Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published April 11, 2019.

Where are you originally from? How did you end up in Rochester at this time in your life?

I was born and raised here in Rochester; it’s where my family has roots. Everyone in my family grew up and stayed here, and I grew up thinking I’d do the same. I started my business right out of college; leaving Rochester didn’t feel right. I grew up on the west side of town in Chili; now I’m building a house there with my fiance. I attended RIT for my undergrad, where I majored in Illustration. I started my business senior year and they helped me set up my website.

What are some hidden gems you've discovered around Rochester?

• My dad owns The Inn on Broadway, so I’m always telling people about that.
• Leaf and Bean in Chili is my go-to coffee place.
• School of the Arts as a Fringe venue was great; I felt really supported there.
• I went to Aquinas; that’s a hidden gem.
• West Elm at the Culver Road Armory.
• The Geisel Gallery in the Bausch & Lomb Building; Jean Geisel is a boss lady. My artwork will be up there next year in May for my wedding at the Wintergarden!
• Makers Gallery is another good one—I love that place.
• It’s not a hidden gem, but I love WALLTHERAPY. It’s been a goal of mine to have my own mural in the city one day. I love how the murals brighten up Rochester and bring the city to life!

What's the most unique or interesting event you've attended in Rochester?

I was a performer at the Fringe Festival last year for the first time, so I’d definitely say Fringe! I didn’t realize what a huge community gathers for it. They have so many different venues, which really made me realize how much people here support other people’s dreams.

I was first introduced to Fringe when I saw people running on buildings—I think it was called Bandaloop. I saw that and thought to myself “If they can do something that cool, so can I!”

My show was called “The Painter” and it incorporated both live painting and dance. It gave people expression to do what they wanted and not have to be perfect. Live painting gives you that same adrenaline rush you get from performing, and then dancing at the same time, physically moving, added a whole other element. This year I’m hoping to do two shows and hopefully get my dad involved too.

If you had $100 and 2 hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time?

I’d probably go get a glass of wine in the afternoon—I’d find somewhere new I haven’t gone yet, and bring along a friend and treat them. Then I’d get dessert, probably ice cream at Sprinkles.

What's the best place to get a garbage plate? 

Steve D’s is my go-to. It’s such a classic.

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

Coffee and painting. A good painting session or sketching helps. It breaks down that angst. You see your subconscious ideas on paper, doodle, latch onto items, and unwind. I try to switch up my workspaces a lot, wear big fuzzy sweaters or cute, comfy clothes, and lay by the fireplace.

What is your favorite Rochester memory? 

Jazz Fest—I love the vibes that the festival brings to downtown. I’m always at the Inn on Broadway doing live painting outside. Jazz Fest brings people out of the woodwork! The whole festival really shows you how passionate Rochester is about music.

What makes Rochester unique? 

I think it’s up and coming. Rochester is constantly evolving, but it doesn’t lose its history at the same time. It’s reinventing itself with new generations; it’s never stale. The people in it are so important to its thriving. I always heard people in high school saying they wanted to get out of here, but I never knew or understood why. It just seemed to be like the thing to say. Now I’m continuing to push myself to explore my city.

If Rochester was a food, what would it be?

It would be a chocolate chip cookie. You eat it for the chocolate chips, so you have to search for the goodness a little bit. It’s also warm and comforting.

After college, I worked abroad for a month doing live painting on a cruise ship. Branching out was hard for me; I had done everything local my whole life. When I came home and felt like I’d found my niche, it was such a good feeling, like biting into a warm chocolate chip cookie.

How would you describe the arts community in Rochester?

It’s super supportive. I first got to know it through Roc Girl Gang, which helped me realize how supportive women in Rochester are. Social media has pushed me to meet more people. And I like the art scene here because everyone is different—you’re always learning from others whether they know it or not. And seeing those social media connections in real life is great; you find that you had so much more support than you ever realized. We have so many local shops and boutiques that are looking for people to join their tribe. There’s a constant search for uniqueness, and art is the characteristic that people need everywhere.

Who inspires you?

The Cordaros. They are art royalty—goals! I was attracted to Cordell’s work before I got to know Rachel’s. I love their collaborations. And they’re so nice, too! Joan Lincoln, who owns Panache, is the most supportive, uplifting lady I’ve met. She’s a powerhouse. She forces me to push my boundaries. My family. My fiance’s good work ethic. Anytime I’m at a show with other artists. Monet, Van Gogh, and classic artists like that are great foundations to learn from. There’s no use in copying others, you’ve just got to find your own style. I now have more of an idea of what kind of artist I want to be—bubbly, uplifting, happy—I think that’s what people need in their lives.

Where do you go to get inspired?

High Falls is really pretty to look at; I feel very free, open, and inspired when I’m there. I also enjoy walking around the city, looking at the buildings, and absorbing how small we are.

What advice would you give to up and coming artists in Rochester?

Making connections is the hardest part, so conquer that early on. The process of becoming an artist isn’t easy. You have to be entrepreneurial too—you have to rise above the losses. Don’t be too hard on yourself.