Central New York Magazine - September/October 2023 preview

FORGOTTEN MATERIALS FIND NEW LIFE IN HANDS LIFE IN OF ARTISTS

9 MUSEUMS HIGHLIGHT MEANINGFUL AND SOMETIMES QUIRKY HISTORY HISTORY

SYRACUSE PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES HALLOWEEN’S HUMOR

ARTIST’S HOME DAZZLES WITH VINTAGE STYLE AND AND CHARM

PROGRAMS OPEN ARTS WORLD TO PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES

PRESIDENT

Tim Kennedy

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF THE GOOD LIFE

Annette Peters

315-282-8527 apeters@advancemediany.com

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Lindsay Marlenga lmarlenga@advancemediany.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Gerry Bauer 315-470-3118 gbauer@advancelocal.com

MAGAZINE/EVENTS

SALES MANAGER

Jennifer K. Queri 315-282-8622 jqueri@advancemediany.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

Debbie Feeley 315-282-8573 dfeeley@advancemediany.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Amy Bleier Long 315-282-8553 ableierlong@advancemediany.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

MJ Kravec 315-766-7833 mkravec@advancemediany.com

DESIGNERS Susan Santola ssantola@advancelocal.com

Kimberly Worner kworner@advancelocal.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE 315-282-8622

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Contact Jennifer Queri or visit readcnymagazine.com

ON THE COVER

“A Blink of a Wise Woman” by Robert Szpak, a painter frequently featured in ARISE’s “UNIQUE” magazine. Cover design by Susan Santola. See story, page 54.

The Good Life, Central New York Magazine (ISSN 1931-194X) is published six times a year by Advance Media New York, 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, New York 13202. The Post-Standard © 2023. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic/digital, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission.

All material submitted to Central New York Magazine becomes the property of Advance Media New York, publishers of The Post-Standard and Central New York Magazine. It will not be returned. Such a submission, to name a few examples, may be a letter to the editor, a cartoon, a picture, a poem and the like. Any such material may be excerpted, edited for length or content, and may be published or used in any other way. For example, on Syracuse.com or in The Post-Standard.

See the art in me

Kurt Vonnegut stated in “A Man Without a Country,” a collection of autobiographical essays, “Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”

I’ve enjoyed his perspective on so many things and agree with him again. Not only do artistic endeavors have the ability to enrich each of us personally (see p. 14 for an example), they also bring so much to a community: beauty, civic pride, engagement, thoughtful criticism and exploration. There are endless examples of this in Central New York.

This magazine, if you’ll indulge me, is one of them. From the stories we tell through words and imagery to the vibrant layouts and decorative flourishes so expertly added by our designers, we aim to entertain and intrigue our readers, and occasionally challenge your perceptions of life in CNY. We’re proud of what the region has to offer and this is the physical expression of that pride.

In this issue, we talk to artists who transform unwanted materials into something new; acknowledge the profound impact inclusive arts programs have; and visit nine Upstate museums that focus on historical, cultural and very much pop-cultural subjects. Join me in ogling the exquisite mid-century home and interior design choices of illustrator and graphic designer Amanda Albert and her husband, Mike Sklens. I’m also thrilled that Jess Montgomery, the photographer behind the fabulous annual 31 Days of Halloween series, wanted to share her creative process with us.

In other stories, we’ll forage for mushrooms, see what the buzz is about at FlynnStoned Cannabis Company, meet a rising star in media and philanthropy, celebrate the debut solo album of an award-winning songwriter and musician, learn to appreciate the fallen leaves and more.

Enjoy! (And feel free to use the pages to make a collage or vision board when you’re done reading.)

As always, we’d love to hear from you about story ideas, thoughts, tips, suggestions, you name it. Drop us a line at info@readcnymagazine.com. And now, a word from our contributors:

Alaina Potrikus Beckett

“Walking into the house was like stepping back in time. Every corner and cabinet was expertly curated — a photographer’s dream assignment!”

On shooting the home of Amanda Albert and Mike Sklens

Jordan Scott

“I enjoyed reading through Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell’s collection and trying to piece together her dance career. Overall, learning about WilkinsMitchell and dance in Syracuse was a joy.”

On writing about ballerina Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell

Amy Bleier Long ableierlong@advancemediany.com

BY

SUSAN SANTOLA, PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT, JORDAN SCOTT

For

Art

Retro

PHOTO BY AMELIA BEAMISH

In every issue

6 Editor's Letter

100 Galleries

105 Flashback with OHA: Ballet Dancer Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell

106 Last Word: Costume Designer Katharine Tarkulich

Westside

BY JOEY PAGANO

The Westside neighborhoods of Syracuse were once an industrial center, with automobiles, typewriters, lanterns and machinery among the goods manufactured there. Now these former factories hum with new life from small businesses, artists and makers and apartments. The Near Westside, Westside and Far Westside are enhanced by the tireless efforts of many community activists and organizations, and by the diverse, dedicated residents who see even more potential.

GRAB A BITE

Looking for one of the biggest burritos in town? Head over to Ponchito’s Taqueria. Find Puerto Rican favorites at Don Juan Café Restaurant and Jandy Restaurant. Enjoy Italian dishes at Strada Mia. For sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas, stop into The Deli at 700. Like its other locations, Brooklyn Pickle West is known for large sandwiches and homemade soups. Sabatino’s Pizza Deli and Grocery offers pizza, wings, sandwiches and is open late. Pick up takeout from China House Restaurant. Feed your craving for nachos, burgers or a Philly cheesesteak at Salt City Kitchen & Catering, which also serves the tacos from ghost kitchen Baja Cali Taco Co Cathy’s Corner Café, a catering company, opens their doors for dine-in on special occasions like Mother’s Day and for private special events. Indulge in breads, tarts, donuts, holiday baked goods and half-moons at perennial favorite Harrison Bakery

HAVE A DRINK

Start your day with The Kind Coffee Co. or Salt City Coffee Middle Ages Brewing and Jus Sum Jazz Lounge have cold drinks and cool music. Neighborhood bars

Calcano’s Tavern, Hoosey’s Dog House and Playmakers Sports Bar satisfy locals’ thirst. Catch queer bar and theater Wunderbar before it moves. Kings Lounge & Bistro offers a back patio and volleyball court.

SHOP LOCAL

Search for vintage treasure at Behind the Iron Gates. From refrigerators to riding mowers, visit Mike’s TV, Appliances & Power Equipment For furniture repair, restoration and custom pieces, call Old Peg Furniture Services. Don’t start a project without a stop at City Hardware True Value, and see its lovely mural. Sprucing up your home or backyard? Check out the selection of masonry materials at Paragon Supply. Choose a special floor covering at Jacobsen Rugs. Pick up groceries and a hot daily special at Brady Market. Make movie night or a party better with snacks, supplies and equipment from Popcorn Supply Company.

“The arts community has found a home on the Near Westside… People should come out to events at these artist warehouses to witness the creativity blossoming here.”

Harold Kyle, owner of Delavan Studios

Owner Sharon Washington next to the B.B. King mural at Jus Sum Jazz Lounge.

Half-moon cookies from Harrison Bakery.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Mark National Poetry Month at Point of Contact gallery’s Cruel April poetry series, relaunching in 2024. For more than 30 years, the Easter sunrise service at Burnet Park has been a reverent tradition. Discover incredible art and inspiration at open studio days at both Delavan Studios and the Gear Factory

Feel the Beat Family Fest takes place at Performance Park and the WCNY Broadcast & Education Center. Take Back the Streets holds an annual Halloween Trunk or Treat block party Brew at the Zoo and Zoo Boo are among the events held at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The Syracuse Polish Home hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Hank Wolek Beard & Mustache Contest and a Mother’s Day brunch

THINGS TO DO

Visit the engaging animals at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Co-work at the GereBlock Lounge, also the location of Plum & Mule Community Market and future site of Safe Space Organization community healing center. Take a therapeutic paint class with Chalking About Stein Art Studio or get hands on at Clayscapes Pottery. Explore impactful exhibitions at Point of Contact/Punto de Contacto. Attend an event at SALTspace

Pick out your next read at Hazard Branch Library or Mundy Branch Library La Casita Cultural Center offers a bilingual library and programs for all ages. Ride PumpTrackSYR Edge Strength and Conditioning is open 24 hours. Center yourself at Sky Yoga Academy Baseball and Softball gives private lessons. The City of Syracuse’s adult softball and volleyball leagues include locations in the Westside. Learn how to fix up your bike at volunteer-run 713 Marcellus St. Bike Kitchen. Catch a Syracuse Chargers Rugby Club match at James J. O’Connor Park.

GET OUTSIDE

Burnet Park features a pool, golf course and one of the city’s two designated sledding hills. James Pass Arboretum is a tranquil place to walk or relax.

Lipe Art Park showcases some of the neighborhood’s public art. There’s lots of room for playtime and sports at Grace & Messina Playlot, Skiddy Park, Lewis Park, Frazer Park, and Ward Bakery Park. At Leavenworth Park, enjoy a view of the Five Sisters Victorian houses. Get involved at Brady Farm (or join the CSA).

Performance Park is the site of frequent community events. Volunteer alongside activists who tend to the 610 Gifford St. Community Garden or help maintain The Stone Soup Community Garden

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GREENLAR, ELLEN M. BLALOCK

Top left, The Annual Zoo Boo Halloween event. Above, one of several murals in the neighborhood. At left, a group of friends pose for a selfie at the Annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too fundraiser for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

FALL BACK PLAN

BY AMY BLEIER LONG PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

When fall rolls back around, we can count on forest-y inspiration, mossy greens with accents of mustard and football fanaticism to come with it. Shop local for this autumnal inspiration and more.

SITTING PRETTY, Hand-painted sunflower chair, $95, The Gift Box Shoppe, 4317 Fay Road, Syracuse, 315-487-9099, thegiftboxshoppe.com.

WOODLAND WONDER

DULY NOTED Woodland notecards, $12 for pack of 4, Skaneateles 300, 2 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-1133, skaneateles300.com.

DAILY GRIND Wood pepper grinder, $36.95, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden, 59 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5803.

HOOK ‘EM

Gold antlers hook, $27.99, The Station 603, 603 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-682-8741, thestation603.com.

NUTS ABOUT THESE Acorn candlesticks, $60 for set, The Station 603.

ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT

Wood slice wall art by Happy Little Scenes, $30, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile, 217 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-546-4919, wildflowersarmory.com.

Mushroom Cove bookmarks, $23 for five, Paola Kay Gifts, 105 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville, 315-632-2192, paolakaygifts.com.

OUT ON A LIMB Table lamp, $229, M. Graham Interiors, 309 Vine Street, Suite 3, Liverpool, 315-440-6637, mgrahaminteriors.com.

MARK MY WORDS

BIRD’S THE WORD Handmade birdhouse, $61.99, The Station 603.

GNOME PLACE LIKE HOME

Glass ornament by Random Acts of Craft, $22.50, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

THIS BUD’S FOR YOU

Glass mushroom bud vases, $14 and $22, Olive + Fern, 19 North Street, Marcellus, 315-200-2464, shopolivefern.com.

HUNT AND GATHER

Cookbook, $35, The Local Branch, 4 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, thelocalbranch.co.

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE

Grapefruit pine candle, $43, Nest58, 58 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5888, nest58.com.

LEAFY LOOK

Desoto Leaf Print long sleeve, $175, Mr. Shop, 259 W. Fayette Street, Syracuse, 315-478-3938, mrshopsyracuse.com.

STAG PARTY

NOT FAR FROM THE TREE

Acorn and pinecone stoneware trinket dishes, $8 each, Synple, 70 Main Street, Camillus, 585-615-3934, shopsynple.com.

Small tray, $28, The Savage Homestead, 3 Fennell Street in the Old Stone Mill, Skaneateles, thesavagehomestead.com.

Ceramic log sculpture by Linda Malik, $195, Salt City Artisans, 226 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, 315-479-0400, saltcityartisans.com.

It’s all good

MOSS & MUSTARD

CAP IT OFF

Camp

hat with leather patch, $32, The Local Branch

CARRY ON Handmade Classic Carryall Tote in Adirondack green leather, $256, The Local Branch.

SET DOWN ROOTS

Feldberg large pot, $44, Inspired, 7468 Oswego Road, Liverpool, 315-622-3000, inspired-vhd.com.

Ruffled sleeveless green dress, $80, Synple.

Trinket tray, $18,

MUG SHOT 12 oz. camp mug, $25, Skaneateles 300.

HITS THE SPOT Green dot serving bowl with spoon, $65, Fringed Benefits, 6825 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, 315-802-4353, fringedbenefitsdesign.com.

NAILED IT

Glam and Grace nail polish, $10, Homie, 68 Main Street, Camillus, 315-663-4034, homieish.com.

TIE ONE ON Bandanas, $14 each, Inspired.

KNIT WIT Throw,

TEE TIME

COMING IN CLUTCH Wristlet/crossbody, $27.95, Two Twisted Sisters, 25 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, 315-638-1955, oliveseaterybville.com.

ON

BOWLED OVER Glass bowl, $94, Mixed Methods, 215 E. Water Street Rear, Syracuse, 315-399-1766, letsgetmixed.com.

The Little Tee in safari, $105, Skaneateles 300.

THE FRINGE Fringed pillows, $43 each, M. Graham Interiors.

SPIN A YARN Earrings by Hilos de Vicky, $12, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

$32, Inspired.

TAILGATE TIME

THEY’RE LITTLE FOOTBALLS

Earrings by Clay & Confetti Co., $12, BeeKind, 118 Milton Avenue, Syracuse, 315-299-6073, beekindsyracuse.com.

WOOD YOU BELIEVE

Wooden sign, $7.99, Witty Wicks, 190 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-672-3110, wittywicks.com.

SOCK IT TO ME

Old School crew socks, $12, Homie.

SWEATER WEATHER

Sweater, $128, Fashion Rescue 911 Boutique, 52 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville, 315-857-6690, fashionrescue911.com.

CHIP IN Chip and Dip pinstripes, $56, with football mini, $14.50, Witty Wicks.

STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE

CapaBunga winestopper, $7.99, Paola Kay Gifts.

CLEAR MOTIVE

Drew clear crossbody, $52, J Michael, 173 Marshall Street, Syracuse, 315-471-4237, jmichaelshoes.com.

CONDIMENTS TO THE CHEF

Grill and Wing Squeeze sauce, $10.50, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden.

WE HAVE THE MEATS

Beef jerky, $12 each, Drooz + Company, 36 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-920-8888, droozandcompany.com.

COOL AND THE GANG

Shorebag insulated cooler, $100, 20|East, 85 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-815-4540, 20-east.com.

FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT Hot sauce trio, $15.99 for three 2 fl. oz bottles, The Gift Box Shoppe.

SWEET SIPPER

Lemoncella glass, $22, Cella V Boutique, 8395 Oswego Road, Liverpool, 315-430-4093, cellavboutique.com.

SPICE THINGS UP

Old Bay caramel popcorn, $12 for 11 oz. bucket, Drooz + Company.

COASTERING THROUGH LIFE

Coaster by Johanna Wall, $6 each or 4 for $20, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

GOING SOLO

Bar towel, $18, Nest58.

BY SUSAN SANTOLA, NY DMV

Good news

PRIDE OF PLACE

In June, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) unveiled a Central New York license plate featuring the Landmark Theatre’s art deco-inspired marquee, installed in late 2021. DMV commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a statement that the images on the new regional plates were a way for drivers to “show pride for the place they live.”

The Landmark symbolizes the importance of theater to New York state, as well as the rich history of theater in Syracuse and the legacy of this specific building: a National Register of Historical Places listee, the last remaining 1920s-era theater downtown and the largest proscenium theater in the area. The theater remains because locals were committed to keeping its lights on and investing in its future.

“It is a case study of what we can do when the community says, ‘this is something that we value and this is something that we want to accomplish,’” says Mike Intaglietta, executive director of the Landmark.

In all, 14 regional designs were issued by the DMV.

For more information: dmv.ny.gov/plates/ learn-about-picture-and-professional-plates

PHOTOS

SHOW ’EM WHAT WE ’ RE MADE OF

Upstate museums highlighting examples of Empire State ingenuity

BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN

New York is overflowing with incredible museums that showcase the stories of significant people, places and things that have made history. Unique foods, history, pop culture icons and impressive inventions have all been memorialized in exhibits in museums scattered across the state. This fall, get on the road and discover some of the special museum experiences across Upstate New York.

NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER & LUCILLE BALL DESI ARNAZ MUSEUM

One of the newest and most unique museums in New York shines the spotlight on famous comedians who continue to make us laugh. Located in Jamestown, birthplace of Lucille Ball, the National Comedy Center opened in August 2018 and has won numerous awards since. One of the most interactive museums, visitors start by getting microchipped wristbands which tailor their experiences throughout the museum to their personal comedic profiles. The exhibits are dedicated to famous comics, TV shows, movies, comic strips, internet memes, comedy props, late night TV and so much more. Guests can watch clips from their favorite comedies, draw their own comics strips and perform their own stand-up performances. Just around the corner from the National Comedy Center is the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. A fabulous tribute to the infamous comedic couple, the museum showcases their stories before, during and after “I Love Lucy.” Set replicas from the famous show are displayed throughout the museum and guests can take photos as if they were in the scenes. Dual admission tickets give visitors entrance to both attractions. Together, the museums host the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival every year in August.

» National Comedy Center

203 W. Second Street Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-2222, comedycenter.org

» Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

2 W. Third Street Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-0800, lucy-desi.com

PHOTO BY DAVID LASSMAN

LOCAL ARTISTS

TURN TRASH INTO USEFUL HOME GOODS AND UNIQUE GIFTS

Norine LeClair turns sweaters and quilts into precious characters like Potter, Punky Booster, Santa and Cotter.

For the love of JUNK

BY ALLISON KENIEN | PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

Mandy Walts started jumping into dumpsters when she was working in construction more than 15 years ago. She noticed that usable wood and other building materials were being thrown away. She took supplies out of the dumpsters and brought them to her home in Weedsport where she incorporated them into craft projects like photo blocks, bottle cap charms and home decor to sell on Etsy.

ART FOR ALL

INCLUSIVE ARTS OPPORTUNITIES ALLOW EVERYONE TO SHINE

BY LORNA OPPEDISANO

Art is a tool through which we can understand the world and express ourselves. From accommodating different learning styles and abilities to providing accessible materials, these organizations recognize the value of meeting people where they are and enriching the experience for all by incorporating the talents and perspectives of marginalized groups.

ARC OF ONONDAGA

Along with a variety of services and recreational programming for people with developmental disabilities, Arc of Onondaga offers inclusive arts opportunities, including a long-standing partnership with the Redhouse Arts Center and a newly opened art studio.

The Redhouse Theatre Experience Series, a partnership between Arc and the Redhouse that spans more than 10 years, includes workshops, individualized support and their largest collaboration, annual stage productions. The rehearsals and performances take place at the Redhouse, located in downtown Syracuse.

“In recent years, the focus has moved away from larger musicals to smaller productions,” says Community Support Manager Shane Hoey. “This enables the people supported through Arc of Onondaga to have more personalized attention focused on each person’s specific interests, abilities and needs.”

Through their involvement in rehearsals, Arc actors ages 18 and older benefit in a variety of ways, including the development of improved social and communication skills. Hoey says that while some people are part of the chorus, others have more prominent roles with speaking lines. The opportunity for this inclusion levels the playing field, he says.

Ron Palmatier, a performer who has been in various skits and five productions, including “Grease” and “The Little Mermaid,” says, “Three words: I. Love. It. Singing, dancing, acting and performing is something I have always wanted to do.”

Opposite, the Syracuse Community Choir in concert. Above, artist Dara Putnam works on her Ukranian sunflower.

RETRO RETREAT

POUR YOURSELF A MANHATTAN AND PUT A RECORD ON THE HI-FI. THIS IS NO ORDINARY FRONT DOOR; IT’S A PORTAL TO THE PAST.

BY BECCA TAURISANO PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT

Amanda Albert, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, and her husband, Mike Sklens, moved to Syracuse from Florida in 2021 when Mike was hired by Syracuse University’s marketing division. They were enamored with the abundance of affordable homes in Central New York with little to no renovations made — “time capsules” as Amanda calls them. The couple found their 1962 Colonial Revival split-level in Geddes and knew it was meant to be when they saw the original pink and blue bathrooms were completely untouched.

HOMEOWNERS MIKE SKLENS AND AMANDA ALBERT. THE 1960S DOOR KNOCKER SAYS “PEACE TO ALL WHO ENTER HERE.” DOORKNOCKERS OF THIS STYLE WERE SOLD AT WOODSTOCK.

PHOTOGRAPHER FOCUSES ON THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN

BY KAILA CHAMPOUX

Five years ago, Jessica “Jess” Montgomery moved from Oklahoma to Syracuse to work alongside her best friend, Tommy Lincoln, at Stay Fresh Design. As head of photography, she typically creates commercial work for businesses like Beak and Skiff/1911, but when the Harvest Moon rises and temperatures begin to drop, Montgomery unleashes her beastly creation: The 31 Days of Halloween.

When Montgomery was growing up, she couldn’t wait for fall when she, her mother and grandmother would spend quality time crafting a costume personal to her. Her favorite was a “Soccer Zombie.” They tore her old soccer uniform, painted her mother’s tire black and rolled it over the outfit. There was even fake blood on her soccer ball. “It was humorous and horrific,

all in one,” she says.

In 2018, Montgomery was eager to introduce herself to the area, so she masterminded the 31 Days project as a way to express that wonder, imagination and her creative prowess. Since then, she has used her technical and artistic abilities to produce and photograph 155 different scenes. From ghoulish, gory and grotesque to funny and family friendly, Montgomery conceives and captures it all.

The project’s visual results include images representing retro-horror, black and white films, kids’ movies, childhood experiences, bingeworthy Netflix series and newer scary movies. Her favorite is the Weird Girl from “Frankenweenie,” which she created in 2020.

Opposite, Jessica Montgomery and Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup took The Print Hub co-owner Drew Shoup down the rabbit hole to portray the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

Making good

VERSES AND VALUES

Hughie Stone Fish — a singer, Emmy awardwinning songwriter, producer, musical improv performer and instructor — is releasing his debut solo album, “Sunlight & Stars,” this fall.

The L.A.-based Jamesville-DeWitt grad is living a life in the arts, one he dreamed of as a child, and he credits that life to the opportunities and experiences he had growing up in Central New York. He and his brother, Avery, a producer, director and videographer, created the nonprofit The Arts Project Syracuse (TAPS) to provide similarly transformative arts education opportunities to underserved youth.

Stone Fish says the album, which includes several references to Syracuse, allowed him to really delve into and share who he is. To celebrate the release, Stone Fish is planning an extended residency in Syracuse with a series of performances, musical improv classes, speaking engagements related to different facets of careers in arts and entertainment (Hughie will be joined by his wife Jessica, a television producer, and Avery), as well as programming for TAPS participants.

For more information: visit hughiestonefish.com or tapsny.com

PHOTO BY JOSIAH ZAVALA

Main character energy

Entrepreneur, author and producer gives voice to the experiences of young women of color

BY JOYELLE RONAN

The DoubleTree by Hilton banquet hall was filled with professionals dressed more business than casual, ready to receive recognition in categories like board leadership and career achievement at the CNY Business Journal Nonprofit Awards in March. Sitting among them was Eden Strachan, who at 24 was a few decades younger than her fellow winners. Clad in floral, she embodied a spring-like hopefulness about the positivity blooming

in her community despite the cool weather.

While the titles of filmmaker, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist all apply to Strachan, the award she received perhaps describes her best: rising star.

Back in 2021, Strachan asked herself, “How do I combine my career in media and my heart for social impact work, and make them into something that is able to serve the community and

Black Girls Don’t Get Love founder Eden Strachan with her selfpublished book.

also be profitable?”

She found her answer in Black Girls Don’t Get Love, a multimedia brand for teenage girls of color. Her mission is to turn silence and lack of representation into language by creating content and experiences made for and by Black girls, providing authentic stories for them to consume.

As founder and CEO, Strachan says she wants to “bring Hollywood to Syracuse.” But first she is helping local girls of color associate coming-ofage moments like dances, sleepovers and camping with positive memories through Black Girls WILL Get Love, the company’s nonprofit offshoot, which she started in 2022. The organization has raised more than $40,000 and has served over 100 girls ages 5 to 17.

As she began to see success with her business, Strachan caught the attention of Sean Branagan, Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship director and adjunct professor for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He asked her to serve as a start-up example to the students in his New Media Venture Launch class to show the passion and determination needed to make it as an entrepreneur. He compliments her sense of self and ability to know her market.

“She is the combination of things that I really look for in entrepreneuring, which is talent and work ethic,” Branagan says. “She’s got success written all over her — as a business, but more importantly as a person.”

The seed of Black Girls Don’t Get Love germinated in 2021 when Strachan used her senior thesis at Ithaca College to launch her short film of the same name. Her goal is to make a feature-length film and a television series — and she has already written the scripts for both. But it wasn’t enough to just tell her own story; she wanted to empower girls of color to do the same. Society can lead young Black girls to believe they aren’t beautiful or worthy during the defining years of their childhood, leading to low self-esteem. Through media they create themselves, they have a chance to take back their narrative so Black girls everywhere feel seen and celebrated for the skin they’re in.

Strachan created a film training program where girls between the ages of 13 and 25 can gain industry experience. The program is primarily for girls of color, but allies are welcome also. Trainees can choose

producing, directing, acting, cinematography, post-production or screenwriting, and they leave the program with work samples and an IMDb film credit. Twenty-two girls representing 10 different states participated in the multi-day program. “They are walking away with tangible skills that have income-earning potential, like how to edit, how to shoot, produce, direct and act,” Strachan says. “We want to boost self-esteem, but we also want to push financial wellness and literacy.”

In her pursuit to address the lack of Black female representation and erasure of Black girlhood in the mainstream coming-of-age genre, Strachan wrote her first book, also titled “Black Girls Don’t Get Love.” Strachan self-published the book, written for middle- and high-schoolage students, in 2022.

Top, from left, Madison Hare, Aisha Stephens and London Hare at the Black Girls Don’t Get Love Prom in July 2022. Bottom, Enjoli Blount at the Black Girls Don’t Get Love Feature Film Promo Shoot at Solon Quinn Studios.

PHOTOS COURTESY BLACK GIRLS DON’T GET LOVE, LLC, MARILU LOPEZ FRETTS

Clockwise from top left, Z Harper, Ladan Osman, Lamahj Graham and Naimah Wayman at the Black Girls Don’t Get Love promo shoot.

 For more information: visit blackgirlsdontgetlove.com.

Alaysia Duncan, who played the main character in the short film, praises Strachan for writing a script that shows Black girls and women in their full humanity and “not having Black characters just be the friend, the ghetto girl or the drug dealer, but to have them be full, real people. To be leads and carry a story and to be allowed to make mistakes.”

Last year, Strachan organized a Black Girls Don’t Get Love prom, which celebrates girls of color in a ballroom with live music, dancing, a catered meal and a photo booth. Other Black Girls WILL Get Love events centering young girls of color include a Valentine’s Day slumber party, a camping trip to a New York state park and a reading where performers acted out a scene from one of Strachan’s television scripts.

Ty Tillie and her 14-year-old daughter, Ri’kiha Tillie, were among the 80 attendees for the “Black Girls Don’t Get Love” script reading. Ri’kiha says watching Strachan’s short film was her favorite part of the prom event she attended.

“We appreciate her taking her time to focus on something like that — to provide something for them to go to, something positive,” Ty Tillie says. “And to dress up and feel good about themselves.”

Strachan says, “I believe Syracuse has a lot of heart, and we have such a beautiful community here. I also know that we’re one of the top poor cities in the country, and those two things are true at the same time. That makes me want to return back to the city that helped me realize my dreams and help other girls of color have their opportunities as well.”

Now she’s living the coming-of-age story she seeks to tell, one that will inspire girls of color to pursue their own dreams and replenish their roots.

Joyelle Ronan is a graduate of the Goldring Arts Journalism & Communications Program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

“I believe Syracuse has a lot of heart, and we have such a beautiful community here. I also know that we’re one of the top poor cities in the country, and those two things are true at the same time. That makes me want to return back to the city that helped me realize my dreams and help other girls of color have their opportunities as well.”

Eden Strachan

Strachan presented at TEDx Ithaca College in October.

Flashback WITH OHA

POINT

BY JORDAN SCOTT

Many people know Misty Copland, the American Ballet Theatre’s first Black principal ballerina. Although she was the first to reach that title at that company, numerous Black women have danced ballet before her, one of them being Syracuse’s Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell (née Wilkins). In a 2015 interview, Wilkins-Mitchell credited her grandmother, Willie Mae Wilkins, as the one who encouraged her to dance. Willie Mae Wilkins had a lifelong interest in ballet but was unable to dance herself since it was taboo at the time; Wilkins was born in Tennessee around 1905. When Wilkins was a young woman, ballet companies and schools discriminated against Black women. In addition, there were few American ballet companies until the 1960s.

During that decade, about 26 American ballet companies were formed. In 1961, the city of Syracuse had ten dance schools of varying disciplines. As a teen, Wilkins-Mitchell danced at the Shields Dance Company (previously Ninita Johns School of Dance) from 1964 to 1969. In 1965, she shared the role of Good Fairy of the Woods in “Snow White.” Three years later, she held the lead role in the performance of “Jeu D’Esprit,” which was

part of the production “An Evening of Ballet.” In 1967, WilkinsMitchell won a statewide competition for a scholarship to study with the School of American Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center that summer. Wilkins-Mitchell and two other girls from Syracuse were part of a class of 35 students.

After graduating from Nottingham High School in 1970, Wilkins-Mitchell’s dance career took her to the University of Cincinnati, where she majored in ballet and minored in modern dance. She danced professionally in Houston, New York City and South America. Although dancing has taken Wilkins-Mitchell throughout the country and abroad, she came back to Syracuse in the mid-1980s to raise her family and to dance. In 1992, Wilkins-Mitchell became an adjunct dance instructor at SUNY Oswego and in 2006 founded her own dance studio, the Onondaga Dance Institute. In a 2006 article highlighting her career and new studio, Wilkins-Mitchell told The Post-Standard, “I’m trying to train the next generation of concert dancers.”

Jordan Scott is assistant archivist at Onondaga Historical Association.

Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell, director of the Onondaga Dance Institute, at Thornden Park in Syracuse in 2003.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN D. CANNERELLI

Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell pioneered ballet for young Black women

ON

KATHARINE TARKULICH

WITH Costume designer

BY MJ KRAVEC

To close our arts & entertainment issue, we went to costume designer Katharine Tarkulich, whose creations have been featured in film, television and local theaters including Redhouse Arts Center, Cortland Repertory Theatre and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. We wanted to know where she finds her inspiration and what Halloween was like for her as a kid.

What time do you get up in the morning and how do you take your coffee?

I generally get up anywhere between 6 and 8:30 a.m., depending on school schedules for my kids, whether I’m working from home or spending time at a theater or on set somewhere, if I decide to squeeze in yoga before I go and how late I’m up working the evening before. My husband and I make Recess coffee at home, and I take it with a little milk or cream.

Favorite season?

Autumn. When I was getting my MFA in Southern California, it was one of the biggest things I missed, after family. The way the light quality changes, and the smell and crunch underfoot of the dried leaves, the chill in the air.

How did you know you wanted to be a costume designer?

As a young girl, I used to watch something and then draw costumes inspired from them. I had an entire line of witch costumes and genie costumes from watching “Bewitched” and ”I Dream of Jeannie” on TV at my grandparents’ house. I also loved playing with Tom Tierney paper dolls, and I would spend hours studying historical fashion books from the public library. I was a performer, though, through grade school, and I didn’t start really thinking about costume design as a career until college. While getting my B.A. in history at the University at Buffalo, a friend of mine from community theater days in high school said I should take a theater class that was an Intro to Design, taught by the costume faculty. I fell in love with the process and was able to design two shows before I left.

Do you have a favorite movie costume?

I have to pick just one? If I had to choose, I would probably choose the last dress Christina Ricci wears in “Sleepy Hollow,” designed by Colleen Atwood. It’s one that is historical, appropriate to the character and manages to leave the stamp of the designer on it.

Halloween must’ve been fun for you as a kid… I actually mostly dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (my favorite movie since I was 2) and variations of a cat. There were other things speckled through the years, but I always kept coming back to those.

Fun fact about you?

I started an online shop called Originals by Katharine Tracy during the pandemic, where I sell wearable art and upcycled fashion pieces as well as have some bespoke, made-to-order designs available. Katharine Tracy comes from my first and middle names, as my mother named me after Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, and I definitely feel a pull to classic and vintage fashion. I’ve also drawn a lot of inspiration in my life from being named after such a strong woman.

Any advice for readers who want to dress up for a night out?

Wear what makes you feel awesome or beautiful, regardless of whether it is “in style” or not. And don’t be afraid to break so-called fashion rules. Confidence and visual interest will leave a better impression than checking all the right boxes.

As a young girl, Tarkulich loved to play with Tom Tierney paper dolls.

Where to find us

SYRACUSE

BeeKind: 118 Milton Avenue

Epicuse: 334 S Salina Street

The Curd Nerd: 2800 James Street

Parthenon Books: 333 S Salina Street

Salt City Artisans: 226 Hawley Avenue Wildflowers Armory: 217 S Salina Street

CAMILLUS

Synple: 70 Main Street

CANASTOTA

Center Street Market: 106 Center Street

CAZENOVIA

H. Grey Supply Co.: 53 Albany Street

CLINTON

Almost Local: 18 W Park Row

FAYETTEVILLE

Fringed Benefits: 6825 E. Genesee Street

Paola Kay Gifts: 105 Brooklea Drive

LAFAYETTE

Carol Watson Greenhouse: 2989 Sentinel Heights Road

LIVERPOOL

Golden Bee Bookshop: 324 1st Street

MANLIUS

The Station 603: 603 E. Seneca Street

MARCELLUS

Olive + Fern: 19 North Street

The Wren’s Den: 2756 W Seneca Turnpike

SKANEATELES

Drooz + Company: 36 E. Genesee Street

Barnes & Noble, Wegmans and Tops Friendly Market locations

Turning Stone Resort Casino, Otesaga Hotel, Ridgewood Market & Deli