Now Showing: The Black Woman is Art
Introduction
Enter our secure haven and journey with us into the lives of remarkable
Black women. This exhibition will examine some of their untold stories — from
trials and tribulations to victories and successes. Here, you will see a series
of self-discoveries, sisterhood, partnerships, and a portrayal of black women
reclaiming their power in a world that often attempts to dim their light. We
believe the black woman possesses a pristine intuition, an infinite capacity
for unconditional love, and the power to birth a new Earth of peaceful life.
This once in a lifetime encounter will leave you feeling intrigued and curious
for more.
About the Curators
Erica Jae, a Rochester, NY native from the 19th ward, is a
multifaceted artist and advocate. With a degree in Social Sciences,
concentrations in mental health, she has over a decade of experience in group
homes and mental health clinics. She is a certified yoga instructor,
photographer, filmmaker, spoken word artist, wellness facilitator, community
gatherer, and mother to a two-year-old daughter. Erica's photography and
filmmaking, showcased nationally and locally by outlets like NBC Nightly News
and YES! Magazine, amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Her work,
featured at Geva Theatre, MAG, and RoCo, reflects her dedication to social
justice and community healing through creative expression.
Zharriay Callier, a Rochester native, is a model, fashion
designer, and cultural curator committed to capturing the vibrant tapestry of
Rochester’s urban life. Committed to capturing the vibrant essence of urban
life in Rochester, Zharriay focuses on Afrofuturism in art, media, and
workplaces, shattering barriers in our city's fashion scene and amplifying
voices often overlooked, making space for people of color in spaces they are
often unseen. Rooted in personal exploration and scholarly pursuits in African
American studies and criminal justice at SUNY Brockport, Zharriay aspires to
cultivate a self-sustaining community woven with threads of creativity and
resilience.
Celebrating Rochester's Art
The City of Rochester values the visual arts as an educational and aesthetic experience. More importantly, the City sees local art as part of the culture of this region. With this in mind, the Link Gallery, established 1981, promotes the art and art culture of the area.
The Gallery, located at 30 Church St., is on the first floor of City Hall in the corridor that connects Building A to Building B. It is opened Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, handicapped accessible and open to the public, the Link is easy to get to from anywhere in the City.
Annual showcases include The Hispanic Heritage Month exhibition and The Black History Month exhibition.
RCSD X Link Gallery at City Hall
The City of
Rochester partners with the Rochester City School District to house a year-round,
permanent exhibit space for student artwork on the ground floor of City Hall. Annual showcases in the new RCSD X Link Gallery at City Hall include the winners of the district’s
annual calendar competition.