SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — A local art gallery serves more than just art; the Community Folk Art Center is filled with women who bedazzle items to support those in need. This initiative fosters community and empowerment among diverse women, showcasing their creativity and compassion.
With generous support from local donations of hats, scarves, gloves, and shoes, these everyday items enable this group of women to come together and share their experiences.
Melody Smith Johnson said women empowerment is key.
“You know we are all created. Amazing women are the best on the planet as far as I’m concerned, thank God for us,” said Johnson.
Johnson credited her upbringing in a family dedicated to community service for inspiring this idea. Raised in an environment where giving back was a core value, she emphasized the importance of serving others. She said the community is committed to ensuring that women recognize their importance and power. Johnson said knowing your worth will propel you to great places.
“And there is something amazing in us that sometimes life doesn’t allow us to see, so Divine Coverings take very ordinary items that are already beautiful and add rhinestones and pearls, ribbons and bedazzlement,” said Johnson. Divine Coverings is the name of the bedazzling workshop.
Anna Carol, director of the Rescue Mission Center, highlights the severity of homelessness in Central New York, which has surged 75% since 2023. She said that contributions like those from Johnson’s workshop are making an impact, aiding at least 50 people in need.
Betty Powell, one of the workshop participants, said that she enjoys continuous learning.
“I do a little of my own design work so I wanted to learn more and I’m always interested in learning more and bedazzling things. I like to make something plain and swoof it up a lot,” said Powell.
Bedazzling everyday necessities for those in need brings these women together. Their collective efforts not only add beauty to essential items but also serve a greater purpose of helping others. Donations are happening at Central New York Art Gallery Monday through Friday during operating hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
