ORAM’s crucial work protecting and empowering LGBTIQ refugees globally is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters. During difficult times — economic, political, or otherwise — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or apathetic. But even in challenging moments, creativity can be a powerful force for change.
Brad Greenwood, a visual artist and longtime supporter of ORAM, was recently struck by that creative spark. As a result, Brad has generously pledged to donate half of the proceeds from his next exhibition, on April 26th and 27th in Los Angeles, to ORAM!
Brad’s journey with ORAM began five years ago when he met our Executive Director, Steve Roth. With an extensive background in development work and a history of serving on nonprofit boards like Queer Art Mentorship, Brad felt an immediate connection to ORAM’s mission. “As I learned more about ORAM, I realized how essential its work really is,” Brad shared.
As a gay man, Brad deeply understands the need for safe havens like ORAM for members of the LGBTIQ community. “For me, ORAM is an organization helping to protect people who are literally being chased from their homes,” he explained.
From a young age, Brad was drawn to art. “There was always some fascination and escape,” he shared about his early love for creative expression. After years of saving up to attend art school, Brad immersed himself in the art world, working for several museums. But something was missing—he wasn’t creating his own art. Realizing that true fulfillment lay in making art himself; he took a leap of faith and became a full-time artist.
Brad’s work is a continuation of themes he explored in art school, focusing on the human figure, sexuality, conflict and art history through a fusion of painting, drawing, and collage. His latest collection reflects on personal transformation. “In very challenging times, creative expression, especially when it supports a cause, is a form of resistance and survival,” he shared.
As he was finishing his latest collection of work, Brad found himself overwhelmed by the state of the world. “I began to feel helpless with the very immediate shift in what it felt like to live in America,” he said. That feeling inspired him to act. “I thought, if I could do something that made me feel like I was participating—helping people, my community, my friends—that would be meaningful.”
And he hopes others will feel inspired, too. “I hope this encourages other people to use their own talents to make a difference,” he added.
Brad Greenwood’s new exhibition benefiting ORAM runs April 26th and 27th at Gallery 3100 in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more details and information on how to purchase Brad’s incredible artwork, with proceeds supporting LGBTIQ refugees.
A huge thank you to Brad for using his talents, passion, and creativity to make a lasting impact on the lives of LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers globally!
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