GLORIA ZAPATA

Digital Artwork by Gloria Zapata

As the founder of GZFotoGrafias LLC, my mission is to create meaningful art that celebrates culture, identity, and community through original paintings, murals, digital art, photography, and interactive public art experiences. I believe creativity has the power to inspire, educate, and bring people together while transforming everyday spaces into places of connection and reflection.

In addition to my studio practice, I lead community workshops, public art projects, and educational programs that encourage people of all ages to explore their own creativity. Whether working with youth, community organizations, schools, or cultural institutions, my goal is to create welcoming environments where art becomes a tool for self-expression, healing, and empowerment.

My signature silhouette portrait series blends bold color, contrast, and visual storytelling to celebrate the lives and legacies of influential figures, cultural icons, community leaders, family, and everyday people. Inspired by perception and identity, each portrait invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences while discovering new meaning within the artwork.

Through every mural, portrait, workshop, and creative collaboration, I strive to create work that uplifts communities, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting impact. My vision extends beyond creating art it's about building connections, preserving culture, and demonstrating how creativity can inspire positive change for generations to come.

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 provide creative, culturally rooted art that uplifts, empowers, and inspires. I create original paintings, spray paintings, canvases, murals, digital artwork, and photography while also teaching art classes and workshops for youth. My goal is to use art as a tool for healing, self-expression, and community connection.

Signature Style

My signature silhouette portrait paintings, often rendered in bold single colors, are visual expressions of identity, emotion, and inner strength. I expand this creative process through digital art, allowing my work to reach broader audiences across modern platforms.

I am currently developing a powerful series of black-and-white silhouette portraits against vibrant color backgrounds, featuring iconic figures from Hip Hop, as well as celebrities, activists, family, friends, and community members each one a celebration of resilience, spirit, and legacy.

Certifications & Advantage

GZFOTOGRAFIAS LLC is proudly certified as a Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) at both the city and state level, holding official designations as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).

This dual certification allows the business to qualify for multiple supplier diversity goals, helping agencies and corporate partners meet both minority and woman-owned contracting requirements. Our status expands access to government and private-sector contracting opportunities, including set-aside projects, strategic partnerships, and funding programs, while reflecting our commitment to representation, cultural impact, and excellence in service.

Community Engagement, Vendor Events & Public Art Activities

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 Portraits

  • 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.

Recent Recognition & Upcoming Public Art Engagements

Selected as a 2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) Grantee through Bronx Council on the Arts, supporting community-centered creative engagement through the arts.

GZFOTOGRAFIAS LLC will participate in The LGBT Community Center's Juneteenth Block Party on June 20, 2026, celebrating community, culture, creativity, and connection through art and public engagement.

Invited Participant — NYC DOT Summer Streets (Bronx & Manhattan) | 2026

  • Bronx: July 25, 2026

  • Manhattan: August 1, 2026

  • Bringing interactive art experiences, community engagement activities, and creative participation into public spaces throughout New York City.

Awards, Grants & Recognition

2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) Grantee | Bronx Council on the Arts | 2026

  • Selected as a 2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) Grantee through Bronx Council on the Arts, supporting community-centered creative engagement through the arts.

  • Awarded funding to develop and facilitate creative programming that promotes community participation, artistic expression, and cultural engagement.

Recent Recognition & Community Projects

2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) Grantee

  • Selected as a 2026 Community Engagement Grant (CEG) Grantee through Bronx Council on the Arts, supporting community-centered creative engagement through the arts.

    The LGBT Community Center's Juneteenth Block Party (2026)

    GZFOTOGRAFIAS LLC will participate in The LGBT Community Center's Juneteenth Block Party on June 20, 2026, celebrating community, culture, creativity, and connection through art and public engagement.

    GZFOTOGRAFIAS LLC was invited to participate in the Uptown Shakespeare Pop-Up Market on July 11th & July 23 at Marcus Garvey Park, NYC, sharing interactive art experiences and creative community engagement.

    The work will also be featured as part of NYC DOT Summer Streets 2026, including:

    • Manhattan – August 1, 2026 (159th Street & Broadway)

    • Manhattan – August 14, 2026 (TBA)

    These opportunities bring interactive art experiences into public spaces across New York City, allowing communities to engage directly with creativity, culture, and connection through GZFotoGrafias LLC.

    My Belief.. Rooted in personal passion and social impact, my art is created not just for myself, but for those who seek encouragement and inspiration. I believe art can make a colorful difference in the world, and through every painting, print, and photograph, I aim to show how creativity can empower individuals and transform communities.