of identity. He is known for the Radical Faerie-themed Brotherhood Tarot, and his artistic achievements include having exhibited at the Musée du Louvre, SCOPE Miami Beach, Visual AIDS NYC, ArtShare LA, and San Diego History Center. His artwork is included in the permanent collections of the San Diego LGBT Community Center and the San Diego History Museum. His work has appeared in the pages of Boston Pride Guides, RFD Magazine and Chelsea Station Magazine. He creates out of The Studio Door, an art gallery with artist studios that he founded nine years ago.
Professionally, Stillman has an extensive business background as he held the position of CFO at San Diego World Trade Center, was the founding Executive Director of the nonprofit Townspeople (HIV/AIDS Housing), was founding Board Member of Media Arts Center San Diego & Film Consortium San Diego, and was an active board member of both North Park Main Street and Hillcrest Business Association for several years. His art gallery has become recognized for its annual The Crow Show and PROUD+, which allows local artists to work alongside their national counterparts. Stillman is an occasional freelance arts columnist.
About Patric Stillman
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have lived in the North Park community with my partner, Danne Sadler, for 18 years. He is a designer and visual artist. Together, we build a home around a constant stream of creative projects, laughter, and support for each other.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have a strong business background, which provides the foundation for my creative endeavors. I love being at the center of an active arts community, seeing artists passionate about their work, accepting challenges to grow their careers, and enhancing their connections to the greater arts scene beyond the region.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t give up. If you believe in something, then keep going. Success takes its own time.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself firmly planted in my creativity. It took me a long time to allow myself to unlock it, so I plan to keep my artistic spirit as the foundation of my life.
Patric Stillman & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sunnyboy Biscuit Company, Bread & Cie, and Parma Cucina Italiana in Hillcrest.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Nearing three decades, since 1994.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
American master painter Hyacinthe Baron. An underrated visionary trailblazer whose career has included being the first woman to have her own gallery on Madison Avenue in the 70’s, kickstarted the industry of hand-painted garments and wrote the best seller Making Your Mark. She is an extraordinary artist who follows her passion in every direction that it takes her and finds success. I am honored to call her a friend.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Visiting the museums of Balboa Park always makes me feel nostalgic. It’s a rare space with such a long history for San Diego. Whenever I am walking along the Prado, I think about what a magnificent gift we have. It’s one of the true gems in Southern California.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Originally born in Minnesota, I am enamored by San Diego’s endless summer.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would enjoy meeting with artist David Hockney for brunch at the Hotel del Coronado.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have to pick just one? Impossible. I’m enjoying the new series Interview with a Vampire.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an avid reader. I regularly seek out crime and mystery novels with a gay protagonist to fill the groaning bookshelves in my home. Currently, I’m deep into the Mahu Investigations series by Neil S. Plakcy.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Beachcomber vacations on Kauai with my guy.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
San Diego’s artists provide an unending source of creativity. Their art, their journeys, and their endless sense of optimism fuels my own personal and professional creativity.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Big Kitchen – Judy the Beauty on Duty.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Know thyself.”
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
North Park
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It is a walkable, diverse neighborhood that retains the charm of being both urban and quiet.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Relaxing, reading, cooking, dancing, and sleeping in late.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, sense of belonging, and privacy.
