Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published February 22, 2019.

Where are you originally from? What brought you to Rochester at this time in your life?

I grew up in Webster. I went to Nazareth for my undergrad and master’s. I teach 3rd-5th grade art in Greece now. There are only a few art education programs in New York, so I picked Naz and lived on campus. I felt like I wasn’t at home anymore even though I was still close to where I grew up.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems around Rochester?

We have more gems now; it felt like there wasn’t at on to do when we were growing up. We’d go to the same places over and over, like Java’s, Starry Nites, and Water Street. Now, I love living near Ellison Park. It’s fun to see how things have changed over the years.

What are some of your favorite, unique Rochester events?

All the craft shows. Lilac Festival always falls on my birthday, so I usually go with my mom or with friends. I’m applying to be a vendor at it this year! I love Mayday Underground. The Brainery is a favorite spot of mine—I love any event Danielle puts on. She does a great job supporting creatives of any genre.

What are some of your favorite nonprofits to support? 

The National Park system—I try to stay active with that. I want to partner with more local nonprofits as my business grows.

Guitars for Glory is a big one for me too—my boyfriend is a part of that nonprofit. They provide musical instruments and training for musicians around the world so they can use them for worship.

If you had $100, how would you spend the money in Rochester? 

I’d go to Fuego and grab my morning coffee. Then I’d have breakfast at Fifth Frame or Steve’s Diner. Afterwards, I’d go shopping at Peppermint. Then maybe I’d have a meal at Swifwater; it’s our spot. 

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

Dogtown. I can’t have dairy now, so I’ll have to stay away from my usual cheeseburger plate, though.

What's your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

Doing as much art as possible—it’s nice to have my business on the side of my full-time job. My dog loves to go outside regardless of the weather, so we’ll go to Ellison Park or Corbett’s Glen. I’ve been enjoying having her to get me outside more.

What's your favorite Rochester memory? 

I vividly remember riding the monorail at Midtown, seeing Santa, and visiting my dad’s office downtown in Chase Tower (I refuse to call it the Metropolitan). Also, going down to Charlotte, eating Bill Gray’s, and going in the water.

What makes Rochester unique? 

Definitely the creatives, the art scene—there’s nothing like it. Everyone genuinely supports each other. Local businesses are supportive too—they carry our art. There are lots of opportunities here. Plus, we have an amazing food scene, and there’s always something to do. You have a lot of options—you can always go explore the scenery of a suburb for a day if you need a change of pace.

What do you think could be improved? 

We’re doing a lot of great things—like building up, and getting rid of the Inner Loop. But it still feels like there are two different Rochesters. We need to be more unified, and have more events that attract more of Rochester—like the Roc Holiday Village and wiffleball on Parcel 5.

Also, I’d love to see more dog-friendly spots around town!

If Rochester was a type of art, what would it be?

Abstract art—it’s colorful and diverse, with different people coming together and getting along.

Who inspires you?

My high school art teacher is the reason I wanted to be an art teacher—she had such an amazing ability to be focused and inspire us. My colleagues and the staff at my school are wonderful—a real community and support system. Lots of small business owners in Rochester are awesome and supportive. These women create a genuine sense of community in their own spaces, like Danielle of the Brainery, Tanvi from Peppermint, and Shelby from Little Button.

Where do you go to get inspired?

The Conservatory—which is funny, because it’s such a popular, Instagrammed spot now and I used to go there all the time growing up. Ellison Park, Webster Park. My art is often nature or brewery-inspired. It’s a local love kind of thing more than a beer thing. I made my first print for my boyfriend for Christmas, and people wanted to buy it! It was inspired by our regular date nights at Merchant’s Grill, where we would always get dollar Gennies.

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

Invest in the community. Opportunities happen naturally if you’re kind to everyone. That should be first and foremost. There are lots of opportunities to learn. Ask for help. It’s a great place to learn, work, and be. Also, you can charge more than you think.