Above: These dragons appeared the Rochester Central Library in April 2022.

The Rochester Public Library, and Teaching Artists ROC present a series of programs coming to Rochester Public Libraries that highlight 15 Local Artists and celebrate community. Generously supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the series of programs & events will kick off with Airigami and the installation of a community-built bubble mural in the Bausch & Lomb Public Library building at the Central Library. 

The community is invited to join partners Larry Moss and Kelly Cheatle of Airigami at the Bausch & Lomb Public Library building of the Central Library on Saturday, February 18, and Monday, February 20 during the library’s regular business hours in constructing one of their internationally renowned bubble murals that will hang in the library the week of February 20th. 

Following the kick-off event, a series of programs reflecting one or more aspects of friendship, kindness & unity will be held at each of the Rochester Public Library branches throughout 2023. Performances will include African, Asian & Latinx storytellers sharing cultural tales, music, dance & songs from China, Africa, Caribbean & Native American communities. Hands-on workshops in painting, Chinese & African print & symbol making, Central & South American crafts, theater improv games, fiber arts and song writing. 

Teaching Artists ROC places teaching artists in area schools, after-school programs, senior centers, civic/cultural spaces and local events. These performers and artists enrich existing curricula and support programming by introducing participants to new ideas, concepts and cultures. Outlets of expression are provided for people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. 

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative was established at the Community Foundation to support arts and culture in the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, in recognition of the key role arts and culture organizations play in a thriving economy. Part of that announcement includes $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and culture organizations in the nine counties.