We’re excited to share that René Porter’s powerful and beautiful “Slay the Canvas” series was featured on NBC Palm Springs news on November 7th and November 8th. The series is part of the group show at Cicada Fine Art Gallery throughout Palm Springs “Pride” month, November 2025
This exhibition brings together diverse voices and visions in celebration of our LGBTQ+ community
Don't miss the chance to experience this series of 12 large scale paintings of our legendary drag artists in person
“Slay the Canvas” celebrates the brilliant artistry, identity, and resilience of the drag community, the broader culture and impact of drag, highlighting its role in challenging societal boundaries and inspiring freedom of expression in all its forms.
Each painting in this series is a tribute to an individual drag artist, capturing their unique essence, strength, and the electrifying spirit they bring to the stage and beyond. These portraits are more than just visual representations; they are powerful statements of empowerment, diversity, and the breaking down of traditional gender norms, inviting you the viewer to appreciate the rich tapestry of human expression and the transformative power of drag.
"Vanity Halston"
mixed media on birch panel, 36 x 36 in, 2025
Portrait #12 in “Slay the Canvas” Drag oil portrait series is Southern California’s own legendary drag entertainer Vanity Halston. She is a powerhouse of glamour, comedy, and creativity. Known for her dazzling stage performances and jaw-dropping style, she’s been lighting up drag venues and LGBTQ+ events with unforgettable performances that blend elegance, wit, and fierce individuality. From parody productions to her acclaimed stand-up special, You Asked For It!, Vanity Halston brings a one-woman-show energy that leaves audiences laughing, inspired, and wanting more.
Growing up with a passion for the performing arts, Vanity Halston always had an eye for fashion and an ear for music. Influenced by iconic figures in pop culture, Vanity Halston’s drag persona emerged as a powerful expression of individuality, confidence, and creativity. With each performance, she brings a unique blend of elegance, comedy, and charisma, making her a must-see act in the drag scene.
Her performances are not just about entertainment—they are a celebration of diversity, self-expression, and empowerment. Whether she’s hosting, singing, serving looks, or cracking you up with her razor-sharp humor, Vanity Halston is more than a performer—she’s a movement. With a wardrobe that is as diverse as her performances, Vanity’s fashion choices have earned her recognition as a style icon in the drag community.
"Morgan McMichaels"
oil on birch panel, 35 x 60 in, 2025
Portrait #11 of “Slay the Canvas” series is the Fierce. Focused. Unapologetically Original Morgan McMichaels. In 2001, after getting into drag as a joke, Morgan McMichaels quickly discovered how impactful being a drag performer could be to the LGBTQ community. Fueled by a passion for the art of drag, an activist voice and impressed with the work of others, the stage persona of Morgan McMichaels began. Morgan is a consummate performer, she knows how to work a crowd and is a favorite among the Southern California drag scene. Morgan is best known for her chameleon-like ability to become anyone she seeks to emulate and is known for her portrayals of Pink, Joan Collins, Boy George, and David Bowie, among others.
Morgan competed in Ru Paul’s Drag Race season 2 and All Stars season 3. While she did not win either competition, she quickly became a fan favorite known for her sass, competitive nature, talent and authenticity. Morgan’s work ethic and drive to be the best has opened many doors, including the opportunity to perform alongside Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Pink, Joan Collins and Lisa Rinna and to be featured on Wow Presents, Drag U, Bravo Television, Entertainment Tonight, and Germany’s Next Top Model.
Morgan hosts Iconic Brunch at One Eleven Bar in Cathedral City on the second and fourth Sundays of every month and performs throughout southern California with regular appearances at Micky’s West Hollywood, Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood, The Executive Suite in Long Beach and Hamburger Mary’s in Long Beach.
"Lucille L'Queur"
oil on birch panel, 36 x 48 in, 2025
Video by Lucille L'Queur
Portrait #10 in “Slay the Canvas” is our highly entertaining, creative and comedic baking queen bee Lucille L'Queur. Lucille is an award-winning baker and drag artist known for bringing bold creativity to the kitchen. For six years, she has honed her skills from simple bakes to ambitious 3D creations, earning her first international baking award in Birmingham, UK in 2024. Before transforming into her drag persona Lucille, Kevin honed his craft in theatre design and contributed to film and BBC productions—creative experiences that now infuse Lucille’s visual style with cinematic flair and theatrical sophistication. Drawing on her background as a teacher, she is currently completing her first queer history baking book, blending recipes with stories that celebrate individuality and community.
Lucille is committed to showing that drag can be more than stage performance and baking can be more than tradition. She is developing a live drag baking show for the stage - serving comedy, creativity, and connection in equal measure, so baking tip for today “Be kind, it burns more calories”.
"Bobby Friday"
oil and acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36 in, 2025
Portrait #9 of “Slay the Canvas” is of the talented, highly artistic and beautiful Bobby Friday. Bobby Friday is a creative force specializing in Drag Performance, Event hosting/production, Wig Styling, and is the founder of Haus of Friday. Known for her Fierce, Fabulous, and Fresh to Death! Aesthetic. She has a passion for using her platform to serve the community and proudly holds the title of Grand Duchess 48 of San Francisco. She was also crowned Miss California Gold and Miss Castro Country Club in 2020. Her aim is light up the world around her with Glamour, Laughs, and Love
"Ms. Jasmine Masters"
oil on birch panel, 36 x 36 in, 2025
Portrait #8 of “Slay the Canvas” series of oil paintings is the talented and beautiful Ms. Jasmine Masters. I used different shades of gold metallic oil paint as her highlights to catch the light and bring a sense of depth into her wig. I kept the rendering of her wig loose to bring more attention to her face and costume.
Jasmine's electrifying performances and beautiful personas (and sense of humor) takes us away to a world of joy, glamour and freedom.
Jasmine Masters was born and raised in San Diego, CA and has been doing drag for 30 years. Jasmine is widely recognized for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 7 and All Stars Season 4). Jasmine is the main queen viral meme working throughout California and the drag entertainment field.
"Sabryna Williams"
oil on birch panel, 36 x36 in, 2025
Sixth in the series is the beautiful and talented Sabryna Williams—she’s vibrant and engaging, quick-witted, compassionate, and full of contagious energy. She is a dazzling drag queen based in Palm Springs, California, known for her electrifying stage presence, fierce fashion, and unapologetic charisma. A beloved fixture in the local drag scene, Sabryna captivates audiences with high-energy performances that blend classic glamour with modern edge. Whether she’s commanding the stage at a sold-out show or hosting lively community events, Sabryna brings a sense of joy, inclusivity, and empowerment wherever she goes. Her signature style, quick wit, and heart of gold have made her not only a crowd favorite but also an inspiring figure in the vibrant desert drag community. Sabryna thank you! You are a beautiful and powerful addition to “Slay the Canvas”
"Mrs. Kasha Davis"
oil on birch panel, 36 x 36 in, 2025
Fifth in the series is the legendary Mrs. Kasha Davis. Aka Ed Popil is the ultimate WORKHORSE QUEEN! MKD shares her coming out story, sobriety journey & jazzy performance history sprinkled with her highly favored songs and “Dad jokes in a dress”! MKD’s stories are relatable, and performances intertwine forgiveness, determination, motivation and self-acceptance for audiences of all ages. MKD aka Ed Popil is grateful for a happy home with husband of 20 years, Steve “Mr Davis” of 20, dog Max, and two hard working, healthy adult stepdaughters and son in law. MKD travels her cabaret performances, Drag Brunches, college bingos and positivity talks but nothing is more soul satisfying than work with her story hour for children entitled IMAGINATION. Mrs. Kasha Davis’s credits include RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 8, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7, Documentary – Workhorse Queen, Drag Me to Dinner – Hulu, Movies: Hurricane Bianca from Russia with Hate & Ask Me to Dance.
"Sister Roma"
oil on birch panel, 28 x 28 in, 2024
4th in "Slay the Canvas" is the legendary Sister Roma from my photoshoot at the beautiful furniture showroom at Coup D’Etat in San Francisco. So honored to immortalize her extraordinary spirit and beautiful artistry on canvas. For more than three decades, Sister Roma has been one of the most outspoken and globally recognized members of San Francisco's Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. From fighting on the front lines in the war against HIV/AIDS to creating the Sisters' Stop The Violence campaign to taking on social media giant Facebook as the creator of the #MyNamels movement, Roma has dedicated more than half her life to community service, activism, and fundraising. As an event producer and tireless volunteer, Roma has helped raise well over $1 million dollars for countless charities and LGBTQ organizations. One of the LGBTQ's most colorful personalities and emcees, Roma has appeared everywhere, from the main stage of San Francisco Pride to Easter in the Park, headlining events worldwide. She's just as comfortable walking red carpets and hosting big-ticket galas as she is marching for human rights and serving holiday meals to our unhoused community.
“Fabeyonce”
oil on birch panel, 28 x 28 in, 2024
Third in the “Slay the Canvas” Series is "Fabeyonce". Fabeyonce has been a drag performer for eleven years and in Fabeyonce's words "Going forward, I promise to continue turning heads, sparking conversations, and inspiring my community with elegance, professionalism, and kindness. I am dedicated to consistently raising the bar and staying true to myself". Fabeyonce's mother-in-law is his personal fashion designer and sews his beautiful dresses for his drag shows. Fabeyonce and I met at the Velvet Rope in Palm Springs and spent a few hours capturing photos for this first painting.
“Pretty in Pink”
oil on birch panel, 24 x 24 in, 2024
#2 in "Slay the Canvas" is of Ethylina Canne. Ethyl’s drag career started in the mid 90's at the now legendary "Trannyshack", created and hosted by her dear friend Heklina. Ethylina has been celebrated by all and garnered several awards and titles throughout her career. She was Sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in 2019, she was awarded GED Magazines “OUTstanding Drag Diva” in 2020. On her 50th birthday, the Mayor and City Council of Cathedral City declared July 9th “Ethylina Canne Day” with a city proclamation in 2023, and she was most recently honored by the City of Palm Springs as the Community Grand Marshal for the Pride Parade and Festival in 2023. Ethylina was a backup dancer for Belinda Carlisle at San Luis Obispo Pride as well as an ambassador for Drag Out the Vote in 2022. Her next major FIRST will be sailing through the Mexican Riviera aboard the Norwegian Bliss in March of 2026. A bevy of drag queens from near and far shall be coming aboard as well. Ethylina is an actress, hostess, comedian, entertainer, officiant, bingo ball caller, philanthropist, AND a Tupperware Lady residing in sunny Palm Springs.
“Ethylina Canne Play Mate”
oil on birch panel, 36 x 36 in, 2024
The first portrait in this series is of my dear friend Ethylina Canne who played a pivotal role in the inception of this project. I had the pleasure of meeting Ethyl during her Bingo event at Phoenix Pride 2023, where we discussed the inspiration behind my idea of this new series. She graciously agreed to be my first model. We later met in Palm Springs at the Velvet Rope, a chic boutique hotel designed and owned by David Rios. During our time at the Velvet Rope, I captured several photos of Ethyl as reference for my paintings. The day was magical. I am inspired by Ethyl’s glamorous and fearless style, her fashion and makeup expertise, and her sassy, fun attitude that captivates everyone around her. In Ethyl’s words “My purpose on this earth is to spark JOY in others and that igniter is DRAG”. Thank you Ethyl for helping me bring "Slay the Canvas" to life!