Water Street Studios artist spotlight on Caitlin Palagi

Artist Caitlin Palagi joined Water Street School of Art as an instructor this past summer in July, facilitating sensory-based process and nature classes for children as well as Intuitive Art Courses for adults. In December of 2024, Palagi became a resident artist at the studio.

“I found myself drawn to Water Street when I reignited my passion for art after nearly [a] decade hiatus,” says Palagi. “I had been creating art on my own for some time and even opened an LLC; however, I felt overwhelmed and unsure with how to connect with others in creative spaces and the artistic community.”

Community became the foundation of Palagi’s journey as an artist in the area. “I was drawn to Batavia, in general, for its highly active arts district,” she says. “I began showing in their Community Galleries, attending classes and events; and before I knew it, my own little community formed and opened my eyes to people, opportunities, and creations that were blossoming all around me.”

Burgeoning from the strength of her connection to the community, an opportunity arose to collaborate with a local business owner. “I worked on a series of commissioned pieces for a local and well-loved business establishment,” says Palagi. “These pieces were more than just a business transaction or wall fillers for the owner. He was just as invested in the artwork as I was. The work held great emotional value, which was key in translating the ideas from brush to canvas. The emotional experience one enjoys with art is what keeps people coming back time and time again to relive the moments that are captured within its space. And as individuals, we all have our own unique understanding of what that looks and feels like; so, aligning that with another person’s is always the most challenging task. However, once that essence is truly captured and aligned, that’s where the ultimate reward lies – for both the maker and the receiver.”

In the next year, Palagi will home in on her art and strive to block out the noise of external distractions. “…my challenge will be a shift in focus,” she says. “To regain my focus on my art process by putting aside notions of outside expectations, deadlines, and a general sense of push and pull. Those things will always be there. So, instead, the art will come first. That is not to say I will not honor my commitments and general business practices; however, when it comes to creation as an artist, I intend to let the process take the lead, instead of the calendar.”