About Us
At FabCult, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse world of gay art. Our mission is to curate and showcase exceptional works of art that reflect the beauty, resilience, and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community.
OUR STORY
Fab Cult Started At The End Of 2023 When...
Its founders sought out art that celebrated and reflected the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community for their gallery in New Buffalo, Michigan. Jacob Taylor, one of the founders, had struggled with feelings of being different for much of his life. When he came out to his parents, they sent him to a military academy, adding to his challenges. Turning to art as a way to cope, he discovered a passion for photography, capturing images for both renowned brands and talented drag performers.
Eventually settling in New Buffalo, a picturesque beach town popular with summer tourists, Taylor found employment at the local art gallery. It was there that he partnered with Victor Ciardelli IV. However, since the gallery was only open in the warmer months, Taylor took on various service jobs during the winter, such as managing a bar or driving for Uber in nearby Chicago.
At the close of the 2023 gallery season, Taylor and Ciardelli sought out LGBTQ+ artists whose work they found remarkable but didn't quite fit the overall theme of their gallery. This led to the birth of Fab Cult, a platform dedicated to showcasing the vibrant and distinctive artwork they discovered. Their mission is to amplify representation within the LGBTQ+ art community and foster its growth.
Jacob Taylor Co-Founder
Growing up, I felt like I didn't fit in. Born in the early 90s to parents deeply rooted in military life, I faced a tough reality when I came out as gay. My folks sent me to military academy, where being true to myself seemed impossible, especially with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in place. Witnessing a classmate endure vicious attacks for being open about their identity only reinforced my need to hide who I was.
Back then, there weren't many role models like me to look up to, which made each day a struggle. Feeling invisible and alone was tough. That's why we launched FabCult. We wanted to create a space where everyone, regardless of their identity, felt accepted and valued. We wanted the LGBTQ+ community to have a place where they could find love and visibility, where everyone mattered and belonged. That's what FabCult is all about – making sure nobody feels alone or unseen.
Victor Ciardelli IV Co-Founder
My journey in the art world began as a concert photographer, capturing the energy of live performances. Landing a breakthrough opportunity touring with DJ Dombresky was a dream come true until the COVID-19 pandemic halted our plans, leaving me without work. In response, I opened my own gallery in 2020, hoping to showcase my photography and connect with the community. Little did I know, this small venture would evolve into Fab Cult.
As the co-founder of Fab Cult, I've always been an ally of LGBTQ+ rights. My experiences have taught me the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued. Fab Cult is more than just a gallery; it's a community where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.