Zach Rothman-Hicks is a visionary artist and the founder of Gabbing with Gays, a vibrant platform dedicated to fostering community and conversation within the LGBTQ+ community which was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a passion for creating inclusive spaces, Zach combines his artistic talent with his commitment to advocacy, using art as a medium to connect people and spark meaningful dialogue. His innovative approach to portrait drawing and interactive workshops has garnered widespread acclaim, highlighting the power of creativity in building bridges and celebrating diversity. Through his work, Zach continues to inspire and unite individuals from all walks of life. In addition to his innovative approach to portrait drawing and interactive workshops, Zach is also a respected educator at Queens College, where he inspires and guides students in their artistic journeys.
André Knights is a Health and Wellness Instructor and certified LMT. He has worked with at-risk youth in an alternative school setting in the New York City Department of Education for more than 20 years. Prior to this he worked in the Adult Literacy Program at the Brooklyn Public Library. He and Zach have collaborated on numerous social practice art projects since 2021.
Together, Zach and André conduct interactive art workshops in public venues, including libraries and nonprofit art spaces.
"Seeing with Your Heart & Soul" is an extended journey from our family workshop, featuring installation works by Zach and André and innovative portraits created by workshop participants. This unique exhibition arises from an interactive portrait drawing workshop led by Zach and André, where participants are provided with clear transparent plastic boards to draw each other's portraits.
This unconventional medium transcends traditional art workshops, fostering meaningful conversations and connections among participants. Encouraged to express their unique perspectives and interpretations, participants create artworks that reflect their individuality.
As the drawings unfold, the transparent nature of the plastic boards creates an intriguing dynamic. Participants witness their own and others' portraits overlaid, sparking conversations, stories, and laughter. This intermingling of images allows individuals to share their artistic journeys and discover the beauty of diverse perspectives.
The completed portrait drawings are collected and curated for this exhibition, celebrating the connections forged during the creative process. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their artwork and stories, sharing the depth of their experiences with a broader audience.
This exhibition provides a powerful platform for attendees to witness how art can unite and reveal the essence of human connections. By sharing their artistic expressions, participants contribute to a captivating visual narrative that weaves together individual identities and collective experiences.
Join us for this creative and inclusive event, where the transparent canvas of artistic expression illuminates the beauty of human connections through art.
This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
This program is also supported in part by Queens Rising, a multi disciplinary arts celebration created to highlight the borough's culture and creative diversity.