Creativity on the Move: My Experience at NYC DOT Summer Streets
This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to bring my art and creativity to the streets of New York City through NYC DOT’s Summer Streets an event that celebrates community, connection, and movement. As an artist and founder of GZFotoGrafias LLC, it was an honor to represent my brand, teach art to the public, and showcase how creativity can unite us all.
A Day Filled with Art and Energy
The atmosphere was alive with music, laughter, and color. I set up my art station surrounded by people eager to create from children exploring painting for the first time to adults rediscovering their creativity. My goal was to make everyone feel welcome, inspired, and confident that art lives within all of us.
Teaching and Inspiring Through Art
Throughout the day, I led hands-on activities that allowed participants to experiment with painting, color, and simple silhouette designs one of my signature art styles. It was heartwarming to see families stop by, pick up a brush, and paint together. Every smile, every small “wow!” moment reminded me of why I love teaching and sharing my artistic journey.
Gloria Zapata teaching children during NYC DOT’s Summer Streets event, where kids colored silhouette portrait prints as part of an interactive art activity celebrating creativity and community. The gallery also features Gloria engaging with families including her mother, who assisted during the event sharing art, laughter, and inspiration with visitors throughout the day.
A Tribute to Leadership
One highlight of the day was creating a special portrait of NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez a piece that symbolizes leadership, dedication, and community service. His efforts to bring art, accessibility, and joy to our city through programs like Summer Streets are truly inspiring. The portrait was my way of honoring that vision and capturing his impact through art.
Representing GZFotografias
I also had the chance to display and talk about my work from silhouette portraits and murals to custom art products like tote bags and canvas prints. Many people stopped by to ask questions, take photos, and learn about my art journey. I’m proud to have shared the mission of GZFotorafias: to uplift and empower the community through creativity, culture, and identity.
A Celebration of Art in Motion
Being part of NYC DOT’s Summer Streets reminded me that art is not just meant for galleries it’s meant for the streets, for the people, and for the stories we share together. It was a day of unity, joy, and self-expression, and I’m grateful to have played a small part in making the city a little brighter.
I look forward to more opportunities where I can bring art, culture, and education together and continue inspiring others to find the artist within themselves.
