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Community Folk Art Center 2024 Presents : The 2024 Coming Back Together Alumni Exhibition “Community & Connection”

The Community Folk Art Center Presents : The 2024 Coming Back Together Alumni Exhibition “Community & Connection”

A Group exhibition by London Ladd, JoAnn Onofre, Chelsea Reeves, and Cedric T. Bolton

Now on view September 13th – November 30th , 2024

In Celebration we reflect on our shared experiences, this exhibition serves as both a reunion and a testament to the power of art in fostering community and building lasting connections. The Tri-Annual Coming Back Together (CBT) weekend is a celebration of Syracuse University’s Black and Latinx alumni, a moment to recognize the profound impact they have had across diverse fields.

It is a homecoming filled with nostalgia, triumph, and a deep sense of belonging. This exhibition, Community & Connection, reflects the very essence of this spirit—how the bonds we create extend far beyond the physical spaces we occupy, into the realms of memory, identity, and shared purpose.

The works showcased represent a collective narrative. Each piece speaks to the artist’s personal journey while contributing to a larger conversation about community, culture, and resilience. Whether through painting, sculpture, photography, or mixed media, these alumni artists have embraced the power of creativity to explore the multifaceted dimensions of connection—connection to self, to heritage, to place, and to each other.

At the heart of this exhibition lies the belief that art is a vessel for transformation. It has the unique ability to bridge divides, spark dialogue, and cultivate understanding. As you navigate the gallery, I invite you to engage with the stories these works tell, to see yourself within them, and to reflect on the ways in which art serves as a tool for both personal and communal growth.

This exhibition is also a celebration of the Community Folk Art Center’s mission to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of African Diaspora and other underrepresented communities. The artists featured in Community & Connection exemplify this mission, as their work not only reflects the diverse experiences of Black and Latinx communities but also underscores the significance of cultural expression in shaping a more inclusive world.

To our alumni artists, thank you for sharing your talents and your vision with us. Your contributions remind us of the enduring power of community, and of the connections that continue to enrich our lives long after we’ve left this campus.

To our visitors, I hope this exhibition inspires you to reflect on your own connections—those that define who you are, those that ground you in your heritage, and those that guide you toward a more just and compassionate future.

Meet The Artists

London Ladd ’06, G’22

London Ladd is a critically acclaimed illustrator showcasing work in prestigious publications such as HarperCollins, Philomel Books, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Scientific American. His distinctive mixed-media technique combines acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper to bring a variety of subjects to life. Each image is emotion-filled, reflecting the artist’s devotion to representing life. Ladd creates picture books and editorial illustrations for print media and community-based murals. He is an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University, where he earned his BFA and MFA degrees. Ladd was honored with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the State University of New York and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. He was also shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards and received recognition from several organizations, including the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, American Illustration, and the American Library Association.

JoAnn Onofre ’04

JoAnn Onofre is an Afro-Indigenous Honduran American documentary photographer, born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn and currently residing in the Bronx, NY. Through her lens, JoAnn is committed to highlighting Black and Brown communities across the globe. From her early days of filming at legendary music venues throughout NYC to documenting everyday life in the rural Garifuna pueblos of Honduras and to her most recent travels crossing the pond capturing British Afro-Caribbean life in London, UK. JoAnn is dedicated to documenting the true essence and spirit of her subjects. After photographing mainly in digital format for over 10 years, JoAnn recently fell in love with the film photography process; it has now become her favorite medium to shoot portraiture. Her current photo series (working title) “Nuestra Hijas” translated in English “Our Daughters”,redefines traditional father and daughter relationships, while connecting with her audience. JoAnn is a Syracuse University Alum (Class of 04’) with a major in Communication Rhetorical Studies and a double minor in Anthropology and African American Studies. She has been a media professional for 20 years & has worked with MTV, BET, HBO, Travel Channel, and Complex Networks, just to name a few. JoAnn recently expanded her photography training at the Bronx Documentary Center, a non-profit gallery and educational space for aspiring and professional photographers in the Bronx, NY. When JoAnn isn’t licensing your favorite songs, photos, or TV series, she’s traveling to Europe, visiting local museums, and trying new cuisines.

Cedric T. Bolton G’18

Multi-genre artist, Cedric T. Bolton (a.k.a. Blackman Preach), is an award-winning spoken word poet, music producer, recording artist, entrepreneur, scholar, and content influencer. Cedric received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University and a Master’ in Cultural Foundations at Syracuse University. He is the architect of Poetic Black Fusion,

a poetry organization that provides access and opportunities to poets of African Ancestry; co-founder of Voices Merging, a student-led spoken word poetry organization at the University of Minnesota that provides a social outlet for undergraduate writers—to develop, network and express themselves on stage; co-developer of Verbal Blend, a multi-ethnic spoken word poetry program for student writers at Syracuse University; and co-founder of Nu Rho Poetic Society. Cedric is an adjunct instructor with the Renée Crown University Honors Program at Syracuse University. He has recorded three spoken-word poetry albums with music; The State of the Ghetto Address, Bumpy Tymes, and 12 Years Gone.

He published a chapbook entitled The State of the Ghetto Address. He has mentored students, staff, faculty, and community writers to be confident in their voice and writing for twenty-five years. His writer’s workshops are the embodiment of community, family, and the continuing presence of “One Mic, One Voice.”

Chelsea Reeves ’24

Chelsea Reeves, a Newark, New Jersey native, is currently pursuing a degree in Public Relations, on the Sports Media & Communications Track at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Passionate about photography, Chelsea is employed with Syracuse Athletics as a sports photographer, and also does freelance work. Every year Chelsea holds a solo exhibition to showcase her photography work. Through the exhibitions, she aims to merge different campus communities and cultivate a safe environment for creative expression. Chelsea is determined to intertwine her passion for photography and her degree to champion rights and foster equitable opportunities for women athletes of color. She is open to collaborating and networking within the realms of sports, media, and civic engagement.

 

Tony International Live Jazz Under Spoken Word Returns to CFAC This Fall

Tony International Live Jazz Under Spoken Word Community Concert

Get ready to groove to the sounds of Tony International Live Jazz!  Join us on Friday,  October 4th at The Community Folk Art Center for a night of musical and spoken word performances by the talent folks of our community featuring house band SMX Shawn Seals. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the show will begin at 7:00 PM. General admission for this event is $20.00.

 

La Joven Guardia del Latino Theater Inc. in collaboration with Community Folk Art Center presents “Life is a Dream.”

 La vida es sueño 2024 Cast performed by LA JOVEN GUARDIA DEL TEATRO LATINO INC

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Community Folk Art Center!  Join us in the Blackbox Theater October 9th – 12th at 8:00 PM for “La Vida es Sueño” Life is a Dream, A Spanish language play written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, adapted by Brad Beckman , and directed by by José Miguel Hernández Hurtado. This enchanting production from the Spanish Golden Age of Theatre tells the story of reality, free will, and destiny. General Admission is only $5.00 and all proceeds will support La Joven Guardia del Latino Theater Inc. whose mission is committed to the enrichment and education of underprivileged children and youth in a pre-professional theater environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth.

Wednesday, October 9th – Saturday, October 12th 
8:00 PM –9:00 PM |
Tickets available at the door $5.00
Community Folk Art Center, Black Box Theater

 

Seasonal Visual Art Classes Now Offered at CFAC

Happy Autumn from the Community Folk Art Center! Get inspired by the beauty of fall in Central New York with our new visual arts class : Autumn Creations Instructed by Kimberley Archer.  In this fun and relaxing biweekly class participants will create their very own masks, seasonal wreathes, painted pumpkins, and sunflower mosaics.

Autumn Creations : CFAC Fall Arts & Crafts Classes For Adults

 October 1st – October 24th | Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Register Today

 

Snaps & Taps At CFAC Open Mic Night

Snaps & Taps at CFAC is back this fall for another open mic night filled with talent, creativity and entertainment. Whether you’re a poet, musician or just love to appreciate raw talent, this open mic is the place to be. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, September 25th Doors Open at 6:30 PM | Community Folk Art Center : Blackbox Theater 

Save Your Seat

Poetic Black Fusion Writers Workshop

Connect with your community through a hands-on writing workshop. Join Cedric T. Bolon and Kofi Antwi on Saturday, September 21st at 12:00 PM for Poetic Black Fusion writer’s workshop! Poetic Black Fusion is a writers’ workshop that provides access and opportunities to poets of the African diaspora living in Central New York. This program is a social outlet for community members to develop as writers, and express themselves from the page to the stage. This event is free and open to the community.

Register Here

CBT : CFAC Alumni Art Exhibit and Panel Discussion

Join us at the Community Folk Art Center for a panel discussion and alumni art exhibition. This group exhibition will feature the works of London Ladd, JoAnn Onofre, Chelsea Reeves, and Cedric T. Bolton. This event is free and open to the public, a light breakfast will be provided.

Saturday, September 14th 
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Community Folk Art Center, Gallery

RSVP Here

JMAD Presents : A Tribute to Walter Hawkins

The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) celebrates Gospel Heritage Month with an uplifting tribute to Walter Hawkins performed by Burnell Reid. With special guest vocalists :Bishop Bernard Alex, Eric T. Dickson, Evelyn Ingram, Mary Carrol, Sandra Miller & Marcia Hagan! Join us in the Blackbox Theater on Friday, September 6th for an evening of music and fellowship. Doors open at 6:30 PM, General Admission is $25.00 Pre-sale and $35.00 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase online and in person during our normal business hours.

Purchase Tickets

Meet The Headliner 

Syracuse, NY’s very own Burnell is a musical force to be reckoned with. A prolific singer and musician, Burnell has worked with a diverse range of artists, from local talents to world-renowned acts, in the gospel, christian, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B genres. With his newest initiative, ‘Movement,’ Burnell continues to inspire and motivate, using music as a tool to empower and uplift both the young and old.

FROM CUBA TO CUSE: A play by José Miguel Hernández Hurtado

Flyer of From Cuba To Cuse animated image of person with animals and children.

Community Folk Art Center is elated to present Jose Miguel Hernandez Hurtado’s one-man play From Cuba to ‘Cuse, in celebration of Latine Heritage Month.  From Cuba to ‘Cuse is Jose Miguel’s story of his journey from his homeland Cuba to Syracuse, New York. His one-man play will take you through his transition and culture shock in the United States. Join us on September 20th  at 8:00 PM for the 14th anniversary showing of From Cuba to ‘Cuse. General admission is $25.00 additional donations are welcomed to support La Joven Guardia del Teatro.

“People, Please.” By Anthony “T0NEWASH” Washington

Image of People Please Exhibition at the Community Folk Art Center

On view from June 24th – August 30th, 2024

Artist Talk : Saturday July 27th 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

The Community Folk Art Center presents “People, Please.”, a solo exhibition of 41 mixed media and photography pieces from Syracuse-based artist, Anthony Washington. This dynamic exhibition offers a unique narrative through the coming of age of a neurodivergent black man experiencing life as an artist in white suburbia. “I was recently diagnosed with severe ADHD at age 35. This gave me an entirely new perspective on my struggles during childhood, and as a young adult” says Anthony.

As a black neurodivergent artist, hip hop music, particularly elements of sampling, jazz, soul, and graffiti have shaped Washington’s identity as a black man. Throughout his upbringing, he silently found blackness in a whitewashed community through hip-hop and protected himself through his headphones, locs, camera, sketchbook, and cans of spray paint. The places he called “home” as a young adult were ultimately just environments of chaos where he stored his belongings.  “There is a unique expectation that applies to being raised in an environment where the color of your skin poses a threat to the status quo. “My objective is to encourage young black men like me to express themselves freely without stigmatization and find their voices wherever they exist.” Says artist, Anthony Washington.

About the Artist: Anthony Washington is a multi-faceted artist from Syracuse, NY. Anthony creates visual music through his drawings, paintings, photography, and street art. Using a wide range of materials he finds in his environment, Anthony tells a narrative of his experience as a neurodivergent black man growing up in a predominantly white landscape.