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.
Join Zach and André for a unique and engaging interactive portrait drawing workshop! In this hands-on session, participants will be provided with clear transparent plastic boards to draw each other's portraits. Through this unconventional medium, we aim to foster meaningful conversations and connections among participants, transcending the boundaries of traditional art workshops.
The workshop will begin with a brief introduction to the art of portraiture and some basic drawing techniques to help everyone feel at ease with their creative process. Zach and André will then guide the participants through the portrait drawing exercise, encouraging everyone to express their unique perspectives and interpretations.
As the drawings unfold, the transparent nature of the plastic boards will create an intriguing dynamic, allowing participants to see their own and others' portraits overlaid. This intermingling of images will spark conversations, stories, and laughter, as individuals share their artistic journeys and discover the beauty of diverse perspectives. Following the workshop, the journey doesn't end there! The completed portrait drawings will be collected and curated for an exciting exhibition that celebrates the connections forged during the creative process. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their artwork and stories, sharing the depth of their experiences with a broader audience.
The exhibition will provide a powerful platform for attendees to see how art can unite and reveal the essence of human connections. By sharing their artistic expressions, participants will contribute to a captivating visual narrative that weaves together individual identities and collective experiences.
No prior drawing experience is necessary, as this workshop is designed for all skill levels. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, this interactive portrait drawing experience is sure to leave you with fond memories, newfound connections, and a deeper appreciation for the power of art to bring people together. Come join us for this creative and inclusive event, where everyone's voice and vision find a place on the transparent canvas of artistic expression, culminating in an inspiring exhibition that celebrates 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.