Visual Arts & Environmental Justice Art Programming

A proud unit of the African American Studies Department at Syracuse University, the Community Folk Art Center, Inc. (CFAC) is a vibrant cultural and artistic hub committed to the promotion and development of artists of the African Diaspora. Public programming includes exhibitions, film screenings, gallery talks, workshops and courses in the studio arts, including dance and ceramics.

During the course of the grant project, CFAC selected three separate visiting “artists-in-residence.” Each invited artist – one per semester for spring 2007, fall 2007, and spring 2008 – will work with the Kuumba Arts Intensive Project, a program that serves to engage Syracuse area youth in enhancing their artistic capabilities.

Spring 2007 Artists in Residence: Charley Palmer & Brantley Carroll

In the spring of 2007, Charly Palmer, nationally-recognized artist, helped youth participants develop drawing and painting skills, while Brantley Carroll, local Syracuse artist, taught the youth how to capture their artistic visions with a camera. Through their teaching, both artists encouraged youth to explore concepts of themselves, their history, and their present community.

Grant Related Exhibitions:

“Environmental Injustice and the Artist Response to Hurricane Katrina – March 3rd – April 21st, 2007
This exhibit highlighted the work of photographers, Donn Young and Gus Bennett, Jr. who were personally and professionally affected by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina. This project contains captured images of their community in the aftermath of the storm. There are two separate installations that encompass this exhibition: “40 Days and 40 Nights: Photographs by Donn Young” and “Saving A Collection: Photographs by Gus Bennett, Jr. which chronicles the efforts of archivist Linda Hill to salvage a collection of African antiquities damaged by Katrina.

“Community Action and Environmental Justice: The Damu Smith Memorial Environmental Justice Photo Exhibition and the Southside Photovoice Project”
This exhibition features two installations. The Smith Memorial Exhibition features photographs from environmental justice activists across the nation. Photos embody the work of the late Damu Smith, tireless champion of environmental and human rights.
The second exhibition, the Southside Photovoice Project” features the work of 14 African American mothers on Syracuse’ Southside in an action research project called “Photovoice”.

CFAC is a beacon of artistry, creativity and cultural expression engaging the Syracuse community, the region and the world. Visit the CFAC website to learn more.