Intern Introduction: Zubair Aziz

Zubair Aziz

Hi everyone, I’m Zubair Aziz, an intern for the Photography and Digital Arts Department this summer. I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I go to the University of Rochester, studying Computer Science and Economics with a cluster in Studio Arts. I’m hoping to start a career as a full-stack web developer after graduation.

On campus, I’m involved in a few organizations such as Grass Roots Soccer, a health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate and inspire children to live healthier lives, and Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity.

In my free time I like to paint and take photos, where nature/wildlife scenes are usually my topic of interest. Aside from that, I’m really into indie alternative or folk music.

This summer, I’m hoping to get a lot of experience working with many different talented artists and improving my photography and design skills. As an upcoming web and app developer, these skills will surely benefit me in one way or another. I can’t wait to meet everyone and engage with the community while I’m here.

 

Celebrating 40 Years of Photography!

Hi Everyone! I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news: the Photography program here at Flower City Arts Center is celebrating our 40th anniversary this fall!

We have such a rich history here at the Center! Over the past few months I have been working with our volunteers to digitize our archive and just the process of going through all of these photographs from the past 40 years is incredible. How great is the photo above of Photography Director Sharon Turner in the darkroom when she was a student in 1977? So fun! Did you know that Sharon was our founder Anne Beach’s first student? We’re planning an exhibition and celebration this fall – more info soon! In the meantime we’ve launched a fundraiser to help us support our future. Our goal is to raise $40,000 by this fall. As of today, within only a couple of weeks, we’ve raised $850. You can learn more about the fundraiser on our website >>

Want to learn more about our early years? Read Sharon’s letter that was mailed out last week >> We mailed out over 2,500 letters to our community – imagine if everyone donated $20! We would hit our goal by Friday. If you are interested in donating please click on the PayPal button on the side bar. Thank you for your support!

New Name!

Flower City Arts Center

Hi Everyone! I’m excited to share we have a NEW name! Formerly Genesee Center for the Arts & Education, we are now Flower City Arts Center.

We selected this new name as a tribute to our city and the region. We reflect with pride on the accomplishments of the art center over the course of our history reaching back to our beginnings on Genesee Street and look forward to continuing our traditions of giving back to artists and to our creative community. You will begin to see a new look and the new name as we transition our many printed and online materials. –Janice Gouldthorpe, Executive Director

We’re excited to enter the new year with a new name. Speaking of new year, I’d love to hear your resolutions! Is 2017 the year you return to the darkroom? Learn salt printing? Make your own tintype? This winter session we are offering 30+ photography classes! Including: Wedding Photography, Food Photography & Styling, Sports Photography: Amerks & Razorsharks, Photography as a Business, Object Photography (Studio Lighting), and more!

I look forward to seeing you around the Center soon!