Philly Queer Life Drawing
As two black nonbinary artists, we started this event series as a love letter to queer folks living in their queer bodies. We plan on continuing to shine a bright light on the beauty of queerness and create safe spaces for people to express themselves.
De’von Downes is an established muralist in South Jersey and Philadelphia. They also make personal work with water colors, oils, and create jewelry using ethically sourced crystals and precious stones. They are a a force to be reckoned with, a multitalented multimedia artist and educator, and they’re pretty to boot.
Brielle DuBose is a facilitator and artist based in South Philly. They are committed to creating spaces where joy can be fostered and grow. They make figurative paintings in oils as well as digital work. They have spent their time in corporate spaces for the last decade but are looking forward to engaging in community work for the foreseeable future while completing a master’s program.
Awarded Grants
2024
Art and Change Grant (ACG)
Related grantees
Overview
Philly Queer Life Drawing is a project to uplift trans, fat, disabled, Black and Brown bodies and to put money into the hands of queer folks. The project designs and builds sets for models to exist in and gives them a lively still life exploring themes of current events. The models get to see their bodies through the loving eyes of queer artists and also have an affordable and accessible space to build community. The artists conduct a structured schedule of poses starting with gesture drawing for one minute increments and ending with a 30-40 minute pose.
