Who We Are + What We Do
Queer Tallahassee Artists Collective was founded in 2021 by queer trans artists out of a desire to build a space supportive of LGBTQIA+ artists and makers in our community.
What is QTAC?
QTAC is a trans-led non-profit organization that provides economic opportunity and community connection for our local LGBTQIA+ community. Our flagship program is our fee-free outdoor "Queer Makers Market" that we run six times a year. In addition to the market we run an Art & Craft Supply Exchange, the Big Gay Hangout, and Trans*formations: Crafting Beyond the Binary. To learn more about each of these programs check out our programming page.
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Every program we have is grounded in a deep desire to create community spaces for LGBTQIA+ adults, youth, and families to be seen, celebrated, and affirmed. The creative arts provide the foundation to our work - whether you make art or love to fill your home with it (or both!) we believe that the arts and artists are central to the creation of joy in our lives. Whether you're an ally or a member of the queer community, we can't wait to see you at our events. Maybe you'll discover a new favorite artist at one of our markets, pass along craft supplies you no longer need, or make a new friend who shares your love of yarn. No matter how you join us we hope that you'll help us in making joyful and affirming spaces in Florida's capitol city.
Our Board
Executive Officers
President & Executive Director
Laurel Blackthorne (they/them)
Blackthorne is a founding Board member and ceramic artist that has lived in Tallahassee since 2006. They believe the strength of art is its ability to bring people together in community and joy. They are deeply committed to the value of arts in the Tallahassee community and is motivated by the importance of creating safe spaces for marginalized communities to engage in the arts. You can find out more about their ceramics practice at BlackthorneCeramics.com
Vice President & Deputy Director
Z Mata
Z Mata is a mixed media artist whose primary medium is printmaking using linoleum blocks. Commitment and patience are vital to their creative process as hand carving each element in a design can be tedious, but the satisfaction of completing a piece makes the time and effort well worth it. You can find out more about their art at blozzomart.square.site
Secretary & Youth Director
Sampson Reichard (he/him)
Email: Sampson@queertallahassee.com
An artist, farmer, father, and pocket-sized hype man, Sampson (he/him) has spent most of his career organizing for various community projects & programs. He moved to Tallahassee in '09 after traveling most of the East Coast and eventually settled down here in Big Bend. Sampson hopes to support other Queer Artists find sustainability in their artwork by connecting them with resources + opportunities that work best for them. Reichard is a founding Board member and also coordinates + organizes our Youth programming.
At Large Board Members
