About Me

Artist • Teaching Artist • Muralist • Photographer • Founder of GZFotografias LLC

As an artist raised in both Honduras and the Bronx, my mission is to create culturally rooted artwork that uplifts, empowers, and inspires. Through original paintings, spray paint, murals, digital art, photography, and community-based projects, I use creativity as a tool for healing, self-expression, education, and connection.

As the founder of GZFotografias LLC, I create original artwork while leading workshops, public art projects, and creative experiences that celebrate identity, culture, and community.

Signature Style

My signature silhouette portraits, often rendered in bold, vibrant colors, explore identity, emotion, resilience, and personal storytelling. Inspired by the beauty found within every individual, my work celebrates historical icons, cultural leaders, family, friends, and community members.

I continue expanding this vision through murals, digital art, photography, and wearable art, allowing my artwork to reach audiences in both public spaces and everyday life.

I am currently developing a growing collection of black-and-white silhouette portraits set against vibrant color backgrounds, celebrating Hip Hop legends, activists, cultural icons, and community voices.

Certifications & Advantage

GZFotoGrafias LLC is proudly certified as both a New York City and New York State Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), holding official MBE and WBE certifications.

These certifications expand opportunities to collaborate with government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and private organizations while supporting supplier diversity initiatives. They reflect my commitment to professional excellence, cultural impact, and community-centered creative services.

Community Engagement

In addition to my creative practice, I actively participate in vendor markets, cultural festivals, and community events across New York City. Through GZFOTOGRAFIAS LLC, I sell my artwork and custom products including prints, tote bags, apparel, and wearable art directly to the public.

I also create custom silhouette portraits and murals for individuals, organizations, and public spaces, adding a personal and cultural touch to each project. These experiences allow me to connect face-to-face with people of all backgrounds and share the stories behind my work in meaningful and memorable ways. Exhibitions Featuring Silhouette PortraitsCommunity engagement is at the heart of my artistic practice. Through vendor markets, cultural festivals, educational workshops, live art experiences, and public art projects, I create opportunities for people of all ages to connect through creativity.

Through GZFotoGrafias LLC, I share original artwork, wearable art, custom silhouette portraits, murals, photography, and creative merchandise while building meaningful relationships with communities across New York City.

My work encourages conversations around identity, representation, culture, belonging, and creative expression, while making art accessible beyond traditional gallery spaces and fostering meaningful community connections.

Public Art & Community Partnerships

Public art allows me to create lasting spaces where creativity, culture, and community come together.

In 2026, I served as Lead Artist for Reflections of Us, a community-centered mural at the 138th Street Community Garden in the Bronx. Supported through the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) 2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) and completed in partnership with NYC Parks/GreenThumb, the project combined public art with free community workshops, transforming the garden into a welcoming space for creativity, reflection, and community connection.

Working alongside collaborating mural artist André Trenier, neighborhood residents, volunteers, and community partners, the project demonstrates the power of public art to strengthen neighborhoods while celebrating identity, diversity, and belonging.

Project Highlights

• Lead Artist: Gloria Zapata (GZFotografias LLC)

• Collaborating Mural Artist: André Trenier

• Grant Support: Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) – Community Engagement Grant (2026)

• Community Partner: NYC Parks/GreenThumb

• Project:Reflections of Us

• Location: 138th Street Community Garden, Bronx, NY

• Community Impact: Public mural, free workshops, and community participation.

Exhibitions Featuring Silhouette Portraits

Solo Exhibitions

• Bronx Art Space — Evolve Your Vision and Open Your Mind (2022)

• Poe Park Visitor Center — Evolve Your Vision and Open Your Mind | Black History Month (2022)

• Poe Park Visitor Center — Everything Women | Women's History Month (2023)

Group Exhibitions

• Group Exhibition — Kente Royal Gallery: “UNITY” Black History Month (2025)

• Solo Exhibition—Poe Parks — Women’s History Month Exhibition:“Everything Women” (2023)

• Solo Exhibition — Bronx Art Space: Evolve Your Vision and Open Your Mind(2022)

• Poe Parks — Black History Month Exhibition:“Evolve Your Vision and Open Your Mind” (2022)

Vendor Artist — Harlem Night Market / Uptown Grand Central / La Marqueta | December 2024 - 2026

• Sold original silhouette artwork, tote bags, and creative merchandise.

• Engaged with attendees through conversations about cultural identity, community storytelling, and the inspiration behind the artwork.

• Built relationships with community members, local businesses, and cultural organizations through public-facing art experiences.

Vendor Artist — Juneteenth Celebration, The LGBT Community Center (NYC) | June 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026

• Featured LGBTQIA+ and culturally inspired artwork, prints, and creative merchandise.

• Promoted inclusive community engagement through art and creative expression.

• Connected with diverse audiences through discussions on identity, heritage, and representation.

Vendor Artist — NYC DOT Summer Streets | 2025 - 2026

• Participated in public community events showcasing and selling original artwork and merchandise.

• Provided live art-making and interactive creative experiences for public engagement.

• Encouraged community participation through accessible arts programming and visual storytelling.

Vendor & Community Events

Through GZFotoGrafias LLC, I participate in vendor markets, cultural festivals, and public events across New York City, sharing original artwork, wearable art, photography, and interactive creative experiences while connecting directly with diverse communities.

Harlem Night Market • Uptown Grand Central • La Marqueta

Vendor Artist | 2024–Present

• Featured original silhouette artwork, wearable art, tote bags, and creative merchandise.

• Engaged visitors through conversations about cultural identity, storytelling, and artistic inspiration.

• Built lasting relationships with community members, local businesses, collectors, and cultural organizations.

The LGBT Community Center – Juneteenth Block Party

Vendor Artist | 2023–Present

• Presented LGBTQIA+ and culturally inspired artwork, prints, and wearable art.

• Promoted inclusive community engagement through art and creative expression.

• Connected with diverse audiences through conversations about identity, heritage, and representation.

NYC DOT Summer Streets

Invited Artist | 2025–Present

• Presented original artwork, wearable art, and interactive public art experiences.

• Encouraged community participation through accessible arts programming and visual storytelling.

• Created opportunities for visitors of all ages to engage with creativity in public spaces.

2026 Scheduled Appearances

• June 20 – The LGBT Community Center Juneteenth Block Party

• July 11 & July 23 – Uptown Shakespeare Pop-Up Market, Marcus Garvey Park

• August 1 & August 15 – NYC DOT Summer Streets | East Harlem, Manhattan

Awards, Grants & Recognition

Bronx Council on the Arts

2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) Recipient

Awarded funding to develop Reflections of Us, a community-centered public art project promoting creativity, education, and community engagement.

NYC DOT Summer Streets

Invited Artist | 2025–2026

Presented interactive art experiences, live demonstrations, and creative engagement activities during Summer Streets events throughout New York City.

The LGBT Community Center

Juneteenth Block Party Artist | 2023–2026

Presented original artwork, wearable art, and community-centered creative experiences celebrating identity, culture, and inclusion.

Uptown Grand Central

Harlem Night Market • Uptown Shakespeare Pop-Up Market • La Marqueta

Participated in cultural markets showcasing original artwork while engaging directly with residents, visitors, collectors, and community organizations.

My Belief

Art has the power to inspire, heal, educate, and transform communities.

Every mural, painting, photograph, silhouette portrait, and workshop I create is rooted in the belief that creativity can foster connection, celebrate culture, and empower people to see themselves reflected in the world around them.

My goal is not simply to create artwork, but to create experiences that leave lasting impressions, encourage meaningful conversations, and strengthen communities through the universal language of art.