Q: You’re located in Brooklyn, how does it feel to participate in the art community here from a distance?
A: I have been a member of RoCo for four years, five years? I was introduced to RoCo by weaver Rachel Wittles. Read more…

Ingrid Butterer

Q: What is a major challenge artists face in our community? How do you think we can overcome it?
A: For me I’d love to see Rochester work towards building an art market or viable environment where people could possibly find ways to make a real living as an artist.Read more…

Andrew Zimbelman

I love making art that is utilitarian because it becomes interwoven into someone’s life in a way that is active and intimate. I also love giving people something beautiful that they can create things from their own mind in. Read more…

Allie Push

Q: If you could have one artist create your portrait, who would it be?
A: I know she predominantly did self-portraits, but Frida Kahlo would be amazing. She painted beyond what was in the mirror – she knew how to capture her own complexity as a person. I’d like to be seen in a similar way. Read more…

Lillie Suda

Q: If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
A Erica: To juggle flaming pins. I am actually working on that, so stay tuned.
A Rajesh: I would like to learn how to draw better so I could make cartoons, either that or play the drums for some kind of rock band. Read more…

Erica Bryant and Rajesh Barnabas

Q: Who do you consider to be your greatest artistic mentor?
A: Brent: Adrienne Leban. She taught me to not conform to what society’s definition of art was, but to find my own path in it. Kristin: Brent Joseph. Before we met, I hadn’t made any art in a very long time. Brent encouraged me to pick back up with drawing, painting, and photography. Read more…

Kristin Donovan and Brent Joseph

Q: Who do you consider to be your greatest artistic mentor?
A: Michael- My wife Annessa is my mentor. Read more…

Annessa Mingoea and Michael Filipek