September Nude Art Salon - Sept 13th
How a chance encounter with The Elevated Bear is transforming our September Nude Art Salon
Community introductions often lead to unexpected collaborations. That's what happened when Gabe Vasquez, host of the Out and About AF podcast, introduced me to Scot Maitland and The Elevated Bear. What started as a casual connection is now bringing something new to our September 13th Nude Art Salon.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
After years of hosting Nude Art Salons and conversations on Art in the Raw, I’ve come to appreciate how different artists express their creativity. Drawing, painting, photography - we’ve celebrated so many forms of artistic expression in our community.
When Gabe Vasquez from Out and About AF introduced me to Scot Maitland and The Elevated Bear, I was fascinated by his artistry. Here was someone who’d turned beverage crafting into an art form - creating sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks with the same passion and skill we see in any creative medium.
It made perfect sense to invite Scot to share his craft with our September salon attendees. Just as we gather to appreciate figure drawing, we can also witness and experience the artistry of elevated beverage creation. (Speaking of Gabriel - we’re planning some exciting collaborative episodes between Art in the Raw and Out and About AF soon!)
The Elevated Bear: Born from Real Need
Scot’s lightbulb moment happened at Rock Bar in NYC. Three Diet Cokes deep, staring down another sleepless night, he realized something we’ve all felt – that sophisticated non-alcoholic options were missing.
As a 13-year cancer survivor and LGBTQ+ community leader, Scot gets that true inclusivity means everyone feels genuinely welcomed. His elevated beverages are a recognition that every person’s journey matters, whether you’re sober, taking a break, or just want something that doesn’t insult your intelligence.
Why This Collaboration Makes Sense
Our salons have always been about stripping away our clothing as a way of removing the barriers that keep us from real connection and creative expression. When Gabriel told me about Scot’s mission, it clicked immediately.
Here’s what happens when vulnerability meets sophistication: you get an experience that honors the whole person. The artist who’s been sober for five years gets the same elevated treatment as everyone else. The person taking a mindful alcohol break doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Everyone gets to participate fully in the ritual of gathering, creating, and connecting.
What September 13th Will Bring
Here’s how it works:
Welcome drink upon arrival – Scot crafts something special to start your creative session. There’s power in beginning vulnerable work with a beverage that says “you belong here.”
Midpoint refreshment during our social break – Perfect timing when creative energy is high and real connections are forming.
Live demonstration – Watch a craftsperson at work. Whether it’s mixing beverages or drawing the human form, witnessing mastery reminds us why skill and passion matter in any medium.
Community refreshments table – We’re also inviting attendees to bring a small bite or treat to share alongside Scot’s creations. Think of it as a creative potluck to complement his artistry – whether that’s homemade cookies, fresh fruit, artisanal crackers, or whatever speaks to you. It’s another way we can all contribute to the communal experience.
The Real Investment
We’re adding $10 per person for these premium beverages – bringing the ticket price for September to $35. When I think about what that represents, it’s not just ingredient costs (though Scot sources everything himself). It’s investing in the belief that our community deserves excellence and choices that match the sophistication of who we are.
The Space We’re Creating
Our September salon continues welcoming men, trans men, and AMAB individuals in our gorgeous new location with incredible natural lighting. Full nudity remains essential – this is about authentic expression and the vulnerability that creates real artistic breakthroughs.
What changes is the elevated atmosphere Scot brings. There’s something profound about experiencing thoughtful hospitality while engaging in queer creativity – one of humanity’s oldest art forms.
Why You Should Join Us
Our September 13th salon will engage all your senses while honoring every part of who you are. Whether you’re drawn by the art, the elevated beverages, the community, or pure curiosity about what happens when passionate creators collaborate – we want you there.
This is what becomes possible when we create spaces that actually see and serve our whole community.
Limited capacity. Advance registration required at events.salonnaturale.art