Update!

Happy Sunday everyone!

I come from a family of book lovers and my sister is the biggest one out of all of us. Recently she did a bit of a book purge and I thought it would be an amazing idea to have a small library in Tin Roof Gallery. All of the books vary in topic, genre and reading level. We've got horror, fictions, non-fiction, biographies, fantasy, black literature and more.

Guests will be able to explore our lovely little library. See something you like? Well guests will be able to take and leave books freely. This is all so exciting!

More updates to come soon!

Londoun Jackson aka Black Crystal Cosplay

Cosplayer | Makeup and SFX Artist | Model

"To be honest, I didn't even know that I was cosplaying until I was told that I was. During my high school years, there was a day during spirit week catered to us dressing up like our favorite celebrities. I chose to dress up as Korra from The Legend of Korra, an animated character, just because I admired her as a character. So many of my classmates were complimenting my "cosplay" and it caused me some confusion at first until I googled the word. Turns out, I always knew what cosplay was, I just never knew there was a specific word for it. I've been cosplaying ever since.

  Seeing cosplay online from other cosplayers is cool! So much versatility and creativity, but of course on the other end of the community, there are people who sap the fun from it and make cosplay a gatekeeping disaster. My passion comes from me wanting to dismantle the gatekeeping folks In the cosplay community, and to give the future generation a more positive outlook on it, to let them know that they are welcome to cosplay and just have fun. Cosplay isn't something that should be taken super seriously like how people twist it now. I try to exude that energy through my posts as much as possible, so people can have their eyes on me, someone who's positive so they can pursue their passions based upon some of my positive principles. 

    My inspiration comes from wanting to give people a getaway from this dark world. I always want my content to be a breath of fresh air for those who are viewing it. Seeing other people smile or get joy from my content, keeps my spirits up and keeps my depression at bay. Creating keeps my creativity alive.

    My ultimate end goal is to launch a cosplay cosmetic line that is geared towards black cosplayers or black makeup artists (those who also do SFX makeup, or skincare routines, etc) because when it comes to artsy makeup things, there's a lack of darker skin tones. I want us to be included too."

For additional work and inquiries

Email: theoriginalblackcrystal@gmail.com      Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackcrystalcos/      Twitter: twitter.com/blackcrystalcos      Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheOriginalBlackCrystal

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/BlackCrystalCoveShop

Anita R. aka Tranquil Ashes

Cosplayer | Model | Make-up Artist

Tranquil Ashes is a multi-talented artist who has distinguished herself as a make-up artist, body painter, organizer, and cosplayer who specializes in both sewing and armor builds. Tranquil brings a unique set of skills and experiences from growing up in Baltimore to spending several years in Japan. She is a champion of body-positivism, creator of unique geek spaces such as the CosGala. 

"When it comes to inspiration I have always felt the need to put my stamp on everything I've done in life. Art being endless and varied it perfectly represents how I want my life to be. Colorful, interesting, never boring, limitless, and ever evolving. The ability to create through the various forms of art I've had the privilege to participate in and create has given me the ability to transcend societal restrictions. There are very few things that bring true satisfaction in life. For me, creating and art is one of them.

I have been into art all my life, but the last seven or so years of my life has been focused on developing my cosplay, makeup, modeling and entrepreneurial endeavors sparked after my time living in Japan. I had the opportunity to participate in plays, weddings, fashion shows and more which led me into pursing these interests. Makeup being the the passion I wish to elevate as far as I possibly can. Traveling and experiencing new things truly gives me renewed passion and influences to create. 

    One of my many goals is to become my own boss. I want to turn my artistic pursuits into a career and an avenue to help disenfranchised people across the spectrum. I want to help my city. I want to help Baltimore become the Black mecca I believe it can be.  I created a gala called The Cosgala. It's a night to celebrate all different types of art and to showcase talent. A place for  networking and inspiration for POC talent and entertainment for all. My goal would be to make this event something akin to Met Gala for talent otherwise unseen.  What drives me? Simply put, Art makes me happy. As sappy as it sounds, I was blessed with a great family whom have always supported me trying new and different things. I want my passions to turn into a greater and richer life for me and in turn giving back to them.

For additional content and inquiries

Contact: tqashes@gmail.com     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tranquilashess

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquil_ashes/