03/01/2026
Open call for "Yas, Queen!" - An exhibition celebrating Women's Month
“Yas, Queen!” is an exhibit co-curated by Fountain House Arts’ Karen Gormandy and Issa Ibrahim, in conjunction with LIC Artists (LIC-A) elevating Women’s History Month. The show will be a celebration of the diverse cultures found in the borough of Queens, NY."Yas Queen!" originated in the q***r ballroom/vogue scene of the late 80s - early 90s. The phrase has been widely adapted and is now a popular, contemporary exclamation and an enthusiastic slang phrase meaning “you are amazing!” or “I support you!” It is an affirmation of approval, excitement, and empowerment. "Yas Queen!" supports the empowerment of women while promoting inclusivity for the LGBTQ community and cis men who are unafraid to not only be “Queen for a day,” but for the duration of the exhibit.The call for work includes ALL genders, and is also open to any artists living and/or working in the NYC greater area who can deliver and pick up their artwork if accepted into the show.
About the curators:
Karen Gormandy is the Founder & Director for Fountain House Studio.
She is a former board member for NAMI New York City, NAMI New York state and NAMI Harlem and is also a literary agent at Harold Ober Associates who proudly represent the estate of Langston Hughes.
She attended the High School of Art & Design, has a bachelor's degree in film from Montana State University and received her master's degree in creative writing at Manhattanville College, all of these disciplines now serve to enrich the experience of offering guidance, support and education to the artists of Fountain House.
Issa Ibrahim is a visual artist, author, musician and filmmaker born and raised in Queens, New York. He has exhibited in numerous galleries and non-profit spaces in the greater New York area as well as group shows at Hofstra University and the Queens Museum of Art in addition to the Netherlands and South Korea. His art has also been featured on German Public Television, in the 1999 HBO documentary The Living Museum by Academy Award winning director, Jessica Yu, and the 2015 documentary That Which Is Possible.
