19 Portraits: Honoring Black LGBTQ+ Philadelphians

by Prince Anthony Thomas

June 5 - 30th, 2025

Opening Reception: Thurs, June 5th, 6-8PM

In honor of Juneteenth, the William Way LGBT Community Center presents “19 Portraits: Honoring Black LGBTQ+ Philadelphians”, an exhibition by Prince Anthony Thomas on view from June 5 - 30th, 2025. This exhibition features exquisite pencil renderings of well-known and beloved figures in our community, accompanied by biographies that pay homage to their contributions. Many of these drawings depict living legends, and other portraits honor people who have passed, such as Anita Cornwell and Tyrone Smith. These portraits will be on view together for the first time, and will be donated by the artist to the Permanent Art Collection of the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives, Philadelphia's most extensive collection of papers, records, periodicals, audiovisual material and ephemera documenting our LGBTQ community.

Join us for an Opening Reception on Thursday, June 5th, 6-8PM for food, refreshments, and an opportunity to meet the artist. Also on view is our ongoing exhibition “Refigured, Unframed: An Exhibition with Philly Queer Life Drawing,” until June 30th, 2025 (please note the Center will be closed for Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19th).

Prince Anthony Thomas (b. 1967) is a Philadelphia-based gay artist of color who started honing their self-taught drawing skills at a very early age. He holds a BA from Penn State, has held corporate jobs and a career in social services, and has also actively served as a volunteer throughout his life. Thomas developed his signature drawing style in the late 1990s, using a meticulous technique called “cross hatching.” He has used his drawing skills extensively for animal rescue causes, car enthusiasts, LGBTQ+ advocates, and private portrait commissions.