Shoppers of inspiration turned up the colour at Like Really Creative’s first Pride Collage Party in Memphis, where artists and locals gathered to celebrate Pride Month through hands-on collage-making, lively conversation, and a relaxed, communal vibe that put creativity and queer joy front and centre.

Essential Takeaways

  • Community-led celebration: The event was organised by Like Really Creative in partnership with OUTMemphis, Lisa Berry, and Focus Magazine.
  • Inclusive activity: Attendees of all ages and skill levels made collages from past issues of Focus Magazine and other printed materials , messy, tactile, and joyful.
  • Honour and recognition: Lisa Berry served as the party’s inaugural Grand Marshal, bringing civic and cultural weight to the evening.
  • Strong visual record: Photographer Vaniel Simmons documented the night, capturing vibrant colours, candid smiles, and lively hands at work.
  • Local arts hub: The gathering took place at Ugly Art Co., a compact, lively spot that’s becoming a go-to for grassroots creative events.

A tactile celebration where colour met conversation

The first thing you noticed was the soundtrack of scissors and laughter, and the soft, papery smell of old magazines mixing with paint. According to organisers, Like Really Creative wanted something hands-on and accessible for Pride, and a collage party felt both playful and political. It let people reclaim printed media , snipping, rearranging, and making new statements from existing pages.

The event doubled as a social salon and a mini-exhibit. Artists and novices alike cut, layered, and glued, trading ideas and techniques in real time. If you’re wondering whether a collage night is for you, bring a pair of scissors and a willingness to get a little messy , it’s the sort of low-pressure creativity that sparks conversation and new friendships.

Partnerships that grounded the evening in local pride

Bringing OUTMemphis into the mix meant the party wasn’t just a craft night; it had roots in community advocacy and celebration. Focus Magazine supplied material and context, while Lisa Berry’s role as grand marshal connected the creative moment with longer-running civic work. The collaboration gave the night a sense of occasion, turning casual collage-making into a public nod to LGBTQ+ stories and organisers in Memphis.

These kinds of partnerships are trending in local arts scenes: events that mix social purpose with creativity draw broader crowds and build sustained support for LGBTQ+ initiatives. If you’re planning something similar, try inviting a local advocacy group and a media partner , it amplifies both cause and craft.

Ugly Art Co. , a cosy backdrop for messy creativity

The venue mattered. Ugly Art Co. offered a compact, characterful space that felt intimate rather than staged, so conversations flowed as easily as glue sticks. Spaces like this are perfect for participatory art: they encourage people to lean in, stay awhile, and chat across the table while they work. The informal layout made it easy to share tools, swap materials, and compare collages mid-glue.

If you host an event in a small gallery or studio, set up plenty of communal surfaces, provide extra adhesives and cutting mats, and leave room for people to stand and mingle , the practical setup keeps creative energy high.

Artist-led instruction kept it friendly and inspiring

Zack Orsborn led the session with a relaxed, encouraging approach that welcomed every level of experience. That kind of leadership matters because it lowers the barrier to entry; attendees reported feeling comfortable experimenting without fear of making something “wrong.” The result was a wide variety of pieces , playful, political, portrait-heavy, and abstract , each carrying a personal voice.

For readers wanting to run a similar workshop, consider inviting a local artist to demo basic techniques, then open the floor for free play. It’s a simple formula that turns structure into freedom and keeps people engaged.

Pictures that carry the night onward

Vaniel Simmons’ photos did more than document glue stains and colourful collars; they captured the warmth and the connections made across tables. A good photo roundup can extend an event’s reach, encouraging new participants to come next time and helping sponsors see the value of supporting grassroots culture.

If you’re part of the organising team, book a photographer or ask a volunteer who knows good angles. Share an album publicly so people can relive the memory and share it with friends , it’s the best kind of publicity.

It's a small change that can make every Pride celebration more creative and community-driven.

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