On June 18, 2022 Brooklyn’s Three Dollar Bill was flooded with queer artists and business owners ready to sell their wares.
Queer Art Summerfest is one of NYC’s largest LGBTQ+ Marketplaces. Over 40 queer merchants and performers attended the full-day event for the second consecutive year. While people browsed among photography, zines, home goods, baked goods, fashion, fine art, and more, drag queens and performers took the stage.
Among the vendors, is designer James Grosso who creates intricate works of wearable art. His pieces, which span from chaps to collars and harnesses, were a highlight at Summerfest. We were able to pick his brain about what Summerfest is like, his passion for his work, and all the best places in Brooklyn. Check out what he has to say, and all that went down!
“I think I reached out to the Queer Arts team via DM? or email? Either way, I signed up to work the last Winterfest and it was so fantastic I was almost hounding them to be involved in their next market. I was really drawn to the integration with community health resources. I’m an RN as my day job and really thought that was a huge plus to the event.”
“My chaps have been particularly popular with the Queer Arts Fest crowd. They’re not leather though – during the pandemic I made a bunch of chaps out of different fabrics. I wanted to make chaps that captured the spirit of the shift we were all going through: no more “hard” pants, just “soft” pants because none of us were leaving the house. So instead of using leather I used really comfortable cotton weaves, neoprene, and stretch denim. I’ve been calling them “Living-Room Chaps” and honestly people have been responding to them really well. I think it’s also because chaps are just another element of kink fashion that has gone a little mainstream.”
A big part of Summerfest is the community. People from all over NYC came out to support these artists and meet one another.
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“The drag shows/performances are really top notch – it’s always a huge draw. But I’d honestly tell them to bring bags to carry stuff and lots of spare cash. I will always prefer cash to Venmo and will give you a deal – and I’m definitely not the only one. There’s such a good variety of vendors and small businesses. I really want people to come and clean ‘em out.”
He’s not wrong. The queens were giving everything they had. And the crowd ate it up!
The Artfest was an overall success. Artists had their wares (kinky or otherwise) on display. Everything from books to harnesses was purchased.
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“I am so lucky to live in neighborhoods that feel increasingly queer and safe for all of us. A few hits are:
“Duck Duck on Montrose/Graham – queer-friendly and honestly insanely good drinks at a real range of prices. It’s also huuuuge but really well-designed to be easy to hang out in – like there are several different kinds of seating areas and a super long bar. Since the pandemic, they have some outdoor seating as well. It’s right next to Win Son (which people should also definitely eat) so you can put your name in at the restaurant (there is ALWAYS a wait) and go drink at DuckDuck.
“Palmetto on Knickerbocker/Hart – I’m tempted to not tell you about this one because it’s my secret spot and I never have to wait for a drink. They have the most impressive cocktails and a smart wine and beer list too. The staff is sort of the reason to go, though. No matter what night of the week there is someone working there who is like the coolest person you want to meet in Brooklyn. They’re engaging but not pushy, smart but not intimidating, efficient but relaxed, and honestly super kind. It’s not just queer-friendly, it’s overall friendly.
“Pink Metal on Bushwick/Johnson – this one is a new queer bar and they have a super well-curated cocktail list and a romantic-as-hell backyard. It also constantly hots queer performers for shows throughout the week.
“Sally Roots on Wyckoff/Harman – this is one of my favorite brunch/lunch/dinner spots like ever. Caribbean-inspired food and tons of huuuuge frozen cocktails. And the staff are all super friendly and really knowledgeable about the menu.”
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