This year marks the 50th anniversary of On My Own Time, a creative showcase produced by CNY Arts. In cooperation with the Everson Museum of Art, On My Own Time offers a unique forum for avocational artists to display their original visual artwork. Each artist is a member of the local workforce, and businesses are encouraged to participate and celebrate the creative achievement of their employees. On My Own Time was inspired by individuals who make art outside of the hours dedicated to their career.
“On My Own Time has been a cornerstone of our programming for a half century, now,” said Stephen Butler, Executive Director of CNY Arts. “We’re tremendously proud of all the participating artists and businesses, and very grateful to our sponsors and the Everson Museum of Art for making this special anniversary celebration possible.”
On My Own Time welcomes nonprofessional artists of all levels of expertise and experience who share the joy of creative expression in common. Some are initially hesitant to reveal their work to colleagues unaware that they are artists. However, many entrants return to exhibit their work, year after year. The finale exhibit at Everson Museum of Art offers a way for artists to display their talent with the wider community at a professional, high-profile cultural institution.
Participating businesses offer their staff a chance to submit art for consideration by a panel of volunteers from the local professional art community. Submissions reflect a multidisciplinary variety of art, including ceramics, wood and metal work, photographer, mixed media, digital art, paintings, fabric, jewelry, and more. Selected work is then featured as part of the On My Own Time 50th annual exhibit at the Everson Museum of Art, running through Nov. 11.
This year, employers include ARISE, Boxcar Press, Canale Insurance & Accounting, the City of Syracuse, Lockheed Martin, Onondaga Community College, Onondaga County, Ramboll, St. Joseph’s Health, Southern Fare Restaurant, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse City School District, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse University, TCGplayer, and Upstate Medical University, who displayed 317 pieces of original visual art at their work places this past spring and summer.
For more information, navigate to: https://cnyarts.org/programs/on-my-own-time/