Face to Face: Philadelphia’s Trans Community (7/4/2026)

“The face opens the primordial discourse whose first word is ‘obligation.’”
-Philosopher Emmanuel Levinas

I am looking for trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming individuals who are willing to be creative partners. They are invited to sit for a hand-drawn portrait at my studio or at a location around the city. I will make preliminary studies and then use them to create more finished drawings for a gallery presentation as well as larger renderings to be printed on mesh at around 40” tall for an outdoor installation. A QR code on each piece will allow viewers to hear how subjects responded to a number of prompts. Additionally, I will conduct one or more workshops on portrait drawing and a panel discussion centering around the portrait in socially focused art.

(Life study (approx. 8:x10”), light & composition study (approx. 3.5” x 3”), oversize drawing (in progress, 16” x16”) Subject is a professional model for demonstration purposes only. )

It takes about two hours to do a solid life drawing. I request to take one or two phone shots purely as reference images as well as ask you to answer a few prompts such as: “What about being trans does the public not get? What would you like to tell them?” These are encouraged, but optional. This is a collaborative project to represent you. I want people to be comfortable and relaxed while building community, gaining visibility, increasing public awareness and fostering creative joy.

-The timeline for the project to complete is about 1-2 years. The drawings will hopefully go on to other venues. They will not be used commercially.

-You do not have to identify yourself by name. A letter, a pseudonym, anonymous, etc. are all OK.

-I am happy to furnish hard-copy prints as well as digital files of any of your images. You are free to use them in any legal manner. Please credit the project and encourage others to be a part!

-My studio is near 22nd and South Street, an easy distance from 30th Street Station or Rittenhouse Square. If you travel in, I can help out with gas/train/bus money.

-Questions? Comments? Ideas? Set up a time? Shoot me an email on the “Contact” page!