BAWDY

BAWDY is a nude figure drawing event for black queer and trans folks. BAWDY (meaning “indecent; lewd; obscene”) is time for niggas to connect with the expansiveness of our own bodies and explore the possibility for delicious relationship with our whole and sacred black queer and trans bodies that are regularly referred to as indecent, lewd and obscene. What about us is being called obscene? BAWDY is a time for attendees to explore this and many other questions through conversation while drawing our nude model as they explore these questions in their own subtle, bold and unique embodied ways. 

In an anti-black, colorist, fatphobic, queer- and transphobic, classist and ableist world that bets on us feeling shame about the abundance of our bodies, BAWDY is a space to play in and scarf down the succulent and nourishing meal that immersing ourselves in the titillating, improper, vulgar and irreverent can be!

BAWDY is a meld of conversation, connection, figure drawing and goofy shit. Bring your ipad, markers, colored pencil, crayons, gel pens and paints or just a #2 pencil and have a good time. Absolutely NO “artistic skill” is necessary. Just be black, queer and/or trans and you’re in!

No one will be admitted after 6:20pm for this event. This will allow us to start collectively with a discussion about consent and care. If you plan to arrive at 6:20pm, please submit your negative rapid COVID results here before you leave your house, as that will take 5 minutes to take the test and 15 minutes to get the results.

What to expect:

Facilitated, uninstructed figure drawing with a nude model. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. We supply tables and chairs and clipboards on a first come–first serve basis. 

What to Bring:

• Supplies to draw with (if pastels or paints, please bring a small drop cloth)
• Love offering for our nude model and/or the space
• a cushion or pillow (if you’d prefer to sit on the ground, as opposed to in a chair)
• Water and a Snack (to share or just for you)
• Whatever will support you in feeling comfort and presence in your body 

Pose Schedule (subject to shift): 

• Two 10 minute poses
• Five 2 minute poses
• Ten 1 minute poses
• Three 5 minute poses

Want to be a guest nude model for a future BAWDY?

We are in search of fat black queer and trans folks of any/no gender interested in modeling for BAWDY. We are prioritizing fat black queer and trans black folks who are dark skinned, disabled, 300+ pounds, but all black queer and trans fatties may apply! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. We will talk at length about comfort, consent, care, safety and what to expect. 

It’s a 2 hour event (first tuesdays, 6-8pm). You arrive 30 minutes prior to the event and model for an hour (with short breaks throughout). $50 honorarium (and a love offering is encouraged). 

DM us at @churchofplay on IG or email us at [email protected], if you would like to model.  

Event Venue

Play Church, 1600 Fulton Avenue, Charlotte, United States