QVegas Collaborating to Celebrate Diversity
Over a decade ago we had the pleasure of creating a stunning photo that has circulated the globe. This iconic image was created as a collaboration with body painter Robin Slonina, models Benoit Beaufils and Shawn Stone, for the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ publication in Nevada; QVegas, as well as our very own Square Shooting photographer, Jennifer Burkart. The image was used as the cover of the QVegas publication and Robin was granted rights to reproduce the image. Which she did, selling it under her brand as T-shirts, coffee mugs, prints, other products, and even has multiple canvas copies hanging in art galleries here in Las Vegas. The image still to this day is circulated across many platforms and viewed by masses.
It was such a fun way to be part of spreading a message of support and acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community.
Meow Wolf & RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens
So when Square Shooting received the call to do another collaboration with QVegas and RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens: Coco Montrese, Alexis Mateo, and Jade Jolie, we could not pass up the opportunity. With a theme of celebrating diversity and the LGBTQ+ community, we were elated to find out our host and initiator of the collaboration was Meow Wolf. The shoot would take place at Omega Mart in Area15 and be paired with Art Wigs by Wigcraft Vegas. This lineup was beyond fabulous and the shoot was full of magic.
The goal of Meow Wolf’s message was to celebrate diversity and defy discrimination through Art and love. “It’s a powerful statement of unity that resonates deeply with the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups.” All contributors shared a mission to show support to Queens and the LGBTQ+ community in a time it should be celebrated.
If you have never experienced Omega Mart created by Meow Wolf we highly suggest the experience. Talk about being transported to another realm unlike any you have ever witnessed. There is something new to discover at every turn no matter how many times you visit. It is like getting transported to another planet, one made of art and acceptance. The opportunity to shoot professional photos in this space was out of this world.
Shooting in such a creative space was a dream and with models who knew how to hit their mark made that dream that much sweeter. Originally the plan was to have all three Queens together on the cover. After capturing all the images in Omega Mart, QVegas decided to run three covers at the same time. Allowing each Queen to be highlighted and celebrated on the cover.
Launch Party for Collaborating to Celebrate Diversity
The magazine covers and editorial spread turned out so stunning that a launch party was thrown for the QVegas cover models successful edition for QVegas. Hosted by the very gracious and community minded Meow Wolf. QVegas got to invite some of their loyal followers and all in attendance were granted free entrance to experience Omega Mart.
In a world that seems to be stripping rights from humans at a pace we find unsettling and anger inducing, it is so heartwarming to see a company as large as Meow Wolf step up and take a stand. For no financial gain but only to support and elevate diversity and stand against discrimination. We appreciate all Meow Wolf and their staff did to create such an amazing art experience with such a lovely message. Thank you for letting us take a small part in this incredible fight against bigotry. Armed with our favorite weapons… Love and Art!
For more about the article and Meow Wolf:
https://tickets.meowwolf.com/las-vegas/
https://qlifemedia.com/downloads/qvegasguides/qvegas-guide-080923.pdf