Join us for a two-part workshop with exhibiting artist Sofía Luz Pérez and Syracuse artist Cayetano Valenzuela. In this workshop, Cayetano Valenzuela and Sofía Luz Pérez will share their own practices and processes in making a portrait/self-portrait and ask participants to create a portrait or self-portrait. The emphasis of the portrait should be on identity and cultural background/ancestry, but they encourage everyone to delve into any part of themselves or the person they are drawn to portraying. This is a free workshop with limited space available. We ask that you attend both sessions. Art supplies will be provided and you are welcome to also bring your own. Workshop #1 April 28 2-4pm Week one will begin by detailing their approach to creating a portrait, which can include any research that needs to be done, any preliminary sketches and references, and then materials to be used. They will present their art to demonstrate their processes. Workshop #2 May 5 2-4pm In the second workshop (Sunday May 5th) , they will help guide everyone to use their materials and research to create their own portraits/self-portraits. Everyone is encouraged and welcomed to bring in materials to draw and/or collage. Materials can include colored pencil, pen, oil pastels, magazine cut-outs, any kind of paper/collage material that can be adhered to paper or canvas.

The Syracuse Orchestra welcomes back Monica Fosnaugh, English horn player from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, to join principal trumpet John Raschella in a performance of Copland’s Quiet City. The work is bookended by Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony at the start and Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major to complete the afternoon.

There will be a meeting of the Neighborhood Preservation (Homeless and Housing Vulnerable) Committee on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers, third floor, City Hall.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss an update on the Syracuse Housing Study and strategies to address housing insecurity in the City of Syracuse.

Sofía Luz Pérez is a Mexican American artist born in Austin, Texas and raised in Central New York. Her work often depicts ancient feminine archetypes while referencing self-portraiture, bringing together the ancient wisdom of her pre-Colombian cultural heritage with her present-day self. “My practice stems from an inner narrative that I’m working through. Much of my work has been inspired by the experience I’ve had with healing illness, and by the healing of generational family trauma. I address both the physical and nonphysical (spiritual) aspects of those processes. I began drawing self-portraits to document my process and progression in the aftermath of the diagnosis.” “Since then, I usually depict a fusion of self-portraiture and images of empowerment with symbolism from my ancestral heritage. I often reference archetypes through the powerful goddess imagery from Aztec mythology. I began my exploration into my ancient indigenous heritage many years ago, and it has been a key component in my creative practice.” Hours: Wednesday – Friday 2–6pm Saturday 12–4pm

May 1 - 19, 2024 Book by Enda Walsh | Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová | Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney | Directed by Melissa Crespo | Music Direction by Pearl Rhein | Choreographed by Fatima Sowe | Scenic Design by Rodrigo Escalante | Co-Costume Design by Jerry Johnson and Carmen Martinez | Lighting Design by Matthew Webb | Sound Design by Jacqueline R. Herter The exuberant spirit of a lively pub session (what the Irish call craic) meets an out-of-the-ordinary love story in this irresistible musical based on the beloved indie film. Guy has been busking on Dublin’s Grafton St. for too long. He’s ready to chuck his music and forget the girlfriend who relocated to New York. Girl is an émigré from the Czech Republic with a tangled personal life, a passion for music and a belief in Guy and his songs. It’s a complicated business this love. It doesn’t always turn out as expected. Sometimes, that’s ok. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards and winner of eight, including Best Musical, “Once” is a warmly affecting show that understands the power of music to move the human heart. “Hearts soar and music shimmers in this deeply-felt, generous musical.” – The Guardian    

Cellist and violinist from our Orchestra provide beautiful calming melodies to soothe your soul!

Sofía Luz Pérez is a Mexican American artist born in Austin, Texas and raised in Central New York. Her work often depicts ancient feminine archetypes while referencing self-portraiture, bringing together the ancient wisdom of her pre-Colombian cultural heritage with her present-day self. “My practice stems from an inner narrative that I’m working through. Much of my work has been inspired by the experience I’ve had with healing illness, and by the healing of generational family trauma. I address both the physical and nonphysical (spiritual) aspects of those processes. I began drawing self-portraits to document my process and progression in the aftermath of the diagnosis.” “Since then, I usually depict a fusion of self-portraiture and images of empowerment with symbolism from my ancestral heritage. I often reference archetypes through the powerful goddess imagery from Aztec mythology. I began my exploration into my ancient indigenous heritage many years ago, and it has been a key component in my creative practice.” Hours: Wednesday – Friday 2–6pm Saturday 12–4pm

Join us to explore Sofía Luz Pérez’s: ‘My Shadow is my Teacher’. Leading the workshop will be Jessica Fundalinski, Doctoral Student at the Syracuse University School of Education. Participants will examine artwork in the gallery through thinking routines, consider how the artist has explored issues of identity and explore what we might do as educators to address such topics in our own curriculum. Your $10 fee includes dinner from Thanos Import Market with your choice of sandwich. Objectives: Examine the gallery exhibition through the pedagogy of arts integration, including Artful Thinking Routines Consider how the artist has explored ideas around identity and reflect on what unique advantages art objects might offer as a means of discussing identity in the classroom Engage in creative writing to consider what shapes our identities as educators.

Join the Africa Initiative’s annual Black Arts & Culture Night  for an evening of art, performances, music, food, and fun! Thursday, May 2nd  6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Community Folk Art Center, Gallery | Free and Open To The Public

Sofía Luz Pérez is a Mexican American artist born in Austin, Texas and raised in Central New York. Her work often depicts ancient feminine archetypes while referencing self-portraiture, bringing together the ancient wisdom of her pre-Colombian cultural heritage with her present-day self. “My practice stems from an inner narrative that I’m working through. Much of my work has been inspired by the experience I’ve had with healing illness, and by the healing of generational family trauma. I address both the physical and nonphysical (spiritual) aspects of those processes. I began drawing self-portraits to document my process and progression in the aftermath of the diagnosis.” “Since then, I usually depict a fusion of self-portraiture and images of empowerment with symbolism from my ancestral heritage. I often reference archetypes through the powerful goddess imagery from Aztec mythology. I began my exploration into my ancient indigenous heritage many years ago, and it has been a key component in my creative practice.” Hours: Wednesday – Friday 2–6pm Saturday 12–4pm

Commons Lounge: Join us for an evening of music, celebration, and unity presented by The Syracuse Orchestra and CNY Pride. The performance features music by LGBTQ+ composers & allies — from Bernstein to Madonna and Caroline Shaw to Lady Gaga plus drag performers. Have fun while you support live music and inclusivity in our community. Enjoy tasty snacks from Three Lives and a cash bar. A portion of the ticket sales for this event will benefit CNY Pride. Note: Portions of the event will contain mature content. No one under age 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.

Join us Friday, May 3rd in the Blackbox Theater for a night of incredible live music and spoken word with house band SMX Shawn Seals and other local artists. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show will begin at 7:00 PM. General admission for this event is $20.00. To purchase tickets please get in touch with event headliner, Tony Eiland at 315-876-2284.

Curious about the instruments our musicians play in the Orchestra? Stop by with your kids to learn about the instruments and how they work! FREE!

Sofía Luz Pérez is a Mexican American artist born in Austin, Texas and raised in Central New York. Her work often depicts ancient feminine archetypes while referencing self-portraiture, bringing together the ancient wisdom of her pre-Colombian cultural heritage with her present-day self. “My practice stems from an inner narrative that I’m working through. Much of my work has been inspired by the experience I’ve had with healing illness, and by the healing of generational family trauma. I address both the physical and nonphysical (spiritual) aspects of those processes. I began drawing self-portraits to document my process and progression in the aftermath of the diagnosis.” “Since then, I usually depict a fusion of self-portraiture and images of empowerment with symbolism from my ancestral heritage. I often reference archetypes through the powerful goddess imagery from Aztec mythology. I began my exploration into my ancient indigenous heritage many years ago, and it has been a key component in my creative practice.” Hours: Wednesday – Friday 2–6pm Saturday 12–4pm

Downstairs in Commons Lounge near Burlington, our string quartet performs: Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Theme, Final Fantasy Theme, Tetris, Uncharted: Nate’s Theme, Halo Theme, Kingdom Hearts, World of Warcraft, Chrono Trigger, Civilization

Downstairs in Commons Lounge near Burlington, our string quartet performs: Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Theme, Final Fantasy Theme, Tetris, Uncharted: Nate’s Theme, Halo Theme, Kingdom Hearts, World of Warcraft, Chrono Trigger, Civilization

Commons Lounge: Join us for an evening of music, celebration, and unity presented by The Syracuse Orchestra and CNY Pride. The performance features music by LGBTQ+ composers & allies — from Bernstein to Madonna and Caroline Shaw to Lady Gaga plus drag performers. Have fun while you support live music and inclusivity in our community. Enjoy tasty snacks from Three Lives and a cash bar. A portion of the ticket sales for this event will benefit CNY Pride. Note: Portions of the event will contain mature content. No one under age 17 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.