Please note that due to COVID-related safety measures, capacity will be limited. To visit the marketplace between 4:00–6:00 pm, reserve a free ticket to CAM. Prior registration to the panel, performances, and ball is no longer available. Walk-ins will be welcomed based on availability.
Support Black Queer artists in our community during Qu’art’s annual Black Friday Ball & Marketplace. The Marketplace opens at the museum for the best in holiday shopping. In the afternoon and into the evening enjoy a panel discussion, fabulous fashion, and performances. The evening is co-hosted and emceed by Maxi Glamour, founder of Qu’art, an organization focused on intersectional Queer liberation and supporting financial stability for Queer artists in St. Louis and beyond.
Free HIV testing provided by Vivent Health.
4:00 pm – Marketplace opens
Shop until you bop, meet some of the most talented Black Queer artists and makers in the region, and let your holiday dollars support their work. Featured artists include: Tiélere Cheatem, Kyla Hawkins, Casper Levi, Olivia Obi, Ori Tala, and Lydia-Rae Wehmeyer.
5:00 pm – Panel
Join moderator Maxi Glamour as they discuss strategies of Black Queer liberation with Toni Bryce, trans activist and actress featured on Starz’s P-Valley; David Dwight, Executive Director of Forward through Ferguson; and Cypress Reign, Professor of Communications at St. Louis University, Co-Founder of the Institute for Healing Justice and Equity, and Founder of The Justice Fleet.
6:00 pm – Galleries close
CAM galleries close early to accommodate Black Friday Ball activities.
6:15 pm – Performances
When evening comes Black Queer performance art of all styles are highlighted! Everything and the circus appear on this big night out. Featured artists include: Lavish Jules, Adria Nicole, Passion Principle, Lydia Wehmeyer, and Maxi Glamour and their band featuring Erik Dontè.
7:30 pm – Ball
Ball and Vogue Competition hosted by commentator Vanessa Frost and judges Father Trell Chanel, Dee “Carta” Davis, Godmother Spirit Ebony, Legend Intyce Makaveli, Logik Oricci, and Anthony Redd Williams. A grand prize of $1,000 for the grand prize of Vogue, and other cash prizes will be awarded for categories of Hands, Face, Bizarre Bazaar, Runway, Sex Siren, New Vogue.
