Taking Up Space was our collaborative celebration of resilience and self-expression, brought to life by 3 passionate queer teenagers in our quaint town of Steamboat Springs. Through the mediums of sustainable fashion, mixed media art, paint, and words, we hoped to amplify our voices and share our unique stories with the community. 

In a society that often seeks to confine us to boxes, we had chosen to boldly claim our space, both in the art world and in our own identities. Often, we are reminded of how politicized and villainized we are, and that inspires our work just as it affects everyday life. Each piece in this show served as a testament to experiences, triumphs, challenges, and horrors in the queer community. 

Taking Up Space was not merely an exhibition; it was a statement of existence, a declaration of the right to be seen and heard and fought for. We challenged stereotypes and misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community, and we wanted to demonstrate that art can be a powerful catalyst for change. Even in places like Steamboat. Through our creations, we were trying to break barriers and change prejudices. We insisted on the validity of our stories. We refused to be quiet. 

As queer teens from a small town, we may have felt like outliers, but with Taking Up Space, we instead are creators, storytellers, and champions of authenticity. We were here, taking up space, unapologetically and with pride.