News

Valentine’s Paint Night

Get ready to unleash your inner artist at our Valentine’s Paint Night—a fun evening of creativity, love, and laughter! Join us on Thursday, February 13th for a painting workshop hosted by artist, Iris Williams. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for everyone. All painting supplies will be provided, general admission is $30.00 per person.

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Black History Month Trivia Night

Test your knowledge, celebrate Black history, and win exciting prizes! Join us for a fun-filled Black History Trivia Night at CFAC. Compete with friends in a series of categories including ; Arts and Literature, Sports, Civil rights, Science, Pop Culture, Education and more! This program is free and open to everyone.

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CFAC Game Night & Karaoke

Game Night at the Community Folk Art Center

CFAC Game Night and Karaoke returns! Whether you’re a singer, want to meet new friends, or are a cards connoisseur , this free night of fun is the place to be. Sing your heart out in the Blackbox theater through live on stage performances or relax and unwind with games for the culture and classic favorites like Spades, Uno, Culture Tags and, more.

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Tuesday, January 21st 6:30 PM

This event is open to everyone, refreshments will be provided

This Woman’s Work Art Exhibition & Community Workshop Series

The Community Folk Art Center presents “This Woman’s Work” a groundbreaking group exhibition and workshop series funded by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Join us for an artist Talk On January 16th at 6:00 PM 

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This innovative project, initiated by artist and community psychologist Rochele Royster, brings together thirteen local artists to collaborate as a collective and create artwork that celebrates the profound impact of Black women’s community care in Syracuse and Central New York. Highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black women, starting with the story of a Black herbalist from 1733 who lived near Ithaca, New York. The exhibit traces the pivotal work of Black women from the past to the present, demonstrating how their community care and mutual aid have shaped Central New York and the communities where they lived and worked.

Some of these women, like Harriet Tubman and Sarah Loguen, are well-known figures in the region’s history. Others, such as herbalist Elsye Brooks and musician Libby Cotton, may not be as widely recognized but played equally important roles. Artists researched these women’s stories and crafted visual representations  imbued with symbols and imagery that reflect their care work. The exhibit captures moments of intimate, inter-generational care and the profound weight of what it means to hold and carry care in the Black community. This exhibit stands as a living memorial to Black women’s care in Central New York—a continuum that asks us how we care for each other today. It prompts reflection on the enduring models of care that we can learn from, honor, and continue.

The exhibition features an interactive component where community members can share stories about the women in their families and communities who have resisted through care. Highlights of the exhibition include a community weaving, community created altars, immersive storytelling sessions, and skill-share art workshops designed to educate and honor the work of local Black women while building community through the arts.  On view in the Herbert T Williams Gallery from December 5th 2024-  February 28th, 2025, the exhibit aims to provide a platform for learning, reflection, and celebration of Black women’s resilience and community care practices. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artwork, participate in storytelling, and attend workshops that delve into the rich history of mutual aid and care led by Black women.

Exhibiting artists include : Abdoul Malik Abdoulmoumine, Carlton Daniel, Charles ‘Deeda’ DeShields, Charles DeShields, Ebony Flag, Arthur Hutchinson, Courtney Mauldin Nadiya Narcorda, Giselle Richmond, Marion Rodriguez, Rochele Royster, Evan Starling, and Cheeki Williams.

Upcoming Free Visual Arts Workshops 

 

 

Vision Boarding Workshop

Kickstart your New Year with creativity and inspiration! Looking to set your intentions and goals for the year ahead? Join us for an engaging and colorful Vision Boarding Workshop! This hands-on workshop will be led by artists, Kofi Antwi and Iris Williams, who will guide you in brining your future aspirations to life.  This workshop is free and open to everyone, all materials will be included.

RSVP Today to secure your spot and take the first step towards your best year yet.

Register Now 

For accommodations contact Hadassah Onimiya at 315-442-2230 or honimiya@syr.edu 

 

Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays from Community Folk Art Center! Wishing you joy, peace, and happiness this holiday season. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to making more memories together in the new year!  Below are the holiday hours of operation.

  • We will be closed December 23rd – January 1st
  • CAA and adult classes will resume on January 13th 2025

Erasure Poetry Writing Workshop

Explore the art of Erasure Poetry and uncover hidden narratives in an upcoming writing workshop led by Kofi Antwi. Often utilized as a vehicle of political expression, Erasure poetry, is a form of found object art created by erasing words from an existing text in prose or verse and framing the result on the page as a poem.

CFAC Pre-Kwanzaa

Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and performances starring the Creative Arts Academy! You’re invited to celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa with us on Friday December 13th at 6:30 PM in the Black Box Theater. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:00 PM. This program is generously funded by KeyBank.

RSVP Today

This Woman’s Work Art Exhibition & Community Workshop Series

The Community Folk Art Center presents “This Woman’s Work” a groundbreaking group exhibition and workshop series funded by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Join us for an artist Talk On January 16th at 6:00 PM 

This innovative project, initiated by artist and community psychologist Rochele Royster, brings together thirteen local artists to collaborate as a collective and create artwork that celebrates the profound impact of Black women’s community care in Syracuse and Central New York. Highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black women, starting with the story of a Black herbalist from 1733 who lived near Ithaca, New York. The exhibit traces the pivotal work of Black women from the past to the present, demonstrating how their community care and mutual aid have shaped Central New York and the communities where they lived and worked.

Some of these women, like Harriet Tubman and Sarah Loguen, are well-known figures in the region’s history. Others, such as herbalist Elsye Brooks and musician Libby Cotton, may not be as widely recognized but played equally important roles. Artists researched these women’s stories and crafted visual representations  imbued with symbols and imagery that reflect their care work. The exhibit captures moments of intimate, inter-generational care and the profound weight of what it means to hold and carry care in the Black community. This exhibit stands as a living memorial to Black women’s care in Central New York—a continuum that asks us how we care for each other today. It prompts reflection on the enduring models of care that we can learn from, honor, and continue.

The exhibition features an interactive component where community members can share stories about the women in their families and communities who have resisted through care. Highlights of the exhibition include a community weaving, community created altars, immersive storytelling sessions, and skill-share art workshops designed to educate and honor the work of local Black women while building community through the arts.  On view in the Herbert T Williams Gallery from December 5th 2024-  February 28th, 2025, the exhibit aims to provide a platform for learning, reflection, and celebration of Black women’s resilience and community care practices. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artwork, participate in storytelling, and attend workshops that delve into the rich history of mutual aid and care led by Black women.

Exhibiting artists include : Abdoul Malik Abdoulmoumine, Carlton Daniel, Charles ‘Deeda’ DeShields, Charles DeShields, Ebony Flag, Arthur Huthcinson, Courtney Mauldin Nadiya Narcorda, Giselle Richmond, Marion Rodriguez, Rochele Royster, Evan Starling, and Cheeki Williams.

 

 

 

You’re Invited to a Friends Giving Celebration

Get ready to feast and celebrate with us at Friendsgiving on Friday, November 15th. Join us for a night of soul food, music by DJ Shy Guy and meaningful conversations on navigating the holidays with Rachel Johnson, Founder of Half Hood Half Holistic.

Doors open at 6:00 PM | The Program will begin at 6:30 PM

You can purchase your ticket on Eventbrite today or by visiting our business office in person. General admission is $20.00

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