first exhibit in over a year
By Camryn Sanchez
Dozens of works by local Yonkers artists will be exhibited in ThePowerLab space from now until January when a Black History month exhibit will be installed. Many of the art pieces are currently for sale, and among the ten artists showcased are Patty Santos, Nancy Mendez, Jose Gonzalez, and Lance Johnson. “I just wanted to refresh and rebrand the place with some new art,” said Executive Director of Yonkers Arts Ray Wilcox. “I love bringing new artists together and that’s kind of my thing and whatever we can do to enhance the awareness of them that is the purpose of PowerLab and Yonkers Arts.”
To comply with COVID-19 regulations, Yonkers Arts is currently enforcing a mandatory mask rule. Visitors must reserve a spot to view the exhibit online as limited people are available in the space- although admission is free. Visitors must also be prepared to fill out a COVID-19 form and take a temperature check at the door. Although these strict regulations must be adhered to, the art community is glad to have Yonkers Arts open again. “It’s important to try to find ways to connect in this virtual world we’re living in now. It’s tough, especially for artists. It’s important for us to connect with the community.”
Wilcox says he is happy with the collection which he assembled by putting out a general call for submissions to the community. He says the only pieces he chose not to showcase were the ones not deemed PG-13.
The vibrant collection has photography, canvas paintings, and even includes a commissioned mural of the city of Yonkers the “city of seven hills.” Largely the works are created by (or depict) people of color. “The exhibit is beautiful, I think Ray did a great job,” says Yonkers based artist Jose Gonzalez who created the mural in collaboration with artist Patty Santos. He adds: “It’s an important space for the community to have, I wish more people had access or places like that that they can go to.”
Virtual events have been largely successful in the COVID-19 era, however seeing art online is not the same as seeing it in person. Gonzalez says: “It just touches you in a different way. You can see something virtually, but when you go and you actually see it, each painting has a certain energy to it that you can only feel when you see it in person. Every stroke of paint is energy recorded on the canvas, so that’s really important to see.
To learn more about the artists featured at ThePowerLab, located at 45 Ludlow St #310, Yonkers, NY 10705, check out the Yonkers Arts Instagram page which features interviews of artists by Wilcox, or visit ThePowerLab.com.
