Art Exhibit
LIC-A Members Show
Opening: Wed, Aug 19th 5-8pm
On View until September 26th
LIC Artists Gallery at The Factory
30-30 47th Ave, LIC/NYC
Multiple artworks on display, with fellow members of the Long Island City Artists!
"The Pull of the Dance" pair, drawn during a dance social with the Pearling Principle.
"Contemplative" from figure drawing sessions with Queens Drink 'n Draw
"There's An Angel!" (3 set) continues and expands on the portrait photography entry previously displayed at Alterwork Studios.
[Closing talk was scheduled for 9/26 but cancelled for stormy weather.]
Pet Portraits
Pawp-Up pet adoption event
Sunday, October 4th 1-4pm
Culture Lab LIC, Queens NYC
Come meet the furry friends available for adoption, or visit vendors offering unique accessories and treats. I'll be returning to draw dogs&cats etc. by request for $5-50. Choose to have your pet or favorite animal sketched realistically, with rainbow colors, in funny scenes, and/or cartoon character renditions. Potentially, also drawing the adoptees with their special personalities!
(If you support this cause, I can better donate my time, and finally complete the giveaway coloring page designs.)
Overall event info: https://www.culturelablic.org/#pawp-up
Books & Comics
Brooklyn Book Festival
Sun, September 27th 10am-6pm
(or possible alternatives)
Most likely, returning to the Brooklyn Book Festival to draw the author talks as sketch reporter... alas, the usual outdoor booth walkthrough is cancelled due to weather.
While I love all books, several of the programming sessions tend to feature comics & graphic novels, where I focus.
Keep an eye out for posts about new & prior festival guests and their insights.
(With your Support it all happens sooner!)
Coloring Page / Party
Releasing new page design!
Aug 28 - Sept 1,6, 7th - ongoing
Flushing Town Hall & everywhere
New coloring page! Enjoy the last rays of summer with this new design, premiering at the Summer Artists Party hosted by Flushing Town Hall, and soon to be distributed at various locations.
Download blank in: 1page / 2set / 4set
Download shades in: 1page / 2set / 4set
Download blank&shades split: 2set / 4set
4-sets tagged for local biz & art orgs:
HeartOfGold-Blank / HeartOfGold-Shades
EveryoneComics-Blank / Everyone-Shades
CultureLabLIC-Blank / CultureLab-Shades
LICArtists-Blank / LICArtists-Shades
To broaden its reach, and continue fun activities like this, please help Support.
[While it can celebrate or make any day sunny, as of Sept 22nd we've entered the fall season. Pumpkin pages now return!]
Previously:
Upcoming:
Event Sketching
"No YOU Tell It!" Passages
Thursday, September 24th 7pm
Culture Lab LIC, Queens/NYC
Drawing the storytellers of "No, YOU Tell It!" during their live readings. This evening is in partnership with New Women New Yorkers at Culture Lab LIC, and a Bookend event (leading into The Brooklyn Book Festival).
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tuesday, September 15th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session in LIC Queens! Started at the wonderful Everyone Comics (keep shopping there), it's slated for summer break in August, then September will relocate to the LIC-Artists gallery at The Factory.
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Pet Portraits
Pawp-Up pet adoption event
Sunday, September 6th 1-4pm
Culture Lab LIC, Queens NYC
Returning to draw dogs & cats by request for $5-50. Real sketches, rainbow colors, funny scenes, and/or cartoon characters. Potentially, also drawing the adoption pets with their personalities! (If you support this cause, I can better donate my time, and finally complete the free coloring pages.)
Comics Event
AnimeNYC Sketch Reporting
Fri, Aug 21st - Sun, Aug 23rd
Javits Center, NYC
Excited for return to anime cons, where I first experienced this kind of unique celebration, gladly gathering and featuring the arts/fandom of comics + animation along with related interests!
Look forward to sketching panel talks with notes & quotes, on topics both educational and entertaining. Potentially selling sketches, and will spend the weekend depicting the overall fun & festivities!
(Aiming to complete a zine about intrinsic anime influences on my original stories. Also requires time off from other jobs, so please Support these efforts happening.)
Drafting a statement about my position. Though still revising, posting here to make it accessible already.
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tuesday, August 18th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow (Insta) @qns_drink_n_draw
Please note: There was a possibility of a location change previously announced. July's session was cancelled for weather, August is still at the shop, then September & beyond will be held in LIC-A's gallery at The Factory, also in LIC Queens.
Comics Event
Flame Con, booth assist & reporting
Sat, Aug 15th 12-8pm (+ Aug 16)
NY Marriott Marquis Hotel
First time checking out Flame Con, but I always hear good things! Event features LGBTQ+ comics creators.
Hired to assist a friend's booth, donating coloring pages & volunteering with the Calmer Con space, and approved Press badge to sketch panel talks & festivities.
Also aiming to have a couple new zines done by then... stay tuned or help Support.
Pet Portraits
Pawp-Up pet adoption event
Sun, July 12th & Aug 2nd 1-4pm
Culture Lab LIC, Queens NYC
Returning to draw dogs & cats by request for $5-50. Real sketches, rainbow colors, funny scenes, and/or cartoon characters. Potentially, also drawing the adoption pets with their personalities! (If you support this cause, I can better donate my time, and finally complete the free coloring pages.)
Art Exhibit
"Smile on 3" portrait photography
Reception: Sat, May 30th 6-9pm
Displayed until Sun, June 21st
Alter Work Studios (Queens NYC)
Part of a group show featuring portrait photography. The one they selected was actually made with this theme in mind, featured a friend / fellow creative holding a quick sketch I made in the moment. (Shared details in person at the reception, support to read more of the story sooner.)
Unsure if there's an official closing or talk, or I may coordinate a gallery meetup.
Closing day extended to Sun, June 21st!
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, June 16th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Pet Portraits
Pawp-Up pet adoption event
Sunday, June 7th 1-4pm
Culture Lab LIC, Queens NYC
Returning to draw dogs & cats by request for $5-50. Real sketches, rainbow colors, funny scenes, and/or cartoon characters. Potentially, also drawing the adoption pets with their personalities! (If you support this cause, I can better donate my time, and finally complete the free coloring pages.)
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, May 19th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
OPEN STUDIOS & Fest!
LIC Arts Open fest + Open Studios
Wed, May 13 - May 16&17th
Long Island City, Queens NYC
Annual arts festival and open studios. Parties and activities throughout the week, walk through studios Sat&Sun afternoon.
Keep checking back for details here and the Open Studios page of my website
and my Facebook event page along with the LIC Arts Open website
arranged by local arts organization LICA
My room is in a large building of studios, 43-01 22nd St, Studio 352. (3rd Floor, stay to the RIGHT). As in prior years, I will set up a coloring table in the hallway, and provide similar live experiences like the new interactive poem "Margins". In my studio itself, I have portfolios of drawings and examples of art to view (or buy) from various exhibits, events, and experiments.
Art Party
Fundraiser for LIC Arts Open
Thurs, April 23rd 6-9pm
New York Irish Center (LIC Queens)
Supports the organization that arranges LIC Arts Open festival and Open Studios. 10x10 board will be auctioned alongside many awesome local artists. Join me in attending - and inevitably sketching - the party & festivities! Purchase tickets
Workshop / Display
Queens Women in Action
Sun, March 22nd 2:30-4pm
- Display extended into April/May -Culture Lab LIC (Queens NYC)
Resident artist for writing workshop with "No, YOU Tell It!" storytelling group and the Queens Public Library. Photo + info posters are on the walls for Womens History Month with their Queens Name Explorer project. My drawings are featured on worksheets, also had a table to live-sketch during the writing activities, and demonstrate the prompts for postcard poems. They were displayed with my previous Queens maps on an easel (that has since been removed), but these pages are still part of the exhibit, viewable through Sun, March 29th (cont.)
Comics & Culture
Free Comic Books + Outdoor Music Saturday, May 2nd (LIC Queens)
Everyone Comics / Culture Lab LIC
Double the fun! The first Saturday in May is both the annual Free Comic Book Day that I aim to celebrate at my lovely local shop Everyone Comics (see 2024/5 booklet) AND ALSO the kick-off of Culture Lab LIC's seasonal outdoor music & events. I have prototyped a free comic giveaway featuring their special arts activities, in the style of previous years that (hopefully) becomes available soon in print & online. Stay tuned for scheduling, but likely to split the day between both (or more?) locations. Happens even better with your support!
Comics Event
Sketching: Fanfaire / ComicArtsFest
Sat & Sun, April 25-26th
HS of Art & Design / L'Alliance
Two different comics events this weekend! Aiming to sketch one or both... most likely starting at FanFaire panel talks, but they're close enough to walk between, depending how the weekend plays out. For anyone who's curious... these events are ticketed, but available to the public!
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, April 21st 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Comics Event
Bk. Independent Comics Showcase
Sat/Sun, April 18-19th
Industry City (Brooklyn NYC)
Wandering artist: networking & offering drawings on-the-go, handing out pages and zines, impromptu coloring station!
Workshop / Display
Yas, Queen! at LIC-Artists Gallery
Opening: Wed, March 18 5-8pm
On display through April 15th
The Factory/30-30 47th Ave (Qns)
Excited to participate in this exhibit with the Long Island City Artists! My selected work is this photo of an oil pastel piece, created during a unique figure drawing session at MFTA (Materials For The Arts). Come see the many amazing artists on display! Reception has passed, but there may be an upcoming artist talk and/or activities.
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, March 17th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Comics Event
MoCCA Arts Fest
Sat/Sun, March 28-9 11am-6pm
Metropolitan Pavilion (w18St)
& School of Visual Arts (w21St)
Live sketching talks about comics-making for The Beat, volunteering and providing arts activities for the Calmer Con room, mingling & making drawings on-the-go!
Annual idependent comics festival started by the Museum of Comics & Cartoon Art, then folded into Society of Illustrators. Check their website for ticket info...
Comics Event
Comics & Caffeine Fest
Sat, February 28th 12-6pm
Caffeine Underground, Brooklyn
Meet local artists at this fun comics-fair-inside-a-cafe, organized by cartoonist Mindy Indy! I'll be hosting the "Draw Jam" table and mini-zine workshop from 2-3pm. Insta-sketching and small books/products for sale, coloring page giveaways, etc.
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, February 17th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Comics Event
Queens Comic Party
Sunday, January 25th 12-5pm
Everyone Comics
Update: CANCELLED for winter storm
Probably setting up with a few zines for sale, seasonal coloring page giveaways, and sketch commissions by request.
Still sorting out details (like if I'll do a full 12-5pm) but either way - come support our local business & comics community!
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, January 20th 7-9pm
Everyone Comics, LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session at our local comic book shop in LIC Queens!
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Art Exhibit (2025)
"Off The Wall" Affordable Art Fair
Opening: Thurs, Nov 6th 6-9pm
Closing: Sun, Dec 14th 6-8pm
Culture Lab LIC (Queens NYC)
Annual holiday art show where you can buy art directly from the walls!
Collab between local arts groups LIC-A (Long Island City Artists), Culture Lab LIC, and BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center.
Join me for the opening reception!
Free admission, during gallery hours.
On view Nov 6th - Dec 14th
My piece on display is a vibrant colored pencil drawing of the word "Joy!" so it can be for Christmas, any holiday celebration, or an expression of feeling for any season. Includes touches of marker/pen, and gold pencil within the lettering. Update: SOLD!
(If bought during the show, it will be replaced by other artwork on this theme. There is more "joyful" art in various styles, sizes and prices. Contact me if you'd like to purchase or request a similar piece.)
Comic Con (2025)
Kids Comic Con
Saturday, Dec 13th 10am-5pm
Bronx Community College
Exhibitor table at Kids Comic Con!
Featuring coloring activities, customized drawings for sale or trade, zines/comics, creative conversations and art demos.
(Events 2025)
Various Places
Various Dates
Mostly LIC/NYC
Curious what came before?
Click here to see the Events page of 2025
and I hope to soon be making a review of the year with highlights & artistic progress!
Poetry & Sketching
Thurs, April 13th at 7pm
Open Art Night in Astoria, Queens
Plan to read poetry and sketch the event.
(Free but may have limited seating)
Poetry & Sketching
Thurs, April 13th at 7pm
Open Art Night in Astoria, Queens
Plan to read poetry and sketch the event.
(Free but may have limited seating)
Pet Portraits
Pawp-Up pet adoption event
Sunday, October 4th 1-4pm
Culture Lab LIC, Queens NYC
Come meet the furry friends available for adoption, or visit vendors offering unique accessories and treats. I'll be returning to draw dogs&cats etc. by request for $5-50. Choose to have your pet or favorite animal sketched realistically, with rainbow colors, in funny scenes, and/or cartoon character renditions. Potentially, also drawing the adoptees with their special personalities!
(If you support this cause, I can better donate my time, and finally complete the giveaway coloring page designs.)
Overall event info: https://www.culturelablic.org/#pawp-up
Comic Con
New York Comic Con
Wed, Oct 7th - Sun, Oct 11th
Javits Center, NYC
Looking forward to return as Press, sketch-reporting for The (Comics) Beat at NYCC!
On location, I depict & document the panel discussions about industry topics, attempt to capture all the festivities on hand-drawn pages that are then posted on Instagram and used within articles about the event.
[Will add more links soon, to see examples of recent events and previous work.]
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, October 20th 7-9pm
LIC-A Gallery, The Factory LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session in LIC Queens! Started at the fantastic store Everyone Comics (keep shopping there), it relocated in September to the LIC-Artists gallery at The Factory.
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, November 17th 7-9pm
LIC-A Gallery, The Factory LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session in LIC Queens! Started at the wonderful Everyone Comics (keep shopping there), it's slated for summer break in August, then September will relocate to the LIC-Artists gallery at The Factory.
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Figure Drawing
Queens Drink n Draw
Tues, December 15th 7-9pm
LIC-A Gallery, The Factory LIC/NYC
Join the monthly figure drawing session in LIC Queens! Started at the wonderful Everyone Comics (keep shopping there), it's slated for summer break in August, then September will relocate to the LIC-Artists gallery at The Factory.
Model wears fun, interesting, very artistic and/or comics-themed costumes!
All levels of experience are welcome, whether you're a seasoned artist or trying it out for the first time.
$20 earlybird RSVP, $25 at the door
email jenspenceart at gmail.com
Every 3rd Tues, dates listed on Eventbrite
Casual drinks and snacks are included.
Follow @qns_drink_n_draw
Poetry Reading
Poetry Open Mic
(Dates TBD)
Kew & Willow Bookstore
Signed up to read at this poetry open mic in May, but had to rearrange my calendar. Since it's a monthly event at their store, I hope to participate on another date soon!
If you'd like to join me, the session is free, but requires RSVP. If possible: I'll try out my drawing-while-reading poem again, feature the sonnet based on my original character, and others about creative process.
(2026 ongoing)
More events to come!
Various places, mostly in LIC/NYC
(stay tuned/collaborate/support)
Possible activities include:
May - Kaiju Festival; Forest Hills ComicCon
June - Mermaid Parade
July - NYC Poetry Festival; LIC-A art show; Comic Con International
Sept - Brooklyn Book Festival
October - New York Comic Con
November - Off The Wall holiday art fair
December - Kids Comic Con
Make even more activities possible by
> supporting my creative work <
