A Heart for Humanity by Eli Bell

By trade, I am an illustrator and aspiring YA author; but all of the arts speak through me. I have taught and directed with Piven Theatre Workshop and the Elgin Fringe Fest, I facilitate art workshops at the Open Studio Project, and I spread my love of partner dancing through private lessons. Whether through art, writing, theater, dance, music, or a combination thereof, ultimately I tell stories. So it’s not surprising that 2020 inspired me to turn to art and writing as a means of processing the struggles of this pandemic year, including coming out as genderfluid. I hope that my work helps people feel heard, understood, and validated. This heart embodies my calling to spread love in combination with the genderfluid flag.