Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published August 9, 2018.

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

I’m from Pittsburgh. I came to Rochester for grad school; I studied Art Therapy at Nazareth. Shannon Halligan, an I Heart ROC alumna, was my internship coordinator! She was running Sage Arts in Village Gate at the time. I have two kids and live in West Irondequoit. I’ve been living in Rochester for 14 years now; it’s been a long journey, but I’ve discovered that this is where I’m supposed to be right now.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

I love the arts culture--there’s so much to do and see. I’ve found my niche here. I’ve made so many great connections here, especially recently.

What are some of your favorite/secret Rochester spots? 

The Artists Cave right across the street from Seabreeze. It’s this dome-shaped building where they host classes and get togethers for artists. I had a show there recently! It was one of the first authentic art connections I made that was meaningful to me. The man who owns it is a roofer by day and an artist by night. He’s just a good human being and an unbelievable artist. He’s really down to earth. He’ll feature everyone’s art, even kids’ art--it’s all equally art to him.

I’d been driving past it for ages, and one day, finally, I just went in. I was in the midst of separating from my husband and it was a really difficult time, so I’d go for long drives to get away for awhile. When I stopped into the Artist’s Cave that first time, I stayed for two hours and didn’t even realize it. It was this inspiring moment before the next new chapter of my life. The owner composes music and plays piano. He played me this song while I was looking at his painting, and it moved. He had painted the notes into the painting. It was just incredible. He’s a super creative guy and he just gets it. He’s so encouraging.

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

I’d check out the work of other local artists and buy more art. It’s something I don’t do enough of. I’ve been amazed by other people’s art. I have to focus on my own art to live, but I see so much value in supporting fellow artists.

What's your favorite restaurant in Rochester? 

Atlas Eats--I’ve only been once, for one of their dinners, an Irish one. Everything was unbelievable. I need to go back!

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

Definitely art--that’s the theme of my life. Pittsburgh weather isn’t that different from here, it’s pretty drab sometimes. Art has always helped to take me out of things, to change my perspective and my mood.

What is your favorite Rochester memory?

I participated in the Irondequoit Art Trail, and it was the first time I took a step out into the art community. I met the best people. It’s been a hard transition for me--Rochester didn’t feel like home for me for a long time, and being here was a hard pill to swallow. When I signed up for the Irondequoit Art Trail, I did it begrudgingly at first, but it was an amazing experience and I felt so connected to the local arts community.

What makes Rochester unique?

I feel such a huge sense of community here. There’s so much culture and so much going on, and so many open-minded people! Everyone is willing to share things here, and that’s something I’ve really had my eyes opened to recently.

If Rochester was an animal, what would it be?

It would be a peacock. The colors represent all the different cultures, people, and experiences you’ll find if you look at the right time and in the right light. Otherwise, it might seem unapproachable or uninteresting.

How long have you been creating art? What got you into it originally?

I’ve been creating art my whole life. I remember watching the Winter Olympics at age six and having to draw it. Art has always been something I have to do, not just something I want to do. After my divorce, I really started making art for myself and for my kids. I had to. I had to figure it all out. Art is something I can never leave; it’s my constant.

How would you describe the arts community in Rochester?

It’s totally alive and dynamic. It’s always changing. The more you look around, the more you find. There are different experiences and points of view everywhere. It’s an all-inclusive community, too. I’ve had shows at the Artists Cave and Whitman Works. They both have totally different feels, but I fit in both places.

Where do you go in Rochester to get inspired?

I’m inspired all the time by everything! Colors, sounds, people. I saw the Mr. Rogers movie recently and found his message of love, peace, and patience deeply inspiring. I don’t set out to be inspired, I just find it all around me all the time.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to Rochester and looking to get to know the area?

Explore. Check out everything around you. I came in to Rochester and latched on to others, but in the last 2-3 years, I’ve found so much through social media. Step out, search mindfully, and don’t be afraid. Let go of the fear that you’re not good enough or not established enough. Be brave and go connect with other people.