ART OUT LOUD

15 local LGBTQIA+ creators to know

On Saturday, June 3, District Fray is teaming up with Selina Union Market & Cowork for Art Out Loud. This official Capital Pride event will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and kick off the month’s festivities with live installations and activations by local artists, a makers’ market, a massive dance party, and much more. We caught up with the featured artists and makers to ask them about their work, Pride and why they call D.C. home.

Maps Glover

Multidisciplinary artist

The visionary artist creates captivating and immersive art installations and experiences that forge connections and spark conversations.

District Fray: How did your early life in Charles County, Maryland shape your creative life? Can you see echoes in your work today?

Maps Glover: I wanted to be anywhere but there, so it just made me dream. I grew up on these seven acres where it was just us — my family, my siblings. The opportunity to imagine and create worlds and games is definitely something I carry into my practice now. A lot of the work is a combination of play, but also it’s an exploration of yourself through play, education through play. A lot of that came from coming up with games in the field, running through the farms. It created a space for imagination.

Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re planning for our Pride event at Selina?

I love Selina. Selina plays an interesting role in the history of D.C. arts. Selina was the 411 Collective, one of the only spaces in D.C. where artists were really able to build and create space for themselves. And so having it be there, and it also still being utilized for artistic purposes, is important. The installation includes a lot of graphic images, and a lot of recognizable patterns that people have associated with my practice, and really those patterns are about matter — the fiber, the matter of things before it becomes the thing. Who are we going to decide to be? What can the matter be? What matters? It’s like an eight-foot projection that’s going to go up the side of the courtyard, and it’s going to display all of those things I just mentioned.

Anything special you’re activating or planning to support for Pride Month?

I’m going to support myself and my mental health for Pride. I’m gonna be kind to me, I’m gonna pull up at Selina, I’m gonna get a drink at Solly’s. I’m going to have a good time. I’m going to make sure my mental health is good.

What do you wish people knew about D.C.? D.C. is one of those places that has a huge energy around it because of the gravity of politics in our country. There’s a huge perception of what D.C. is, but D.C. is probably one of the freest places I’ve ever been in my life. When you come, don’t be afraid to go to the places that people tell you not to go. Not all those places are bad. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue is not a dangerous street. D.C. artists are very talented and will continue to thrive. Continue to support them: Invest as much money as you can into these artists. If you’re interested in working with or creating space and really watching a community grow, this community needs a lot of watering when it comes to financial support for the arts.

What D.C. places feel especially sacred to you?

I ain’t tellin’! Nope, I’m keeping them to myself. The only way you’re going to find out what places are sacred to me is to get to know me and to find yourself in the atmosphere of freedom. I find the sacredness in the people that I go to those places with. mapsglover.com // @mapsglover

Bambi

Producer + artist haus of bambi is a community of LGBTQIA+ artists and performers building safe spaces, events and activities for the queer community in D.C.

District Fray: What is the ethos of haus of bambi?

Bambi: Art as a catalyst for engagement with community: the chance for people to be in the same space together and actually get to know each other and have a sense of community, and not in the woo-woo sense. Whether it’s throwing parties, hosting social hours, teaching dance class at a bar or organizing a dance sanctuary, all these things are building this cohort of familiar faces, because everybody wants to be invited somewhere, and everybody feels a little bit lonely. It feels really good to use art — especially queer art and artists — as a catalyst to bring queer people together.

What is your favorite performance you’ve put on?

I did a duet with King Molasses in January that was commissioned by Dance Place, and that show was transformative. It was supposed to be Molasses and another performer but, because of a family emergency, that performer had to leave. I stepped in and the piece had to change because the person who dropped out was a Black nonbinary person, and the piece was about Black nonbinary masculinity. So, we started all over. And this collaboration with Molasses challenged me to be a different performer, to be more than I’ve ever been asked to be on stage. That opening night was the most alive I’ve ever been on stage. And the friendship that came out of that piece continues to change the way I make work. hausofbambi.com // @hausofbambi

What do you find fulfilling about this work?

I found myself completely invisible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Coming out of lockdown, it became clear to me that all anybody wants is to be invited somewhere, to feel seen and to have a good time. My very first piece involved drag and contemporary dance. Another was about go-go dancing and how a queer nightclub can be a sacred space. haus of bambi creates these opportunities, so people can feel seen. Right now, I have this laser focus on exactly what my value-add is, and what I can provide through my work. It all feels so in line.

How do you use your art to reflect the times?

I think maybe not reflect, but respond to. In my head, it seems so obvious, because all I’m doing is responding to what I see. We’re in this specific moment that’s exciting because everybody is reevaluating who they are, who they are in relationship to home, who they are in relationship to work and art and others. I also think there’s a lot of anger in this moment. There’s a lot of rage and pain and confusion, and one of the things I can do is provide comfort. We can’t always be at a riot. That’s not sustainable. It is political to find rest. It is its own act of resistance to find joy. Only then is it possible to continue that work. What I can do is let us have a good time, so that we are reminded why we’re doing it. And maybe that pushes things forward. Or maybe that gives you a great night. That’s enough for me.

Daryle Locko Artist + designer

Locko’s bold designs blend the worlds of street art, fine art and functional/wearable art.

District Fray: What’s next for you now that you’ve graduated St. John’s College?

Daryle Locko: On May 26, I moved into Selina in Union Market. I’m doing a work exchange where I’ll be working with Disco Mary and various other activities in exchange for a room, which I’m very excited about. It’s supposed to be a month long, although they’ve been talking to me about extending it, but I really want to go to New York in July. So it’s a lot of options. It’s like looking through a Rolodex and trying to pick the golden card, and each card seems golden.

How did your art practice transition to creating functional and wearable pieces?

I’ve always wanted to do fashion. Growing up, I watched my sister sew, and all the females in my family are very big on fashion. But it was sophomore year of college when I had to start paying my own tuition. I was like, “I can’t sell poetry. No one buys poetry.” And my best friends came together and they were like, “Daryle, what if you put your poetry on a bag?” And I was like, “Who the hell would buy a poem on a bag? It’s just a waste of money.” But I put one of my poems on the bag, and I ended up putting a doodle on a bag, and that was the beginning. And then, lo and behold: jeans, shirts, hats. They just adopted their way into my little art of ignorance.

Do you have any events, shows or collaborations coming up that you want people know about?

I am curating an exhibition involving color theory for a private client this fall. I don’t really know all the details about it yet, but it’s something in the works coming soon at a major place in D.C. And I’m supposed to be collaborating with Ron David on some clothes. I’m also co-hosting an event at Touchstone Gallery for queer artists and collectors on June 6, so I’m excited for that. I plan on doing pop-up art shows and I really want to do a fashion show at some point. I think that’s long overdue.

What are you planning for the District Fray Pride event on June 3?

Most of the things I’ll be doing at the event for District Fray will be a surprise to the guests, but I’ll also be selling my clothes and art as well as doing painting under the blacklight in hopes of elevating queer bodies.

Any favorite DMV spots you want to shout out?

I love Flash. It’s a club in Shaw. They’re very supportive of artists. I used to sell my art there at this little event called Sunday Love. Art Roving is amazing — the person who runs it is Abbey Alison McClain and she does artist residencies at Selina and she definitely helped me get connected into the D.C. art scene, which I appreciate a lot. And Touchstone Gallery — it’s like a mecca for D.C. art. I work there occasionally and I always meet other artists there and art collectors and art lovers. It’s very beautiful.

darylelocko.square.site // @darylelocko drunkpoete.com // @lockoolocko

Sarah O’Neal + Kiria Kanios

Creators + co-owners of ArtNite

ArtNite is a creative DIY group that brings together people wanting to access their artsy side.

District Fray: Why is it important for people to set aside time to create?

Kiria Kanios: I feel like we’re born creative. Sometimes in our day-to-day lives, we forget our creativity, though. It’s great to inspire people and help them let go, and it’s great to have other things to do in the city. Instead of going out and drinking, they can go out and create something and feel fulfilled when they get home.

Sarah O’Neal: People definitely forget how creative they can be. They’ll be like, “Oh, I don’t really feel like I’m a creative person.” But then I’m looking at this artwork they did at one of our events, and I’m like, “Don’t sell yourself short.” All they have to do is come as they are and let the feelings flow.

What do you find fulfilling about activating in these spaces around D.C.?

O’Neal: I think our jobs and day-to-day life make you think you’re not creative. So that’s really fulfilling to see that creativity start to spill out of people, when at first they’re kind of tentative. And also the community fostering — this feeling of having a space where there’s no judgment. Sometimes you feel kind of detached, like, “Where are all the artists? Where’s the creative people?” So being able to be a part of that, it’s very awesome.

What’s planned for your event with Capital Pride?

Kanios: We’re gonna do some Pride bracelets, and we’ll have different types of beads and letters and lots of fun, little trinkets. We chose this type of activity because it would be something that’s fast.

O’Neal: Yeah, it’s approachable. Anybody can put together a string of beads. And the great thing is, every single one is going to be unique. I love Pride; I’m bi/pan myself, so to be able to participate in an event of this scale, I’m just so excited.

How do you express Pride through art?

Kanios: I feel like we’re all connected. And I feel like, as a whole, we should support each other, and we can support people in our community. I’m happy to celebrate people’s individuality. The only way we can grow is if we can grow together. Like a blade of grass can grow on its own, but a field is a lot stronger than just one piece of grass.

O’Neal: Pride is obviously a very collective thing, one that we all come together and celebrate. But it’s also just such an individual thing because everybody has a unique relationship to their own gender, sexuality and everything. A lot of times, people have a very narrow idea of what an artist is or what being artistic or creative is. I think it’s like gender and sexuality. It’s a spectrum. We celebrate everyone’s unique voice and can be there as support, but we’re also there as part of the community, too.

@artnitedc

Gwynne Davis Founder of Earcandie

Most surprising fabric source. Swimsuits! It’s my favorite material to work with. It’s lightweight, doesn’t fray, it holds the shapes I make and it’s sweat/water resistant so they make great earrings to swim or work out in. Why earrings. I have this recurring experience when I make the first earring: I think it’s so perfect, and I won’t be able to make the second one quite as well. Almost always, the second one is objectively closer to perfect while the first one might be a little more unruly, but together, they bring balance. I find this process to be really fulfilling, especially when I get to meet the person who is drawn to them and ends up wearing them home. Connection to D.C. queer culture. I feel so seen, held and supported by the D.C. queer community. I am so honored to be a part of it. My earrings are well represented in this community, and it makes me so happy to hear how much mutual joy they bring. How you’re activating for Pride. I designed earrings a few years back that are Pride inspired. They sold out that year but also have become year-round best sellers. I spend a lot of time gathering all the fabric to make sure I can always have them in stock and celebrate all year, not just in June. How D.C. inspires your work. There is such a desire and need for self-expression here in D.C., and my earrings give people permission to show up big. I am continually inspired by my customers and friends who share with me that my earrings have helped them find their own style and feel more like themselves. A tactile memory of D.C. I love when it’s pool season in D.C., because I get to showcase my earrings and do water testing for the different designs. I love to jump off the diving board in them. I had my friend Morgan do a slow-motion video of me walking out of Banneker Pool with my favorite earrings of the summer on. The weight of the wet fabrics moving across my face is a great memory.

earcandie.bigcartel.com // @earcandied

Leticia Sanchez

Woodworker + founder of She Built That

Your favorite creation. Building all of my house furniture and home decor. Why you create. I started creating as a way to escape my day job. Local LGBTQIA+ shoutout. Chesapeake & Potomac Softball (CAPS). Best queers around, and the league is everything you never knew you were missing. What Pride means to you. Pride means being balls-to-the-wall you with no regret. Best season in D.C. Fall. Everything beautiful about D.C. is amplified by the gorgeous tree foliage. Even the leaves on the ground have a beauty to them.

@she_built_that

Claire Blount

Vintage style expert + wardrobe curator

All-time favorite vintage find. My mother Keren Blount’s 1960s tan suede trench coat that I found in the family attic at 16 years old. The beauty of the details sparked my love of vintage fashion. Why wear vintage. Why not? To wear vintage, you embody the uniqueness, the history, of the vintage garment, which gives your style character and a story to tell. Your career journey. I have been collecting, styling, reselling vintage fashion, accessories and home goods for my brand Modretro Couture for 10 years. Your aesthetic in three words. Colorful, eclectic and streetwear/hip-hop. D.C.’s vintage persona. I feel many are now embracing the overall cool factor of vintage and, most of all, realizing that the sustainability offered is unmatched [by] today’s fashion. Local fashion inspiration. I love the DMV’s diversity. I simply “people watch” the street fashion while vending at local markets in the Georgetown and Union Market area. mod-retrocouture.com // @modretro_couture

Lilly Crown Wilder Owner of Relume

Curation/design ethos. I love to make products celebrating nature, vintage and creativity. We all take life too seriously — so my goal is to create objects that you just can’t help but smile when you look at or wear. How you build community in the DMV. Whether at a street fair, a workshop or via social media marketing, my team and I try to make everyone interacting with the brand feel welcome. And by injecting positive, warm energy into everything we do, the community part comes naturally. Favorite thing about teaching. I love seeing workshop participants enjoy themselves in a relaxed yet structured social environment. How you celebrate Pride as an ally. As a business, I celebrate Pride by making things that allow members of the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate themselves through their style. Accessorizing may seem like a small thing, but it’s an essential part of self-expression — and there’s no better time for the queer community to be wholly themselves than during Pride. Best local spots to shop vintage. I highly recommend thrifting all over the suburbs of the DMV. Salvation Army tends to have great finds for good prices. My favorite is to visit small, independently owned antique stores. Where in the DMV you feel most at home. I can’t get enough of the Botanic Garden. Surrounded by all that chlorophyll, it’s the best place to make me feel wholly in the moment and detach myself from whatever stressors I’m dealing with. I feel like I escaped to a magical world and never want to leave. relume.co // @relume_co

Diane D’Costa Artist, educator + organizer

Your art inspiration. Beautiful people. My communities, my identities and this beautiful life I get to live. How you focus on inclusivity. As a queer, mixed, brown, Jewish woman, I’m always looking to create space for my voice and other voices like mine that don’t fit neatly into the boxes society tries to push us into or have been historically excluded. How ceramics can be resistant. bell hooks’ quote: “‘Queer’ not as being about who you’re having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but ‘queer’ as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live” inspires my art and how I move through life. Favorite part of Pride Month. Honestly the memes — so many folks (re: companies) get Pride so wrong that it leads to incredible comedy, content and creativity by queer folks online. Best way to unwind. Hours in the studio, basking in the sun, submerging in a body of water or enjoying a tasty little treat. Favorite art gallery in D.C. Something about the National Portrait Gallery really does it for me.

dianedcosta.com // @dianedcosta

Molly Jackson

Esthetician + body piercer

Your piercing/waxing ethos. I think it’s so important to help people see themselves how they want and deserve to be seen, and sometimes even one new piercing or fresh wax can help them better take care of the person they are inside — self-expression and self care aren’t selfish. Ear curation philosophy. Ear curations are all about selectively styling the piercings and jewelry to fit your anatomy, lifestyle and personality. The possibilities are endless. Words of wisdom for clients. Don’t overthink. Life is short, have fun. What Pride means to you. To me, Pride means showing my support for the people in the LGBTQIA+ community and the opportunity to feel safe to be authentically themselves. Favorite way to celebrate D.C. queer culture. Definitely Capital Pride and supporting Artsy Queers, which is an indoor market that showcases local artists selling handmade artwork, photography, pottery, jewelry and clothing. Three things that come to mind when you think of D.C. Home, diversity and culture.

creativechaosbodycare.com // @mmollay

AnaMarie King Artist + photographer

Why you create. Creating is how I take apart what’s around me and make it into something new, because reality is depressing, so I cut things up and rearrange them to make them silly. Your art ethos. Art is one of those aspects of culture that keeps humanity going even through the darkest times. Art is about sharing and connecting. Favorite Pride event. Every day is Pride, every month is Pride, so my favorite Pride event is anything that a queer member of my community is ever putting on for other queer people. How identity shows up in your art. My art and my identity are intertwined; I see no separation between what I make and who I am. Favorite D.C. mural. The mural plus the added graffiti on the old Wendy’s in the Dave Thomas Circle have been fascinating to me. It looks visually like how gentrification in D.C. feels. Favorite bar in D.C. Showtime is my all-time favorite bar ever; everyone is a friend even if I don’t know their name. anamarieking.com // @7avk7

Beth Hansen

Screen printer + owner of The Arcade

What you love about screen printing. The ability to play and experiment with a single image in a spectrum of different ways. Why community is important in art . Sharing ideas makes us all better. A single conversation can alter your thinking of a concept you’ve been mulling on or a technique you have been working with. Favorite part of screen-printing workshops. I love working with people who are new to screen printing, because they bring fresh ideas and make me constantly rethink my process as I explain it to others. How art and Pride mesh. Art is just one way to celebrate individuality and share it with others, even if it is simple as a way of dress or as complicated as creating a large-scale installation or mural. Art and Pride have always gone handin-hand; I can’t even think of how one would look without the other. Favorite way to celebrate Pride. Pride is about supporting and celebrating your loved ones and the community whenever and however you can. I like engaging with the community and sharing my love of screen printing through a pop-up shop or live screen-printing event. Best park in D.C. Is saying Rock Creek Park cheating? I just love being able to enjoy it on so many different levels, whether you’re driving through it, going on a bike ride or a run, or exploring while hiking. bethhansenart.com // @thearcadedc

C.S. Corbin Visual artist

How your work explores queer joy. Using my art as an outlet to better understand myself created this theme of intimacy in my work (with oneself, community, nature, etc.) — that intimacy is queer joy to me. One thing you can’t stop painting. Fruit. Lately, I’ve been enjoying getting back into still-life compositions while having fun with texture and color. One thing you couldn’t make art without. I can’t create without background noise. It’s currently “The Sopranos” (again). How you’re celebrating Pride. I’ll definitely be acting a fool on a dance floor at some point, but I mostly like to take this month to focus on resting and learning more queer history. Must-go D.C. place to take out-of-town visitors. Heat Da Spot Café for breakfast. Favorite local wine bar. St. Vincent, Grand Cata and my front porch. cscorbin.com // @cscrbn

Mathilde Corot

Founder + owner of Epikurious Herbal Enchantments

Benefits of herbal alchemy. Herbal alchemy is the transformation of plants to extract their healing essence — and apply it within us for our growth and healing. Herbal alchemy connects us with the wisdom of the Earth. Your creation inspiration. Gaia, our Earth and the plants themselves are my greatest source of inspiration. Particularly aromatic plants. Favorite aspect of Pride Month. My favorite aspect of Pride is the celebration of love and all its expressions. And you can feel the love energy during a Pride parade — it’s magical. Also the fashion. How your work is inclusive. I work with aromatic plants to create personal and home fragrances, and I often get asked about scents for specific genders. To me, aromas, scents, smells do not have gender. I do not mean to say that aromatic tastes and preferences are a one size fits all, but rather I believe that as much as people, each aroma has its own personality, and this is what I want to celebrate when I develop a new scent. Favorite D.C. suburb. I live not too far from Bethesda and I must say, it’s pretty cute. Go-to D.C. restaurant. I love The Wharf and its many delicious restaurants with the water views. I was also really impressed by L’Ardente. epikurious.life // @mathilde_epikurious

11 Can’t-Miss Drag Events in June

If you’ve ever been to a drag event in D.C. between July and May, you know that Pride is year-round for the queer community. Drag has always been a rebellious celebration of queer spirit, genderless expression and counterculture despite recent misconceptions of the art form. For those looking to celebrate Pride Month this June, we encourage you to take this opportunity to look beyond The Big Weekend and find grassroots parties and events, many of which happen monthly. Your favorite performer is working hard 12 months a year, and they’ve put a lot of work into each performance. And remember, in the presence of any drag royalty, cash is always king.

6.3

BENT AT 9:30 CLUB

This quarterly queer party started not long before Covid-19 and quickly became one of D.C.’s most popular nightlife events. DJ Lemz and company have a knack of curating an impressive and diverse rotating lineup of drag performers, DJs, dancers and more. $25. 10 p.m. 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com // @930club

BINGO + A SHOW WITH TARA HOOT + FRIENDS AT CRAZY AUNT HELEN’S

Tara Hoot has become a fixture at Crazy Aunt Helen’s. Her outfits and song choices bring “Casserole Festival Queen” energy to every event. This month’s drag bingo is an excellent feel-good event to ease into a busy month and features special guest Shelita Ramen. $10. 6 p.m. 713 8th St. SE, DC; crazyaunthelens.com // @crazyaunthelens

THE LEMONADE STAND AT TWIN VALLEY DISTILLERS

For drag with a side of cocktails, head to The Lemonade Stand. This monthly drag showcase hosted by Lemon X Fluiditea just celebrated a year at Montgomery County’s first distillery. $10. 7:30 p.m. 1029 E Gude Dr. Rockville, MD; twinvalleyd.com // @lemonxflu

Culture

6.9

Bootyrex At Black Cat

The unofficial after party of D.C.’s Dyke March, BootyRex is an inclusive sapphic paradise. The list of talent at this event seems never ending — DJs Natty Boom, Wannabe, Junebullet, bent, Kristy la Rat and more spin a wide variety of dance records while performers like King Molasses and Ricky Rosé provide the shows. $20+. 8 p.m. 1811 14th St. NW, DC; blackcatdc.com // @bootyrexparty

6.10

CAFECITO AT AS YOU ARE BAR

King Rico Pico brings an excellent cast of Latinx performers and DJs together to As You Are for Cafecito. The June edition is a Trans Pride celebration, and you can count on seeing more members of the Casa Sin Miedo drag family there. Free+. 9 p.m. 500 8th St. SE, DC; asyouaredc.com // @kingricopico

6.11

SUNDAY SERVICE BY DOMINGO SAINT X AT DC9

This monthly recently re-named “drag varie(tea) show” hosted by the versatile Domingx features a new theme every month, and June’s event will be a Baltimore takeover. Pariah Sinclair guest hosts, and Kotic Couture DJs for a drag cast from Charm City. Free+. 8 p.m. 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @domingosgottalent

6.15

T4T AT TRADE

For a night out by and for Trans folks, Samson and Mary’s T4T at Trade is part dance night and part drag show. Guests Roman Noodle and Queenie Iman Zhané will perform while Franxx blends hardcore and hyperpop. Free+. 9 p.m. 1410 14th St. NW, DC; tradebardc.com // @tradebardc

6.17-6.18

PRETTY BOI DRAG PRIDE WEEKEND AT UNION STAGE

D.C.’s champions of drag kings and gender non-conforming performers bring a weekend celebration of masc performance to Union Stage. On June 17, swing by #OpenKingNight to see amateur and veteran drag kings show their stuff, open mic night style. The next afternoon, June 18, #PrettyBoiPride showcases the best of D.C. drag king talent. $20+. 2 p.m. + 3 p.m. 740 Water St. SW, DC; unionstage.com // @prettyboidrag

6.24

FEARLESS PRIDE AT PUBLIC OPTION

This queercore celebration brings together local drag artists and hardcore punk bands, hosted by metalhead drag king Rico Pico. A more perfectly D.C. event might not exist. $15. 7:30 p.m. 1601 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; thepublicoptiondc.com // @kingricopico

6.30 BANSHEES AT JR’S

On the last Friday of every month, Jane Saw and King Molasses host and curate a rock and roll and soul drag night that blends classic rock, glam, metal, pop-punk and more. Expect to see performers with no fear of heights. Free+. 10 p.m. 1519 17th St. NW, DC; jrsbar-dc.com // @bansheesdc

TRANS AGENDA AT AS YOU ARE

Co-hosted by The Becoming Fund, “a DMV-focused financial support fund aiding transgender drag artists,” Trans Agenda features trans drag talent and a dance party you won’t want to leave. All proceeds support The Becoming Fund, so be generous with those tips. Free+. 10 p.m. 500 8th St. SE, DC; asyouaredc.com // @asyouaredc