News

“Emptiness” Works By Abisay Puentes

The Community Folk Art Center is thrilled to announce the opening of “Emptiness” by Abisay Puentes, a solo exhibition of 25 acrylic on canvas pieces. The exhibition will be on view from September 8th, 2025, to December 15th, 2025, inviting art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Puentes’ interwoven tapestry of three inseparable languages — poetry, painting, and music.
The exhibition will also feature an interactive video component that intertwines art and classical music. Far from being an occasional addition, this medium expands the experience Puentes has cultivated for years, offering the viewer another gateway into the symbolic and existential narrative that defines his work.
About the Artist:  Abisay Puentes, born in Havana, Cuba and now a resident of Syracuse, New York is a multimedia artist, visual creator, and composer whose work moves naturally between images and sound. His art invites guests to experience both sight and sound in ways that blend the two together. Rather than keeping painting, music, and other performance art forms separate, Puentes encompasses them as part of one creative flow. He expresses this through paintings, prints, drawings, watercolors, videos, poetry, and music, creating environments that fully surround the viewer. By combining visuals, Puentes challenges the usual divisions in art and offers a single, unified experience.

Exhibition Dates : September 8th, 2025, to December 15th, 2025 | Community Folk Art Center, Herbert T. Williams Gallery

 

Faces of The Future : Get To Know Our Student Interns

From Left To Right : Daejhor, Layal, Jada, and Josiah

Get to know our high school and collegiate student interns ; Daejhor, Jada, Layal, and Josiah! This dedicated group of student interns has been lending their talents to the Syracuse PALS Art Camp and STEM From Dance Camp this summer, while also assisting with programming and inventory management. A special thank you to Syracuse University, CNY Works, Say Yes To Education, and On Point For College for making this program possible. 

Daejhor Huddleston: I am a senior at Manhattanville University, and I major in Commercial Dance. I’ve been dancing for 8+ years, with training in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Ballroom, and Tap. “Being a part of the Community Folk Art Center has allowed me the opportunity to share my passion for the arts and inspire the people around me”.

Jada McMullen: Hi! My name is Jada, a rising senior at SUNY Albany set to graduate in May 2026. Working at CFAC has enabled me to engage with my community on a more meaningful level. Getting to know the children and staff has been a wonderful experience, as the people here expose me to different aspects of the creative arts.  Although I major in STEM, I also enjoy musical theater, gaming, and experimenting with various hair and clothing styles. The community at CAC is welcoming and warm, and I encourage everyone to experience it.

Layal Thabet: Hello, I’m Layal and I am a senior at Nottingham High School, class of 2026. For fun I enjoy reading books, cooking, going on hikes, and playing  pickleball, basketball , and volleyball with friends. The Community Folk Art Center is a beautiful place for an internship. Walking around and seeing all the art displayed on the walls brings meaning to your day. The staff is a pleasure to work with, and you learn something new every day.

Josiah Cosby: I’m a senior at the Institute of Technology Central (ITC), class of 2026. My hobbies include sports, fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with friends. I enjoy working at The Community Folk Art Center because I enjoy all of the art, it is a unique experience, and it’s a fun place to work.

 

 

 

 

Lights, Camera, Dance! Syracuse Youth Explore The Wonders of STEM

image of youth on computer

STEM From Dance, a national program with the mission of  encouraging youth to pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, returns to the Community Folk Art Center this year with an exciting new program titled “Lights, Camera, Dance.”

   During the  three-week camp students  learn video production, Artificial Intelligence frameworks, and a variety of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. Using software platforms Luma and CapCut, students design their own music videos from start to finish and create customized backdrops using green screens.

Guest speaker sessions take place twice a week, where community leaders, including  Martikah Williams, co-founded of the Black Artist Collective CNY (BAC)  and Sofia Gutierrez, CNY Arts Leadership Fellow, share insight on topics including : Improvisation, screen writing, and Zine Making.

This year, we welcome four instructors to the  STEM from Dance  team: Zalika Adjei, Akilah Cage, Mia Funderburg, and Asa Rogers.

image of Zalika Adjei

Zalika Adjei, Dance Facilitator: Zalika has trained with the Dance Theater of Syracuse, Syracuse City Ballet, and Community Folk Art Center- Dance Lab. She is trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and African Dance.

Akilah Cage, Dance Facilitator

Akilah Cage, Dance Facilitator: Akilah is a Teacher within the Syracuse City School District and Instructor at ASCUAD Arts 315 (Akilah’s School of Cultural Urban Arts and Dance). She is professionally trained in West African Dance, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Funk, Acrobatics, Street Dance, and more. She received her Master’s Certification in Popping and Locking funk dance styles at the IUDMA (International Urban Dance Masters Association).

Mia Funderburg

Mia Funderburg, STEM Facilitator: Mia Funderburg is a dedicated K–12 science and technology educator with over 15 years of experience in the field. A proud native of Detroit, Michigan, Mia is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Motivational Communication and Spanish, followed by a master’s degree in K–12 Instructional Learning. Currently, Mia serves as a 5th-grade teacher at Citizenship Academy and co-advisor for the NSBE Jr. (National Society of Black Engineers) chapter, supporting youth in the Syracuse area. Passionate about empowering students through STEM education and mentorship, she actively fosters future leaders and innovators. Mia is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., through which she continues her commitment to community service and outreach in the area where she lives and works.

Asa Rogers

Asa Rogers, STEM Facilitator: Asa Rogers is a multimedia performance artist. utilizing art to create a healing experience by focusing on themes such as personal, familial, and communal history, and the transformation of self. She is also an educator, historian, and archivist.

Save the date for the end-of-camp community showcase on Friday, August 15th, at 6:00 PM.

“From Cuba To ‘Cuse” 15th Anniversary – Dinner & Show

Community Folk Art Center presents Jose Miguel Hernandez Hurtado’s one-man play “From Cuba to ‘Cuse”  in celebration of Latine Heritage Month.  From Cuba to ‘Cuse shares the dynamic story of  Jose Miguel’s  journey from his homeland Cuba to Syracuse, New York. Join us for a fun-filled night of delicious Cuban cuisine, exclusive drinks, and a special farewell performance of Cuba to Cuse for its 15th-year celebration! Proceeds for this celebration will benefit La Joven Guardia del Teatro Latino, Inc., and the Community Folk Art Center.Tickets are $100 per person for dinner and a show, and $50 for the show only.

Friday, September 19th | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Dinner at 6:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM
Get Tickets

From Cuba to Cuse flyer

 

Staged Reading Of Spell – A Play With Music

The Community Folk Art Center in association with Joseph L. Edwards Proudly Presents: A staged reading of Spell – A play With Music that shares an enchanting story of love, truth, and transformation. On view at The Community Folk Art Center Blackbox Theatre (October 24th – 25th, 2025)

We are currently seeking strong actors/singers for the upcoming staged reading of Spell, Community members are invited to complete the Casting Notice Form and actors will be compensated with a $200 stipend. 

Spell follows the spellbound love of a princess and a warrior, ancient souls reincarnated in the modern world as lawyers- only now, they stand on opposing sides of a heated social justice battle. On view in the Community Folk Art Center Blackbox Theatre from October 24th – 25th showings  are available during the following dates and times Friday October 24th at 7:30 PM, Saturday October 25th at 2:00 PM, and Saturday October 25th at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are available now! Don’t miss out on this mesmerizing story of history, music, and culture. Now- September 1st receive a discounted Early Bird ticket of $15.00. Regular General Admission is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for all students and seniors.

GET  TICKETS

African Drumming Summer Workshop

Join us for an exciting afternoon of rhythm, culture, and community! Experience the vibrant beats of the African diaspora in this free drumming & movement workshop led by instructor Joshua Williams. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced drummer, all are welcome to participate and explore the powerful tradition of African drumming.

Friday, July 18th 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 201 E Washington St, Syracuse, NY 13202

image of Joshua Williams playing the drums

Creative Arts Academy Showcase

The Community Folk Art Center Presents the 2025 Creative Arts Academy Showcase. Enjoy an evening of performances, fun, and creativity as we celebrate our talented students’ achievements!

Wednesday, June 25th at 6:00 PM | Doors Open at 5:30 PM 

CAA 2025 Program

CAA showcase

53rd Annual Teenage Competitive Art Exhibition

The Community Folk Art Center and The Syracuse (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated present : The 53rd Annual Teenage Competitive Art Exhibition. Fifty-three (53) years ago, three high school art teachers, Charles Wollowitz, Roberta Braen, and Nancy Peck of Nottingham and Corcoran High Schools with Herb Williams, Director of CFAC, engaged in a strategic planning process that led to the development of an art show and competition in response to a need to provide competition and exhibition opportunities for African American, Asian, Latino and Native American students attending high schools in the Syracuse area. Subsequently, the Syracuse (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in conjunction with the Syracuse City School District, joined CFAC and art teachers from the local community to continue these efforts.This year’s exhibition will feature over 100 works including 3D sculptures, photography, Digital Art, Mixed Media, painting, and drawing. With student artists from across the Syracuse City School District and the Lafayette School District.

A special congratulations goes to this years winners and honorable mentions
BEST IN SHOW : Merlin Ganguenon of Nottingham HS
DIRECTORS CHOICE : Zeniya Jordon of Corcoran HS
MOST ECLECTIC : Rick James IBMFA of Corcoran HS
SCULPTURE
Isabella Kaftan – Nottingham HS
Na’rya Lyles – Corcoran HS
Harmony Corrice – Corcoran HS
Arianna Williams – Corcoran HS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Maddox Lazore – Lafayette JSHS
Arly Rosales- Encastin of Henninger HS
Nemani Graham – Henninger HS
Victoria Clark – Henninger HS
DRAWING
Avis Lewis – Lafayette JSHS
Selaci Butoto – Nottingham HS
Nalima Moore – Corcoran HS
Genesis Nunez – Henninger HS
PAINTING
Konstantin Mikushkin – Henninger HS
Odai Alzobani – Nottingham HS
Sia Welling – Nottingham HS
Bal Boy – Corcoran HS
MIXED MEDIA
Nate King – Corcoran HS
Zeniya Jordan – Corcoran HS
Sofie Scanlon – Nottingham HS
DIGITAL ART
Saheda Bee – Henninger HS
Marielyn Carrasquillo – Nottingham HS
Amy Pham – Henninger HS

 

 

 

STEM From Dance Camp At CFAC

We are excited to share that the National Program – STEM from Dance Summer Camp will be returning to the Community Folk Art Center this summer! Founded in 2012, STEM From Dance’s mission is to inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue a future career in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Classes, workshops, and guest speaker series will encompass both the fusion of performing arts and computer science. By the end of the program, participants showcase what they’ve learned in a performance that merges dance and technology – all created by them and their fellow participants. Girls Rise Up is an opportunity for girls of all backgrounds to level up their confidence, unlock new STEM abilities, and connect with a supportive tribe of like-minded creatives and technologists.

Camp will be held from July 28th – August 15th, Monday- Friday from 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. This program is free and open to youth between the ages of 8-18. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity for knowledge, community, and creativity!

To register please visit the link below and complete your application. When selecting your preferred location enter “Community Folk Art Center – Syracuse.”  For assistance with registration please contact our office at 315-442-2230 or via email at cfac@syr.edu 

Register Here