How can one person be everywhere all the time? Yvette Waters did it!

Yvette Waters worked it hard to catch it all . . . in photographs!

If you were at the "Art is a Drag" event in Sanford, Florida this past Saturday, you probably saw Yvette Waters of Yvette Waters Photography somewhere. This one woman was charged with capturing the story of this virgin event and it was no small feat. 

A 2-part event covering a half-mile of territory.

Part I:     

The Sanford Art Walk featuring the art of drag, from 6-9:00pm. 

8 Venues 

16 Featured Drag Queens and art exhibits

Part II:     

Neptune's Drag Extravaganza & After-Party, 9pm-midnight. 

MC'd by the infamous Miss Sammy & Carol Lee

3 Acts & 15 performances 

Complimentary catering & Cash Bar

Awards & Prizes

Yvette Waters covered it all. 

It truly was an amazing feat and we are all so lucky that we had her to take-on the challenge. Her photographs are art themselves!

Sanford's art community and "Art is a Drag" loves Yvette Waters!

Go To the >>> Yvette Waters/Art is a Drag 2016 gallery

The event of the year . . . Art is a Drag!

Introducing  . . . Ashley Satine

From the Bio of Ashley Satine:

Ashley Satine is no stranger to the stage or the screen. Performing since the age of 5 and a wide variety of musicals and Stage Productions also National tours of grease and Evita,, but her stage career truly began in Naples Florida.
Ashley has been entertaining crowds with her female impersonation for over 15 years in Florida. The stage persona of Ashley was created in Naples Florida and since then she has traveled the US performing and entertaining masses. And has performed in numerous clubs such as the galley snappers in Naples Florida. TBL the Coliseum before making her trip to Central Florida. 

Her stage debut in Central Florida was at Daytona's very own rumors the historical streamline Hotel and Garbo's. But she is always called Sanford home where she worked in our original Club the 1st Street Lounge.
Ashley has been covered in a documentary shot by Gabriel Hayes entitled the 1st Street Lounge and unconditional which has won many awards for documentary shorts.

She is glad to call Sanford home for over the past 10 years.

Ashley is involved in community outreach, such as Sanford's 'Babes & Bonnets' for the Zebra Coalition, the Pink Ball and the annual 'Bras for a Cause' charity fundraiser for the Susan G Komen project. Supporting her hometown is the most rewarding aspect to her career. 

Ashley will be touring the art walk route during "Art is a Drag". We can't tell you where to find her . . . but you won't miss her!

Come see her perform later tonight in Neptune's Drag-Extravaganza & After-Party

The Historic Sanford Welcome Center . . . Welcomes BJ Stevens

BJ Stevens will be hosting "Art is a Drag" at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center on March 19

BJ Stephens' professional career began in Gainesville, FL where he worked his way through UF as a show cast member at the Melody Club. Since then, BJ has performed all around Central Florida as MC/Show Directors at Club Attitudes and the Night Zone.

BJ is also a former Miss Gay Florida USA Unlimited Classique. BJ is a live vocalist, having performed in several productions with the Orlando Gay Chorus - 

 . . . and as a member of the Dazzling Divas in Orlando.

A "Grand Old Gal" of drag, here in Central Florida, BJ says his philosophy is summed up by the slogan "Let Me Entertain You!"

Queen with a Dream

Kristina McLaughlin is on a roll and taking it to Sanford's Little Fish Huge Pond for "Art is a Drag"

Kristina McLaughlin is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she worked in the medical field and was the first in her family to graduate College. She had her first brush with drag in 2006 dressing up for a Halloween party and that was the beginning of a career. She started performing at the After Dark Night Club and became a regular for almost 3 years.

A family tragedy caused Kristina to move to Florida. With a fresh start in a new town, Kristina starting performing at Pulse Orlando which inspired her to dig deeper and up her game. Kristina's drag queen personality started to develop in full force and she began getting jobs in multiple venues. She's performed at clubs, fundraising events, benefits, and private events throughout Central Florida. Kristina has also been cast as one of the Mannequin Vixens.

Today Kristina has expanded her repertoire to include celebrity impersonations of Cher, Celine Dion,

Christina Aguilera and the list goes on. She can be found monthly in the Undergraduate Showcase at Parliament and doing the rounds as a company member of Ashley Satine's Diamond Dolls.

Kristina will be mingling with visitors at Little Fish Huge Pond for the art walk portion of the "Art is a Drag" event from 6-9pm.


Hop down the road to the Princess Theater to watch Kristina perform in Neptune's Drag Extravaganza & After-Party!



Downtown Sanford, Florida discovers the drag in art on March 19, 2016!

Gallery a la Galore

 . . .  That's Bridgette Galore at the Gallery On First for "Art is a Drag" in Sanford's historic downtown.

Thank you Bridgette for delighting us all with your presence during this most extraordinary Sanford Art Walk event. 

After all . . . Art is a Drag !

Graced by the Divine

'Meet and Greet' with the infamous Divine Grace at the Gallery On First

6-9pm on Saturday, March 19, 2016

211 East 1st Street, historic downtown Sanford, Florida

That's right, the "Actor, Author, Comedian, Concept Artist, Costume Designer, Costumer, Crafty, Film/theatre Journalist, Filmmaker, Hair Stylist, Illustrator and Makeup Artist" known as Divine Grace will be werking the Gallery On First for the art walk portion of the "Art is a Drag" event. Come to the gallery between 6:00-9:00pm to meet with her up-close and personal.

Divine's bio on Stage 32 reads: Big fat drag queen with multiple talents who drinks a lot. 

Divine Grace aka Chad Pace is a bright and shiny human being wrapped inside of a drag queen cocoon, and I am hard pressed to think of a more gifted writer and more brilliant person walking around this planet.
Divine Grace is a truth speaker. In her writings and her rantings, she uses comedy pushed to the edges and astute insight and an absurdly powerful gift of stripping the shit from the shingle and serving it up as a delightful cocktail for your funny bone in order to dissect the ugly of the world and reveal it for what it is. I am in awe of Divine Grace.(Everyday Heroes: Divine Grace, My Feet Only Walk Forward, November 2009, by Brandon Lacy Campos)

Divine Grace does a mean Stevie Nicks!

Drag star Divine Grace sported what he called a “1990s Klonopin” Nicks look, which equaled a lot of blonde and black. (Night of 1,000 Stevies: Originality Reigns Supreme, Out Magazine, BY R. KURT OSENLUND, 5/13/2014

The many faces of Divine Grace

After the Art Walk, hop down the street to the Princess Theater to see Divine Grace perform in Neptune's Drag Extravaganza and After-Party. This capstone to the "Art is a Drag" event starts at 9pm and runs till midnight. You get a drag show of some of central Florida's best drag performers, food-samplings from some of Sanford's favorite chefs and cash bar for $10 admission. BUY TICKETS NOW

We are thrilled to have the fabulous Divine Grace at the Gallery On First for "Art is a Drag"!

Drag Make-up Transformations! Get Glamboyant!

Professional Make-Up artists will GLAM you out in whatever level of Drag is right for you

The 1st Street Lounge in downtown Sanford will host a crew of professional make-up artists from the Hair N Motion Salon to help transform the general public for "Art is a Drag".

Let your face become a canvas at Art is a Drag!

Stylists from Hair N Motion Salon will be ready and waiting to transform event attendees into various levels of drag at 1st Street Lounge, ranging from a little glitz on the eyes to full on glitter beards and complete drag transformations.

Ladies, let all of your contouring dreams come to life as you transform into a "faux queen" for the evening, or step out with a full set of lash extensions and picture-perfect eyeshadow.
And gentlemen, well...you're about to learn what women have known for years: that a sultry smokey eye attracts and entrances, no matter who you are. If you're not one for eye makeup, let your favorite everyday statement dance and sing with a glitter beard treatment!

Every level of "Drag Transformation" can be accommodated.

 Browse our examples below and let your imagination run wild!

Walk-ins are welcome, but save a spot now and CALL TODAY to book your appointment

(407) 493-3229

"Drag Makeup Transformations" is produced by the lovely and talented proprieters of the 1st Street Lounge in historic downtown Sanford, Florida.

Thank you Val & Joe for all that you are doing to support the Sanford arts community!

Deloris T. Van-Cartier is a Treasure

Visit her at Neptune's Treasures for "Art is a Drag" 2016

We are honored to have such a prestigious entertainer sharing her perspectives on the industry and on the craft of drag in general.

Delores has been in the art of Female Impersonation for 21 years. A native of Chicago IL, she currently resides in Tampa, FL and has 18 accredited pageantry titles including 2 national titles that she uniquely conquered within the same year; an achievement that is very rarely seen in the industry.

Delores is also known as “The Patti Labelle Illusionist of the Century” and with great reason.

Sporting 3 college degrees, she is currently working towards her PhD which would make her the 1st transgender African-American woman in history to receive one.
Delores is writing a tell all novel about the life of a transgender woman and entertainer, in hopes to educate the community on what this lifestyle is all about; and it’s not a Drag Race.
She lives by the philosophy: Never dim your own light to let someone else shine and if you can’t be the table cloth, then don’t be the dish rag.

In a wonderful interview for iamstevenmichael.com, Deloris gets specific and personal ~

The biggest misconception is that all of us are “working girls” or in “customer service.” That really bothers me to the point of sadness. I don’t knock people for what they do, but I have always believed in doing things different for me. As far as pageants go… They are all not fixed. Just because you don’t win doesn’t mean it was set up for the other girl. Just bring a better package, that’s all. About me? I’m not as head strong as people think I am. I have my moments of weakness too; I cry and I’m human. I don’t sit in my room at night with a knife at my wrist screaming TAKE ME NOW! (laughing) But I get sad too. I just tend not to show it to the public. That’s what keeps me humble is knowing that I am not perfect. 

I never really was a “partier” so to speak. I don’t feel pressure at all because I have always been my own person for the most part and things like that if I don’t want to do it then I don’t. My persona is very reserved and relaxed. After the show is over, there is life after the stage so I don’t feel a need to be out all night. However, I am human and I will enjoy the occasional cocktail or two while dancing and having a good time. But I like my quiet life and who I am outside of public eyes.  (THIS IS DELORES T. VAN CARTIER, Interview by Steven Michael, 2012/05/30)

We are so lucky to have Delores T. Van-Cartier with us for "Art is a Drag" on March 19 (6-9pm) in historic downtown Sanford, Florida.

Eleanora Diamond is in the Haus

The great Eleanora Diamond will be the hostess-with-the-mostest at Hollerbach's Art Haus during the "Art is a Drag" special event on March 19 in historic, downtown Sanford, Florida.

Eleanora Diamond returns to Sanford after her debut appearance in the Alive After 5 Pardi Gras Parade. She was such a gem that we had to have more! She's back as a featured hostess for the Art Walk portion and a performer at Neptune's Drag Extravaganza and After-Party!

In her own words . . . Introducing Eleanora Diamond! 

My name is Eleanora Diamond, Im 27 years old and 3 years young in drag and I am probably the dumbest smart girl you will ever meet.

I'm a stunningly beautiful comedic club kid diva in the making. I strive to be the absolute best in everything I do and make. 

I am originally from Southern California where everyone drives over 100 in neighborhoods and suntans are 100% fake. 

As an artist I want to show the world all the different sides of drag, because we know there is about 52 and a half. 

'Drag' to me was never and will never be about the money. It is about the art, the fans, the first impressions and the last looks. 

Like a Diamond I shine bright with glam and elegance and I come in many shapes and sizes and my legacy will last a life time.

Eleanora is truly a drag artist. We are lucky to experience her in this phase of her career . . . because we predict her star is rising!

Yvette Waters' artistic-eye is the Gold-Standard in event photography

 . . . and we are setting her loose on March 19 to capture the story of "Art is a Drag"

There is a good reason for why Yvette Waters has become the go-to photographer for the avant-garde.
Artists are fickle when it comes to their art. An artist needs another artist taking photographs of their work. They need someone who can see the intention underneath, the invisible force that drives the artist to create and exhibit. They need a photographer that understands the struggle of the creative process - the agony and the ecstasy. Waters captures that artistic intention in her photography. She captures the 'tenor and tone' of the execution of the artists creativity and the discipline in craftsmanship.

Yvette Waters is recognized by the arts community as another artist. She has a reputation for producing expertly-crafted compositions that incorporate a deft blend of the elements of design - this alone would make an Yvette Waters' photograph of a bowl of fruit worthy of exhibition. Add Waters own artistry, her talent for exposing the edge of edginess with sophistication, and it's the perfect storm.

As an event photographer Waters employs a kind of classic photojournalistic approach with the discernment of modernism, a narrative with rhythm and syncopation akin to jazz.
Because artists have a kind of radar for other artists, Yvette Waters aesthetic and process are immediately appealing and the perfect final ingredient for a project. Ms. Waters understands the collaborative nature of  what she does and takes the responsibility seriously.
She knows that her art becomes part of her clients art, and visa versa.

The Yvette Waters 'Arts & Entertainment' photo gallery is a growing collection of Central Florida's alternative artists and performers, some of the most relevant Neo-iconoclasts in the region ~

• Orlando International Fringe Festival
• VarieTease
• The Venue Burlesque
• Big Bang boom
• Blue Starr
• Chateau Devoid
• Tweeka's Birthday & Miss Comedy Queen Holiday Special
• Orlando Pride

The "Art is a Drag" event is delighted to have Ms. Waters' eye capturing the art, the performance and the drag of the evening. J. Lindquist, Art is a Drag, 2/18/2016

Meet the Jury

Introducing the jury panel for the signature "Art is a Drag" exhibit produced by the resident artists of Gallery On First.

The resident artists of the Gallery On First have created new pieces based on the theme "Art is a Drag" for the special Art Walk event happening in downtown Sanford on March 19, 2016, 6-9pm.

A "Best of Show" award  will be selected based on the results of voting by a panel of expert jurors.

Meet the jury ~

Lael DeWahl has had an extensive career as a Fine Art specialist in a variety of capacities over the years. 

She provides art concierge services for collectors and design professionals for LWVC. She also curates the collections and exhibitions at the Winter Park Grace Gallery and the new Art Gallery at Mills Park.

Lael DeWahl brings fine art expertise to everything she does.

Roland Pasqual Rockwood 

During the 1980s, Roland was part of the Graffiti revolution where subway trains and walls were his expressive canvas. Although Roland has studied the anatomical figure, he has always been inspired by abstract expressionism and all avant-garde media. Roland's inspiration comes from big city culture, gothic and contemporary architecture, industrial design and the many visits to museums and galleries around the world. Drawing human anatomy at an early age, he went on to study figure drawing at the National Academy Museum & School in New York (www.nationalacademy.org) under the renowned art instructor and author Terence Cole, who is now teaching at the Art Students League in New York. 

Now living in Florida, Roland progressed on to creating abstract and figurative abstract paintings. He is continually brainstorming on innovative concepts, such as cryptic forms of dialogue in his paintings only known to him and inquiring minds.

Will Benton is an artist and the Executive Director of FAVO (Faith Arts Village Orlando). Will is also a professional classical pianist, organist and vocalist.

Megan Paquette Stepe

I live and breathe art-- an artist, conservator, historian and non-profit admin; always striving to improve the cultural well-being of our community (The Everett Spruill Foundation for the Arts) 

Ms. Stepe is not only an artist herself, she is also the Gallery Curator & Art History Professor, Seminole State College of Florida.

• Master of Arts (MA) in Art History, Theory & Critique from Florida State University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Art with concentration in Art History and Minor Anthropology from the University of Central Florida
• Painting Conservation with the Pruet Conservation Studio

Vickie Wilson is a brilliant artist who can best be described in her own words ~

Take a Matisse loving, third generation abstract painter birthed on the likes of De Kooning and Pollack, subject her to 18 years of watching graffiti covered subway trains, blurs of color, screeching brakes, just pure raw emotion. Add some Keith Haring, Studio 54, punk rock and just plain life in the fast lane. Now those memories can be transformed, by searching for a personal language in art. 

Vickie Wilson regularly exhibits at the  O Gallery @ The City Arts Factory and with First-Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art. She currently has  several paintings at the Aloft Hotel gallery, four of which are collaboration pieces with Neosole. She has work in the Orlando Museum of Art gift shop and is represented by the JF Gallery in West Palm Beach.

Charley Williams is a native Floridian and has been a Central Florida/Winter Park resident since 1990. Williams is a proud patron of Gallery on First and has known owner Jeanine Taylor since her store first opened in Winter Park. He is a frequent traveler to the annual Ruby Williams’ Folk Art Anniversary event in Bealsville, Fl. (Plant City) and counts Ruby as his “cousin”. Williams’ interest in traditional southern folk art has resulted in a substantial collection with contributions to exhibits at the Orlando Mennello Museum of American Art and compilations on Florida’s Highwaymen artists. Recent travels have taken him on three separate trips to Havana, including this year’s Art Bienniel. (Twitter: @537votes)

We are honored to have the participation of this distinguished panel of jurors for the Gallery On First "Art is a Drag" exhibit.