The Art in the Park Meetup: Vending, Networking & Creative Workshops

The Art Meetup: Community Art Day

Saturday, July 11 · 3–7 PM
Maria Hernandez Park, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Volunteer and vendor setup begins at 2 PM, and free giveaway line begins at 2:30 PM.

All ages are welcome, but this event is designed primarily for adults to connect, create, and build community.

This is a major opportunity to share your work, meet new people, and become part of one of NYC’s fastest-growing creative communities. RSVP now before free registration closes.

About the Event

The Art Meetup is an outdoor community gathering featuring local artists, independent vendors, live art, music, creative programming, giveaways, and space to connect with the community.

Come spend the afternoon in Maria Hernandez Park surrounded by creativity, music, and some of the kindest people you will meet in NYC. Bring a blanket, enjoy the park, discover local artists, and connect with neighbors and creatives at your own pace.

Many people attend alone. Others bring friends, children, partners, or family. Everyone is welcome.

Special Giveaway

The first 100 guests at 3 PM will receive a special Art Meetup giveaway, one per person while supplies last.

Only guests who RSVP will be eligible, so make sure your name is on the list.

Agenda

2:00 PM
Vendor and volunteer setup

2:30 PM
Free Giveaways for the first 100 attendees with RSVP

3:00–7:00 PM
Outdoor art gallery, local vendors, free crafts, community art, and time to connect

3:00–4:00 PM
Short sound meditation with Sólful Sounds

4:00–5:00 PM
Conversation about the school-to-prison pipeline with Rooted in the Work

5:00–6:00 PM
Workshop on plants, healing, and caring for the planet with Sugaa.e

6:00–7:00 PM
Networksing and building friendships, support systems, and community.

Hosted and produced by Lailani Gibson
Instagram: @nonlocalai
The Art Meetup: @theartmeetup

This Event Is Free to Attend, but It Is Not Free to Produce

Please contribute $5, $10, or $20 when you RSVP to help make this community gathering possible.

The Art Meetup is funded through personal time, labor, and resources, along with donations from people who believe artists deserve accessible places to gather. There is currently no business, nonprofit, institution, or major sponsor covering the cost of this event.

Your donation helps pay for permits, art and craft supplies, sound equipment, signage, printing, transportation, programming, giveaway items, and the labor required to keep attendance and vending accessible.

Once we reach 200 RSVPs, free registration will close and all remaining entry will be donation-based. Please do not wait until the day of the event to support the space you plan to enjoy.

RSVP and support The Art Meetup

Donate through Cash App
Donate through Venmo
PayPal: lailanigibson@gmail.com
Zelle: Contact @nonlocalai
Support Lailani through her website

RSVP for The Art Meetup

Vend for Free

Artists, makers, and independent vendors can showcase and sell their work completely free.

There is no application fee, table fee, commission, or percentage taken from your sales. Bring your own table, chair, blanket, rack, tent, or display and keep everything you earn.

Vendors are responsible for their own setup, products, payment methods, and cleanup.

Join The Art Meetup Vendor Group Chat by completing the vendor form to be featured on the event page

Vending is free because independent artists should be able to meet their community, test their ideas, build visibility, and earn money without paying to enter the space.

What to Expect

Local artists and independent vendors

Live art and creative showcases

A community mural and public art-making

Free creative workshops and programming

Handmade artwork, jewelry, crafts, and goods

Special giveaways

Opportunities to meet collaborators and new friends

Open areas for relaxing and connecting

Picnic energy throughout the afternoon

A welcoming environment for artists, adults, families, neighbors, and culture lovers

What to Bring

A picnic blanket, folding chair, or umbrella

Water, snacks, and anything you need to stay comfortable

Games, chalk, sketchbooks, or art supplies

Business cards, stickers, or information about your work

An open spirit

Why The Art Meetup Exists

The Art Meetup was created to make space for underrepresented artists, neighbors, and friends to share their gifts with the community.

Our mission is simple:

Make art. Make friends. Make space.

We believe art belongs to everyone. When we gather in public spaces, we celebrate more than creativity. We create opportunities for connection, healing, visibility, and joy.

Your presence helps keep this energy alive and ensures that NYC artists continue to be seen, supported, and connected to their community. Your contribution helps keep the experience accessible for everyone.

RSVP and donate now

Stay Connected

Event updates: Follow @nonlocalai

The Art Meetup: Follow @theartmeetup

Meet the organizer: Visit LailaniGibson.com

NYC art jobs and creative resources: Explore LailaniGibson.com

Upcoming events: View The Art Meetup on Eventbrite

The Art Meetup playlist: Follow and save on Spotify

Rain Plan

This gathering will only take place weather permitting.

In the event of rain, check @nonlocalai for the latest updates.