PHOTOS: NYC’s largest queer marketplace is too hot to handle

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!

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How did you get involved with Summerfest? What aspects of the event drew you to become involved?

“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.”

What items are you planning to display for Queer Art Summerfest? What pieces do you think will be popular with the crowd?

“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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What is one thing someone visiting Summerfest should absolutely participate in, and what’s your favorite thing about the event?

“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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