CAP ArtSpace

Location and Hours

CAP ArtSpace, 110 N. Tioga Street, within the Tompkins Center for History and Culture's Ithaca College Gallery (on the Commons). Also home to History Center and Visitor Center)  

Hours: Mon 10 - 5 / Tues 11 - 5 / Wed - Sat 10 - 6 / Sun closed
Exceptons: Thurs, Jan 8: 10 to 3:30 / Sat, Jan. 24: 3:30 - 6:00

Questions: programs@artspartner.org

First Friday Gallery Nights 

See all monthly downtown Gallery Night Openings at IthacaGalleryNight.com

Thank you to our Artspace Sponsor!

We thank Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP for their generous sponsorship of the CAP ArtSpace! 

 

2026 Exhibits

 

January: Two exhibits 

Gallery Night: Friday, Jan. 2, 5pm to 8pm

Vivinne Williams
Mind Like A Blue Sky

Local artist Vivinne Williams presents a series of paintings devoted to sky and clouds. Clouds are something we often overlook, yet they float above all of us, a quiet connection shared by everyone on this planet. Within this visually minimalist exploration of blue and white, many themes are interwoven: water as our essential element, impermanence, and the ever-shifting nature of life.
In Buddhist thought a common teaching is: “mind is pristine like a clear blue sky, with thoughts passing through like clouds.” These pieces also reflect the simple pleasure of being in nature and painting en plein air, which requires incredible focus and presence in the moment.
"By seeing the paintings together, I hope you begin to notice the distinct beauty held within each day’s formations—never repeated, always fleeting, and all the more precious for it." vivinnewilliams.com

 

Aidan Chambliss
Exploration of the Ecology within the Urban Context 

This exhibit explores the natural environment within the built environment and the importance of the animal/bird/insect/plant/fungi (.. etc) residents therein, whether they are migratory or permanent. The series will begin with a grouping of my animal prints depicting native species found in the area, combined with Celtic knot-work as infill or field. These have represented my connection to this place combined with elements of my ancestral heritage, and serve as a reminder for me of my place in the ecological webs here.

The second part of the series will highlight the different species observed at locations throughout the city of Ithaca at different times of year. Hallmarks of human infrastructures are included in the renderings, alongside the animal(s) featured: it invites a shift to think of ourselves as existing within a much broader web than the confines of our infrastructures. 

The viewer is invited in to consider these ecological landscapes, and their role in helping to steward these webs, of which we are all an active part. elandsaidan.com

 

February: Two exhibits 

Gallery Night: Friday, Feb. 6, 5pm to 8pm

Jean Gerow
A Place to Breathe

"A Place to Breathe" is a needed distraction from the world of unrest we are all experiencing.  My goal is to give the viewer something peaceful and calm to observe and lose themselves in.  Let them connect with nature and other stunning views of our world, to give some sense of grounding in the uncertainty of the present day's turmoil. We need reminders that things can be and are beautiful in nature and in life.  jeangerow.com
 

 

 

Christine Stockwell
Messages

With the broad theme of “messages”, this exhibit aims to be humorous, as well as, invoking curiosity and some “head scratching” and perhaps even discussions about how we, in our modern lives, are constantly exposed to messages of all kinds - in words and in symbols, ones that are directed to us and sometimes to mysterious others. 
Some messages are meant to keep us safe or to provide information, while others aim to control our behaviour to conform to societal norms. The meaning of some are just unclear. We even look for meaning in artifacts, like squiggles of tar on asphalt, which have no communication purpose.
We filter most “messages”  out of our consciousness but once we become aware of their ubiquitous presence, we probably won’t be able to un-see them.  Cas5photo.com

 

March: Two exhibits

Gallery Night: Friday, March 6, 5pm to 8pm

Arthur Bucknor
Sculptural Idiom

My current paintings reflect my life-long exploration of the influence of my father, but more than that they tell the story of a profound and traumatic reinvention of my own artistic practice. After being born in Ithaca (while my father was a PhD student at Cornell) I moved with my family to Ghana when I was 5 years old, where I grew up in a creative home surrounded by my father’s art and exploring my own creativity as a painter and DJ. I returned to Ithaca for high school at the age of 18, and then traveled back to Ghana as an adult.  In 2010, a traumatic brain tumor left me without the use of my dominant (left) hand, and needing to use a wheelchair for mobility.
The unexpected loss of control forced me to relearn the basic mechanisms of painting as well as living. Despite initial struggles, my journey of reinvention became transformative. Inspired by my late father’s artistic legacy, I embraced the connection with my roots, allowing my artwork to flow through me. My right hand, initially weakened by the trauma, emerged as a newly-freed vessel of expression, infusing newfound fluidity and emotion into my paintings.
 

Tem Basilius
Udes Clan - Basilius: A family history

This collection of paintings helps illustrate the origin stories of my Palauan family history. Through my art, I share how deeply I have been inspired by my ancestors. I am particularly inspired by the ancestry of my great-grandmother, an esteemed matriarchal leader from Udes clan, and my great-grandfather Basilius, a descendant of a Portuguese ship navigator who arrived in Palau over 300 years ago. This collection of paintings also includes current work inspired by my father and the collective work we have done together to highlight the significance of our Palauan history and the legacy of our land and its Cuban Mahogany trees. instagram.com/tem_tribal_art/

 

April

Gallery Night: Friday, April 3, 5pm to 8pm

Ithaca Trans Center
Trans*formations  

Trans*formations is an art exhibit featuring local trans experiences, trans challenges and trans joy. In this country, at this time, creating space to uplift and center trans, nonbinary and genderqueer voices is imperative and essential. Trans*formations uses art as a tool for social change, as a medium for collective voice, and as a way to collaborate and build community. This exhibit is coming out of the collective energy and grassroots organizing of a small group of local trans, nonbinary and genderqueer people living in the area who are working together to start a Trans Center in Ithaca. For more information about our center and our work, please visit ithacatranscenter.weebly.com/  (Image: Alejandro Tejera)

 

May

Gallery Night: Friday, May 1, 5pm to 8pm

Maryam Adib and Taylor Tate
The Interior of Knowing

This two-person show explores Black and Brown folk’s experience of healing through medical trauma. The artists explore this theme through intuitive healing, herbalism as a partner in healing, and healing through community.  The show consists of paintings and fiber works by Maryam Adib, a series of ceramic sculptures by Taylor Tate along with collaborative works created together by the artists.  marssstudio.com

 

 

June

Gallery Night: Friday, June 5, 5pm to 8pm

ToCo Design Rally
Side Quest

What do graphic designers create when they’re off the clock? Turns out, quite a bit. We cover a range of ages, disciplines, experience, and agendas. Everyone has their own side quest, no two are alike. Without client briefs, brand guidelines, or rigid grid systems to hold them back, these works offer a rare glimpse into the unfiltered imagination. From the meticulously detailed to the gloriously abstract, this exhibition is a visual playground where the only rule is that there are no rules. Our collection pulls back the curtain on the creative process, revealing the passion projects that keep our artistic batteries charged. Whether it’s a return to analog roots with ink and clay, or a futuristic digital exploration, these pieces represent the pure joy of making things—not for a paycheck, but for the soul. Artists include: Kaiden Chandler, Areya Muraca, Stephanie Koelker, Tracy McEvilly, Scott Fackler, Allison Usavage, Curtis Jinkins, Ty Finck. tocodesignrally.com

 

July

Gallery Night: Friday, July 3, 5pm to 8pm

Mara Alper, Karen Viola, and young artists
Solace Among Trees

Our deep, reciprocal connection to trees will be exhibited by several artists, offering our community the sense of resilience and sanctuary trees offer. When viewers enter the gallery, they will be immersed in trees created in compelling styles.  Mara Alper’s photo collages and assemblages are inspired by rhythmic patterns of fallen wood, leaves, and vines shaped by water and light. Karen Viola's mixed media and artist books offer distinctive portraits of trees she considers kin.  Three dimensional sculptural works and assemblages, book art pieces, free-standing wood sculptures, illustrations and painting will offer an array of materials and approaches. We will seek a local elementary or middle school emerging artist who shares our connection to trees and also have art workshops and storytelling for all ages about trees in our lives. MaraAlper.com / kvartworks.com

 

August

Gallery Night: Friday, Aug. 7, 5pm to 8pm

Greater Ithaca Art Trail Group Exhibit

Visit ArtTrail.com to see over 50 artists that are part of the Greater Ithaca Art Trail! This annual exhibit features over 40 of those artists - painters, sculptors, photohgraphers, fiber artists, wood carvers and more! 

 

 

September

Gallery Night: Friday, Sept. 4, 5pm to 8pm
Capoeira! Explorations of Resiliance and Resistance

Welcome to an art exhibit dedicated to exploring Capoeira: an evolving art form that has existed for centuries.  Born from the survival strategies of enslaved Africans in Brazil, Capoeira is more than a martial art — it is a living, breathing cultural tradition that weaves together movement, music, ritual, and resistance. Capoeira is a form of self-defense that is disguised as a dance. It is an embodied record of African survival, creativity, and spirit that is intended to teach resilience and freedom. The essence of capoeira strives to transform struggle into expression while strengthening one's mind, body, and spirit. Capoeira builds solidarity, intentionally creates communities, and actively fights against oppressive forces.  By engaging with this exhibit, you are entering a conversation with the past and exploring possibilities for the future. Artists will include  Sarah Lopez, Tim Cassano, Isaiah Dembroski, and more!  ithacacapoeira.com

 

October
Two exhibits 

Gallery Night: Friday, Oct. 2, 5pm to 8pm

Robert W. Grant
Icons, Legends & Stars 
"My exhibition of paintings will tap into the universal appeal of music, the visual power of art, and the cult of celebrity. I depict muses of our modern culture, whose music has provided the soundtracks, dances, and imageries of our lives. I explore the interplay of their race, gender, sexuality, and how their legacy continues to resonate in our modern world. It will be a celebration of the giants on whose shoulders we stand and gaze.by. Grantiste.com

 

Yamilka Portorreal
Introspection: Series of Self Reflections

"This project follows my journey through introspection with a series of large scale paintings, where themes of trauma, gender expression, escapism, and misogynoir are dissected. The body is the unifying thread that connects the effects of the themes aforementioned. With this project, I hope to be vulnerable by taking inventory of my life and sharing my internal self-dialogue. yamilkaportorreal.com

 

November

Gallery Night: Friday, Nov. 6, 5pm to 8pm

Orozco Gallery Presents:
Present Conversations IV

Present Conversations IV marks the fourth year Orozco Gallery will pop up at the CAP ArtSpace, continuing its dedication to centering BIPoC voices and showcasing both established and underrepresented artists. This exhibition creates space for artists’ stories, practices, and perspectives to be shared and honored. Alongside the exhibition, artist talks will offer opportunities for deeper engagement, dialogue, and learning. Building community through art is vital—it fosters connection, encourages understanding, and allows audiences to learn directly from the lived experiences behind the work. Present Conversations IV invites the public to listen, reflect, and take part in these meaningful exchanges. To learn more or get involved, follow @orozco_gallery, visit orozcogallery.com, or email ospinayen@gmail.com

 

December

Gallery Night: Friday, Dec. 4, 5pm to 8pm
(Sale continues through Dec. 12) 

CAP-a-Palooza Vintage Art Sale

The CAP-a-Palooza Art Sale Extraordinaire is an annual fundraiser for the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), held over 8 days each December.  We collect donations of not-new, pre-owned vintage art from community members who are downsizing or have unused or unloved art that they can part with. We then hold an 8 day fundraising sale. Funds are for CAP general operating support and grants for artist support.  If you would like to donate art to this sale, email programs@artspartner.org (Robin at CAP)

 

January 2027 

Michael Sampson
Paris

Gallery Night: Jan 1, 5pm to 8pm

"My new paintings and monotypes began with sketches I made in Paris in late December 2025. These drawings were created directly from figurative masterworks at the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Picasso, where my wife, Rachel, and I were visiting. Using simple lines to abstract the forms, the initial sketches serve as templates for paintings on canvas and monotypes produced on my large etching press. 
Each drawing was transferred from the original paper studies to large canvases or printing plates using either transfer paper or a small projector. Being in Paris and working in front of masterworks by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso was deeply inspiring. Using these works as starting points gave me a project I could fully immerse myself in.
With this series of paintings and prints, my aim was to remain true to my ongoing method of abstracting the figure. In the Paris series, however, I intentionally used figurative masterworks by Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso as the models for my own work, allowing their compositions to inform my process while maintaining my personal visual language." michaelsampsonartist.com

 

February 2027

Gallery Night: Feb. 5, 5pm to 8pm

Color in Motion: A Spectrum of Individual Vision
by the Open Studio Group

Color in Motion showcases the work of a dedicated group of adult artists in the Ithaca area who have studied together for under instructor Vincent Joseph, whose influences include Cézanne and Bonnard. The class, Modern Art and Painting, centers on an expressive approach: artists are encouraged to paint and draw what they feel in response to the subject, whether a still life or the Finger Lakes landscape.

The exhibition brings forward the range of visual expression that emerges from this shared practice. Though we work from common subjects and exercises, each artist responds with their own individuality—in gesture, color relationships, and the construction of light through color rather than shadow, resulting in a vibrant spectrum of interpretations and richly personal impressions of form and place. with Andrea Murray, Caroline Hecht, Elke Siegel, Ileen Kaplan, Drin Flaherty, Lisa Nymark, Mary Fessenden, Geri Joshep, Geri Keil, Vince Joseph, Jay Sullivan and Cathy Emilian

 

March 2027: Two exhibits  

Gallery Night: March 5, 5pm to 8pm

Don Ellis, aBsTrAcT

When studying architecture each semester ends with a studio critique, a two or three hour event in which a dozen students present their drawings and models. Professors, visiting professors, and studio members may speak as they like to address the projects. It’s lively and occasionally confrontational.  Architecture is abstract art. While abstract paintings may gesture toward the figurative, or even include figures, architecture does not stray. The presenting student might have prepared comments and certainly would have to respond to questions. It became quickly free form. My friends and I coined the word, “talkatechure” to apply to the presentation of work that was not strong while being presented with abundant talk.
Enough writing, please enjoy my work.  donellisartist.com / instagram.com/donellisartist

(2nd Artist TBA) 

 

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Past exhibits - some online in 3D!

 

Terry Plater, Drawn to Inquiry

The show explores personal and public history through genealogy, using Terry's family history as the reference and point of departure. Visit  terryplater.com

 

 

Julian Plum, Page Turns: The Art of Picture Books

See exhibit online in 3D here 
Page Turns dives deep into the work of making a picture book and explores the process of telling stories through art from sketchbook to picture book through the work of local children's illustrator and teller of stories,  julianplum.com  / instagram.com/plumjules

 

2025 Greater Ithaca Art Trail Group Exhibit

See exhibit online in 3D here
44 artists were part of a wonderfully varied exhibit that took place in August of 2025.  

 

 

L.A. Amira, Threads That Bind

See this exhibit online in 3D here
The images in this exhibit  weave a vivid tapestry of identity, resilience, and connection, blending traditional artistry with digital themes and media influences.  instagram.com/l.a.amira  and artstation.com/laylah

 

 

 

Isa Goico, Passing Through: Portraits of Gender Rebellion, Isa Goico

See this exhibit online in 3D here

 

Lauren Reid, Shifting Perspectives: A Palette of Transformation

See this exhibit online in 3D here 
Lauren's show is an exploration of who she is as she takes on new journeys and appreciates every bit of growth, a celebration of the beauty found within moving forward. laurenreid.art

 

 

 

Cai Quirk, Queer Temple

See this exhibit online in 3D here
The Queer Temple is a sacred space that uplifts, cherishes, and celebrates the humanity of queer folks, especially those that transcend gender. Through a combination of stained-glass-like tapestries, this space reclaims queerness as divine. caiquirk.com

 

 

Yen Ospina, Fluida Vida

See this exhibit online in 3D here
Yen Opsina's new work using mixed media paint and a more abstract style than found in her previous work. The theme of Fluida Vida centers on generational trauma in latin culture and how first-generation children break that trauma.   YenOspina.com

 

 

Naming the Unnamable, Youth Stories of Resilience and Survival

Read about this exhbit with local teens organized by Bree Barton (Download PDF)
Link to a quick 1 minute video scan of the room (to get a sense of the exhibit): Here 
QR CODES to see 6 films, audio files and a text story at this link

 

 

Hugo Medina, Portraits

See this exhibit online in 3D here
"Portraits of individuals from my travels and day-to-day encounters, I intentially connect with the 'others' of society." hugosart.com