Julian Prairie
Julian Prairie is a New York City–based sculptor whose work centers on public commemoration, queer histories, and community engagement. Prairie holds a degree in studio arts and aesthetic philosophy from The Evergreen State College and has extensive training in drawing, painting, and figurative sculpture. His practice is informed by community organizing, research in aesthetic theory, and a commitment to elevating underrepresented narratives in public space.
Prairie gained widespread attention with A Love Letter to Marsha, a bronze bust of LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson that was installed in Christopher Park, West Village, in 2021. It is recognized as the first public sculpture of a transgender individual in New York City, originally erected through direct community action and later accepted by city park authorities.
In 2025, Prairie collaborated with the House of LaBeija and the Museum of the City of New York to create a monument to Crystal LaBeija, a foundational figure in ballroom culture and co-founder of the House of LaBeija.
Beyond his major public works, Prairie facilitates creative workshops for queer and trans youth through QT Art Camp, a platform supporting artistic development and community building among LGBTQ+ youth in New York City.
