Arts & Entertainment

‘Zooming’ in on details

Local drag performer branches into photography with Artomatic exhibit

Published

14 years ago

May 24, 2012

Juliette Ebner

One of Philip Gerlach’s photos. (Photo courtesy Gerlach)

Artomatic 2012 (1851 S. Bell St.) has already started, but there’s still plenty to see and do including many musical performances, film screenings and more.

Philip Gerlach, also known as his alter-ego Queen Bambi, is one of the artists featured this year, with his first-ever exhibit showcasing his photography.

“I was encouraged by another artist … in order to get my work out there,” Gerlach says. “Artomatic was a great launching ground.”

Gerlach has been taking photos since he was 5, when as a reward his father gave him an old instamatic camera. But he never intended on making a career out of it — it was always a hobby.

Gerlach attended West Virginia University, studying animal and veterinary science when he took a photography class during his last semester. His passion for the class changed his career path, leading to a second degree in graphic design.

He is now coming on 15 years as the sole owner and creative director of Gerlach Design.

Gerlach’s exhibit focuses on three series of images he’s been working on.

One series, “Child’s Play,” focuses on found art, zooming into different elements that might not be seen otherwise.

“There has to be an obscure detail that might be missed by most people,” Gerlach says of his process. “I try to find a story within something that might be overlooked. I’m a very detail-orientated person in everything that I do.”

The toys pictured in this series were part of various cars Gerlach saw on display in Baltimore.

Gerlach as Bambi (Photo courtesy Gerlach)

The other series are “Oohs & Aahs,” featuring self-portraits of his alter ego, Bambi, and “Zoom,” a continuing series featuring light and movement, which Gerlach says reflects his life and “fascination with all that sparkles.”

Gerlach isn’t just into visual arts, but performance arts as well, using his alter ego to help raise money for various local organizations, particularly HIV/AIDS charities.

“Becoming comfortable on stage in drag, led to opportunities for me … to serve organizations … to use my character power to raise funds, sell raffle tickets and promote events,” Gerlach says. “I’ve done fundraising for [Food & Friends] in drag for seven years … on a volunteer basis.”

This may be Gerlach’s first year participating in Artomatic, but it’s not his first exposure to the event. He first went seven or eight years ago when the event was held in D.C. and opened on Halloween night. He went dressed in drag in a deer costume.

The festival requires at least 15 volunteer hours from the artists and Gerlach spent his hours helping set the space up.

“It’s been a great networking experience,” Gerlach says. “I chose to do those … laboring in the volunteer space … along with other artists and its been a great way to … realize just how tremendously huge the art community in Washington is.”

This year, the month-long art festival is being held in a former office building slated for demolition. There are 10 floors of art by more than 1,000 artists spanning several mediums from visual art to fashion and more.

Some of the upcoming special events include a free demonstration on how to draw popular superheroes by Utrecht on Friday at 7 p.m., an artist social on Saturday at 8 p.m., a meet the artists night June 2 at 7 p.m. and more.

There’s also a weekly “Art-to-Go” marketplace on Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m.

Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 1 a.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information on Artomatic and a complete list of events, visit artomatic.org. There’s even a mobile version of the site for the day’s event schedule.

For more information on Gerlach and his design business, visit gerlachgraphic.com. For more information on his photography and to see his line of wearable art, visit urbangrudge.com.

Related Topics:Artomatic Out & About Philip Gerlach Queen Bambi

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Love board games and looking for love?

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1 day ago

January 16, 2026

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Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

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Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

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The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

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(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

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