2026 Commemorative
5th Anniversary
Missoula Pride Poster
Additional Resources
Artist Statement from
Elian-James Showell
The celestial-being captured in our poster is one who can often only be seen for a quick glimmering moment – A hazy vision gifted to us in the infinitely long seconds that exist right before we cross over into sleeping. They are not quite a dream. They feel almost real. They are right at our fingertips, yet so far away the second we come back into consciousness.
These visions…and the creature, are like liquid…forever fluid in our mind’s eye. Completely unnoticed to most people, and often shrugged off as an illusion or a daydream. They exist as a momentary lapse of consciousness that many won’t allow their minds to linger on. To look directly at this deity can bring that lump into our gut we are all too familiar with. Shame, disgust, embarrassment. Many choose to avoid looking through the portal that this alien-being offers them. A portal into themselves. A glimpse into the mirror.
But, some of us bravely look anyway, almost in defiance of something. Some of us have seen this creature and wondered how else we can get ahold of them. Some have found communication with this alien in our art. Some have found moments with them while dancing. Some hold hands with the creature as they put on their make-up and get ready to go out for the night. Shimmering, sparkly, neon explosions fill our eyes as we create ritual after ritual to find access to this elusive and mysterious icon of queerness. When we look into the mirror, we feel PRIDE.
Artist Bio:
Elian-James Showell (AKA, Eight). Is a non-binary tattoo artist, author, tarot reader, and graphic designer. While they currently split their time between Missoula and Minneapolis, Eight has called Missoula “home” since 2014.
Eight’s artistic work explores concepts of spirituality, life transitions, gender, grief, change, and growth. Their work blends masculine and feminine energies with powerful exhibits of color, contrasting dark moody blacks.
Eight holds a degree in architecture from Philadelphia University, and worked as an architect, designer, and installation artist in Philadelphia and New York City for ten years before beginning their career as a visual artist in 2014.
Eight became a published author and artist in 2017 after having their tarot deck and companion book ‘Eight Coins’ Tattoo Tarot’ published through US Games Systems Inc. Their second major project ‘Eight Coins’Astrology was published in 2024. Eight is currently working on a third deck of cards called Eight’ Coins’ Artist’s Oracle, which is an oracle & divination deck based around finding and growing your creativity.