Hey friend!

Happy Black History Month! At Drawing Room, we are always working toward being more inclusive, even if in small ways. This month, we’re spotlighting our Black team members, as well as places/events in the area you can attend to celebrate!

Lots of exciting things are happening within the next month as well—from our shop opening up to a host of new and exciting workshops coming your way. Yet, we’re most excited to introduce you to our new and improved newsletter! You’ll still be able to catch up on all the necessary updates, but with a fun, thoughtful read written by your’s truly or another community member at the end. Happy Reading!

Main highlights

As our team expands, we’d like to highlight the fantabulous people who make Drawing Room possible! In honor of Black History Month, we’re starting off by spotlighting our Black team members—incredibly talented and all-around wonderful human beings. Keep reading to get to know a little bit about these incredible individuals, their inspirations, and more amazing Black artists to support!

Who is a Black artist, writer, or musician that inspires you and why?

Rachel: As a playwright, I am inspired by other theatermakers who use Blackness as a vehicle for storytelling without exhibiting intense trauma. Writers like Jackie Sibblies Drury and the late Lorraine Hansberry are two playwrights I constantly reference.

Mika: I'm a huge fan of trans elder and synth-folk pioneer, Glenn Copeland. When I saw him live this past fall, I felt so connected to him sitting in the ADA section with my cane, right across from him performing and seated with his cane—it gives me a beautiful glimpse into what's ahead for me.

Oladoyin: I find Solange’s music incredibly inspiring. Her artistry is bold, free-spirited, and deeply intentional. She seamlessly blends vulnerability with strength, creating music that feels both personal and universal. I admire how she pushes creative boundaries without conforming to industry expectations, making space for Black artists to express themselves authentically.

Zoe: The folk singer, Mon Rovîa, is like a breath of fresh air to me. Not only does his music regulate my nervous system, but his dedication to radical love and empathy gives me so much hope for this world.

Any Black artist events you're going to this month?

Rachel: I'm writing a new play about the Attica Prison revolt of 1971, so I will be visiting the Torture Island: Past, Present exhibit at the Weeksville Heritage Center.

Mika: It's not an event, but I've spent a lot of time lately with "Freedom Is a Constant Struggle," a collection of essays and speeches by Angela Davis. These words are a balm to the crushing societal wounds caused by the prison and military industrial complexes.

Oladoyin: Every Black History Month, I make some time to visit Washington, D.C., to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s a powerful experience that reminds me of our history, resilience, and the limitless potential of Black artistry.

Zoe: I don’t have a specific event in mind, but I do want to make my way over to the Free Black Women’s Library—a third space & library in Bed-Stuy with over 5,000 books written by Black women—for one of their many events!

How do you hope to see the art world evolve for Black artists?

Rachel: Honestly, I don't really know. We've traveled a long way and have an even longer way to go. I'll speak specifically for the writing world: I'd love it if our stories could be told without the permission of gatekeepers who run larger institutions.

Mika: People who are occupied with merely surviving have a lot less time and resources to make art. I hope for the abolition of what oppresses us, and the abolition of an art world steeped in white supremacist and capitalist values.

Oladoyin: I hope to see a future where Black artists have the same level of access to resources, opportunities, and platforms as our counterparts. I also envision a world where Black artists are not confined to specific narratives but are free to explore all forms of artistic expression.

Zoe: While our identities inherently influence the art we make and I agree that it’s important for our experiences to be told, I hope that Black artists become more free to make art that isn’t held to an arbitrary standard of Blackness, determining its value.

We hope this spotlight served as a small reminder to celebrate Black artistry and its creators. Remember to continue supporting Black artists and community members not only during Black History Month, but year-round❣️

Featured events this month

Pssst, want a prompt for your next creation?

Think of an art piece, song, or writing by a Black creator that inspires/motivates you to keep creating. Create something in response to it—it can be through the same medium or a completely different one. Then, post it to Instagram and make sure to tag us! You’ll be entered into a raffle for 2 all-day open hour passes WITH the art library 🎨💓

That’s it for now, let us know if you have any questions by replying to this email! Hope to meet you at Drawing Room soon and can’t wait to see what you all create 🤩

Warmly,
Zoe, your typewriting host