ARTIST BIO:

Kelcie McQuaid is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and founder of ShangriLa Collective. Born and raised in South Florida, her influence can be seen and felt throughout the region's vibrant art scene. McQuaid's curatorial practice focuses on connecting emerging and mid-career artists with a clear creative vision, crafting multimedia exhibitions that explore the human experience. Her artwork challenges emotional and creative boundaries, layering bold illustrative portraits with vibrant abstractions.

Early in her career, McQuaid produced iconic murals and participated in over 80 group exhibitions. Her 2014 solo debut, Universe Expanding, featured over 100 paintings and earned her the title of Best Emerging Artist 2015 from the Broward Palm Beach New Times. As a champion of South Florida's art districts like MASS District and FAT Village, she has worked with cultural entities including Broward County's Cultural Division, NSU Museum of Art, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Coral Springs Museum of Art, Subculture Group, and ArtServe. McQuaid has curated and facilitated hundreds of art events, educational workshops, public art projects, and exhibitions, helping to launch and sustain the careers of countless emerging artists.

Her accolades include managing the award-winning Open Canvas Project, a massive public art initiative involving over 500 artists and community members, and revitalizing local outreach initiatives for Jerry's Artarama as their Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. She has also served as a Museum Educator at Coral Springs Museum of Art for over six years, teaching a multitude of art techniques and facilitating the museum's annual Empty Walls fundraiser. For the last three years, McQuaid has been a consultant for Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs and Bailey Contemporary Arts' Artist in Residence program, supporting artists in their professional development. She also co-curated and installed the group exhibition for Pub at the Hub last year, and briefly served as the Programming Director for Community Classroom Project and Space of Mind in 2024.

McQuaid received the Artist Support Grant from the Broward County Cultural Division in 2023-2024 to create People Pleaser, a transformative solo exhibition that explored identity, empathy, and the universal desire for acceptance through 107 portraits, immersive installations, video installations, ceramics, textiles, and experimental media.

Most recently, McQuaid was awarded the prestigious Artist Innovation Grant to create Lineage, a multidisciplinary solo exhibition slated to open in July 2025 at Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach. This new body of work will explore generational trauma, familial habits, and cultural legacies through bio-art, portraiture, fiber art, kinetic sculptures, and projections, reflecting her commitment to storytelling through innovative, layered media.

McQuaid's paintings embody the interplay of feminine energy, vulnerability, strength, and transformation. Deeply influenced by relationships and personal growth, her process involves revisiting works over time, adding layers of paint, ink, and mixed media to reflect shifting perspectives and evolving narratives. Currently, McQuaid works as an art consultant, curator, and professional artist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
[email protected]
954.336.6617
IG: KelcieMcQuaid
Web: KelcieMcQuaid.com