News

Young Gifted & Black An Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert

 A Journey Through The Music of The African Diaspora Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert

image of aretha franklin

Get ready to take a Journey Through the Music of the African Diaspora

Join us for a night of soulful sounds celebrating the legendary Aretha Franklin on Friday, June 27th at 6:00 PM with performances by the talented Danielle Mitchell, Kia Lacey, and Chareeta Wright. Featuring instrumentals by Travis Reed, Thomas Carter, Joshua Murray and Bryant Gerald III.

About the artist: Dani. Mitchell, born and raised in Syracuse, NY, has been singing since she was 3 Years old at The Greater New Testament Church. Raised by her mother and grandparents, she was surrounded by music. At age 11, she joined the Paul Robeson Performing Arts, where she learned stage presence, lighting, and acting. Currently, she is a member of the Brownskin Band and has been with them for over ten years. Her repertoire includes songs from artists like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, and more. She believes that music can heal the world and can create a strong space for anyone to express Freedom.

Friday, June 27th | 6:00 PM 

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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

Engaged Humanities Network Showcase

Happening at Community Folk Art Center this Friday! The Engaged Humanities Network hosts an open-house style celebration of community-engaged projects, courses and creative work generated by dozens of collaborative teams. Students, faculty and community members from more than 30 organizations across Syracuse, Central New York, and beyond partner on exhibits, presentations and screenings to browse as you enjoy food, activities and giveaways. This event is free and open to all. 

Friday, May 3rd, 1:00 – 6:00 PM | Community Folk Art Center Gallery 

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Family Photography in Syracuse

Please join the Turning the Lens Collective for an event celebrating the photographs and histories of our Black Community Elders. Come learn more about this exciting new digital archive of Black Family Photography in Syracuse! We encourage attendees to bring their own family photos and memories to share! Doors open at 5:30 PM for drinks and refreshments. The program will begin at 6:00 PM

RSVP Here

 

Free Community Concert : The Sound of Healing

The Sound of Healing Upstate Medical University free community concert

Upstate Medical University and Music as Healing Presents: The Sound of Healing. Join us for a concert celebrating a season of renewal through the power and beauty of live music performed by medical students. This event is free and open to all!

Spring Programming & Workshops

We’re excited to offer additional spring classes and workshops for everyone! Try something new this season and unleash your creativity. We now offer the following workshops. For further information on these exciting educational art programs please email us at cfac@syr.edu

53rd Annual Competitive Teen Art Show : May 17th

The Syracuse, NY Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in collaboration with the Community Folk Art Center, Presents – The 53rd Annual Teenage Competitive Art Exhibition Awards Ceremony! Get ready to celebrate the creativity and talent of teenage artists from all over the region. Join us on Saturday, May 17th at 1:00 PM for an in-person day filled with amazing artwork, exciting awards, and creative inspiration. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP HERE

If you or someone you know is interested in competing in the Teen Art Show Please complete the registration below.

Register Your Art Work Here

Teen art show flyer 2025

 

A MasterClass On Spoken Word Recap

In case you missed it ! Join Randum Poet for a virtual MasterClass on Spoken Word, as he shares his artistic inspirations, and tips for performing.

 

https://youtu.be/1e6JBUwEANY