Rachel Anderson, a local artist at Syracuse’s Gear Factory, poses next to one of her favorite artworks. © 2025 Cedric Derecho.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse was named a Top-40 “arts vibrant” city in the United States, according to the 2024 Arts Vibrancy index, released last week by the National Center for Arts Research.
To local artists like Rachel Anderson, the praise for Syracuse’s art community did not come as a surprise.
“Syracuse is kind of a hidden gem. Don’t tell anyone,” Anderson said.
Anderson is a full-time artist at the Gear Factory, located on Geddes Street. The large 65,000 square-foot building is home to 19 different art studios where local artists hone their craft.
The former industrial center, once home to the Brown-Lipe Gear Company, is now a hub for Syracuse-based artists who want to showcase their artwork.
“There are painters, there are tattoo artists, there are musicians in this building. Artists of all types are welcome here, and everybody is just working really hard,” Anderson said.
Anderson, who has spent time in Austin, and Minneapolis, moved to Syracuse two years ago and said all the artists’ work to lift each other up.
Her work combines elements of collage and abstract art. She shares a first-floor studio space with other artists specializing in collage, and visitors are met with an eye-catching array of colors and interpretive themes.
On the other side of town, at Soule Branch Library, another local artist, Richard Baldwin, showcased his works.
Baldwin, who is a Vietnam War Navy veteran, suffered a mini stroke over a decade ago. He uses art as a means to keep his mind active.
“When I’m down in my art room, I leave it all out, all that,” said Baldwin. “I’m just staring, and I can’t leave it. It’s like, this is my moment. This is what’s gonna get me to the next moment.”
Baldwin encourages those suffering through trauma to try music and art so that they could forget what is going on around them.
Richard Baldwin’s art repurposes old metal parts into new creations. © 2025 Cedric Derecho.
He repurposes old metallic parts into canvassed three-dimensional art that represent his thoughts on recent events. One set of paintings, featuring red infernos, were inspired by the recent wildfires around Los Angeles.
This art community extends to Syracuse University’s campus as well.
At SU’s Art Museum, there is an ongoing exhibit titled “Faculty Fellows Curate,” featuring the creations of faculty.
Sculptures, photographs, and paintings highlight the creativity of fellows at the university. Each year, faculty members are chosen as fellows to appear in this exhibit. Their works are used to teach students and to inspire creativity.
At the exhibit, everything from pop culture to indigenous rights to political activism are displayed. Cultures from all over the world are featured, including a mask inspired by the people of Papua New Guinea.
Syracuse’s top 40 ranking by the National Center for Arts Research and other accolades for the arts here give more and more local artists the ability to showcase their work to a wider audience.
“Just put your snow boots on and get out, go to things,” Anderson said. “It’s a matter of getting out there and supporting your local artists. That’s how you create a vibrant art community.”
Video Transcript
Cedric Derecho: Syracuse was just named a top 40 “arts vibrant city” in the US, according to the National Center for Arts Research. While that may come as a surprise to some, it’s not a surprise to local artists like Rachel Anderson.
Rachel Anderson: Syracuse is kind of a hidden gem. Don’t tell anyone.
Derecho: Anderson is a full time artist here at the Gear Factory. Home to 19 studios, the industrial
space turned art center is a showcase of local artists’ talents.
Anderson: There are painters, there are tattoo artists, there are musicians in this building. Artists of
all types are welcome here, and everybody is just working really hard.
Derecho: Anderson’s work, like the other artists that share this first floor studio space, is a mix of
abstract and collage. Anderson believes the artists in this community support each other.
On the other side of town at Soule Branch Library, another local artist is featuring his artwork. Richard Baldwin, a Vietnam War
navy veteran, uses old parts to create expressive works.
Richard Baldwin: When I’m down in my art room, I leave it out, all that. I’m just staring, and I can’t leave it.
It’s like, this is my moment. This is what’s gonna get me to the next moment.
Derecho: Baldwin, who suffered a mini stroke over a decade ago, uses art as a means to keep his
mind active. He has a message for those suffering through trauma, encouraging people on
the importance of artistic expression.
Baldwin: So to anybody that’s watching this that is affected…. that is going through PTSD or any
other trauma…. Hey, try either music or art… to put yourself at… so you could forget what’s
going on around you.
Derecho: The vibrant art community extends to Syracuse University as well, where the art museum is showcasing “Faculty Fellows Curate.” All of the artwork in this exhibit are the creations of university faculty members. The works are inspired from cultures all over the world. Political collages, metal sculptures, and photographs grace the gallery floor. In this city, there is more to the arts scene than meets the eye. From Syracuse, Cedric Derecho, N-C-C News.