For the past four years, the organization based in Schenectady’s historic Stockade neighborhood has put on an art gallery in collaboration with C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios. Featured in the exhibit are YWCA employees and residents, as well as community members who submit their work. In previous years, the gallery was on display throughout March as a nod to International Women’s Month, while this year they expanded the call for artists and are displaying the works throughout June, which is Pride month. The gallery is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout June at 44 Washington Ave.
More than a dozen works in multiple mediums are on display, with artists bringing a variety of perspectives.
Fany De La Cruz moved to Schenectady from the Dominican Republic four years ago. Around that time, she began painting with encouragement from a YWCA counselor.
“Since that day, I’ve been in love. It’s something that heals me,” she said.
On display were three works of hers, “I’m Here. Not Leaving Nowhere,” “I See You,” and “Fenix Phoenix.”
Jude Dolton, of Glens Falls, poses for a photo beside two photographs of her’s on display at the YWCA in Schenectady.
“I’m Here. Not Leaving Nowhere” depicts a chick who’s just hatched. Thoughtful texture in his young, fluffy feathers makes for a realistic portrayal of the baby bird. De La Cruz was inspired to paint something depicting bravery and boldness — a refusal to shy away. Surrounding the chick are light pink flowers in a simpler style.
“I wanted him to stand out, nothing competing against him,” said De La Cruz.
For photographer Sue Clark of Schenectady, things got a little more surreal. Mannequins, dressed and posed for store windows, are the subjects of her photos.
“People think dolls and mannequins are creepy, I wanted to show people that no, they actually can be beautiful,” said Clark.
The doll-like faces with neon bob haircuts walk a line between scary and serene. Clark frames the subject in different positions, almost tricking you into thinking the model is a human woman being directed for each shot.
Jude Dolton, another photographer, also takes a creative approach to realism. With a focus on concert photography, she captures artists as they are and uses light to create a radiant affect around them. Colorful lines and soft blurs accentuate the emotion in both the performance and audience.
One such picture was of popular indie artist Ethel Cain. The photo appears at first to be a close up of Cain’s hand tattoos, but right next to them is a fan overcome with excitement as the artist nears.
“This one was actually kind of dark, but when I saw her face like that I knew I had to brighten it up,” said Dolton, who lives in Glens Falls.
Three-dimensional works also made their way into the gallery. Tamara Flanders comes from a family of woodworkers and, in recent years, ventured into the practice herself. She has since built a cache of functional products such as bowls, pens and perfume atomizers.
A few of the paintings on display at the YWCA “Together in Color” gallery are pictured here at the YWCA office in Schenectady.
“It’s really satisfying to come up with different designs…a combination of practicality and fun,” said Flanders, a YWCA employee who’s been featured in all the shows so far.
Dozens more creations are on display throughout June, with room for a few more. To submit work for the gallery and add to the eclectic collection, email Administrative Coordinator Danielle Schimpf at dschimpf@ywca-neny.org.
“The mixture creates the magic in the space,” said YWCA CEO Kim Siciliano.
