The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) has launched a new online gallery, which enables visitors to learn more about artists from the African Diaspora and other underrepresented groups. The site will also provide a virtual means for former exhibiting artists, students, researchers, and visitors across the country to continue to gather in the spirit of creative expression and dialogue.

When CFAC’s doors closed to the public in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CFAC Executive Director Tanisha Jackson began to strategize how the 48-year-old arts organization could exhibit works, share supplemental programming, and stay connected to their patrons. In-person art openings, receptions, and gallery talks suddenly became part of an indefinite future. CFAC’s solution was to expand their community online.

"On this platform, we can showcase the artwork of artists through exhibitions as well as make a vast array of other resources available," says Jackson. "Alongside the new website, we are thrilled to be launching a new podcast series called ‘Black Art Speaks.’ The Creative Arts Academy (CAA) will provide art activities and instruction for young learners. Visitors can access the shop to purchase objects, art and apparel that bring awareness to the importance of art in our community as well as raise funds for classes and programming."

The works represented have significant research value, Jackson says. Thanks to the redesign of the online platform, these resources will be more widely available to educators, artists, critics, curators and the arts community.

Current exhibitions include “Cherilyn Beckles: Syracuse Black Lives Matter Protest,” which is part of a larger body of work showcasing Black Lives Matter Syracuse photographers. Beckles is a recent graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School master’s program in visual communications. “Jaleel Campbell: 2020,” presents the multimedia artwork of the Syracuse-based artist and recent Purchase College M.F.A. graduate. Campbell’s work demonstrates how the arts build community and Black joy. The third exhibition is CFAC’s 48th annual Competitive Teen Art Show, produced in partnership with the Syracuse chapter of Links, Inc. This annual juried exhibition presents the work of young artists from high schools in the Syracuse City School District and the surrounding areas, with prizes and scholarships available to participants.

CFAC is a cultural and artistic hub committed to the promotion and development of artists of the African Diaspora and is a unit of the Department of African American Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.