Artist Bio
Stevan Dupus is a San Diego-based LGBTQ+ artist, painter, and educator. Born and raised in a Kansas City suburb, his passion for art ignited at age six during a visit to the Nelson Atkins Museum, where Caravaggio's St. John the Baptist left a profound impression. Despite frequent moves between Kansas City and Albuquerque due to his parent's divorce, Stevan found solace in art throughout his education.
Initially pursuing computer programming for stability, Stevan eventually sought a more accepting environment and moved to San Diego with just $650. While bartending and managing an LGBTQ+ bar, he rediscovered his love for art through night classes at San Diego City College, where he first worked with oil paint. He earned his Associate of Arts in 3D Design in 2010 and continued his education at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he refined his techniques, found his artistic voice, and graduated in 2014 as the first in his family to earn a Bachelor's degree.
Stevan returned to CSULB in 2016, achieving his MFA in 2019 while gaining teaching experience through internships and courses. Today, he teaches at several colleges, including CSULB, Long Beach City College, and San Diego City College of Continuing Education.
Stevan’s artwork reflects his 18 years immersed in the LGBTQ+ community, capturing its vibrancy and challenges. His paintings have been featured in the KPBS documentary San Diego Gay Bar History and exhibited in California, New York, and Massachusetts, earning accolades such as Third Place in Brea Gallery's “Made in California” and Best in Show at The Studio Door’s “Proud+” exhibition.
Stevan's journey from Kansas City to California exemplifies resilience and dedication. Through teaching and creating, he inspires others to embrace their own artistic journeys.