Visions of Utica Exhibit Celebrates Paul Parker’s Legacy Through Art and History

Christopher and Dr. Michael Woods, architect, Robert Heins, Attorney Steve Lockwood, Artist and NYS DOCCS Chaplain Clint Shenandoah, and Paul Parker Trustee, Cassandra Harris Lockwood History Center gallery exhibition

A new exhibition at the Oneida County History Center showcases Paul Parker’s iconic paintings while highlighting the power of art to preserve history, inspire healing, and strengthen community connections.

UTICA, N.Y. — Community leaders, artists, historians, and art enthusiasts gathered at the  Oneida County History Center on Thursday evening to celebrate the opening of Visions of Utica: The City in Oils by Paul Parker, 1952-1968, an exhibition showcasing the work of acclaimed local artist Paul Parker while exploring the intersection of art, history, culture, and community healing.

Hosted by the Oneida County History Center in partnership with the Paul Parker Trust, the exhibition features Parker’s vibrant paintings of Utica during a transformative period in the city’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into neighborhoods, businesses, streetscapes, and  landmarks that have long since changed or disappeared.

“We’re excited about Visions of Utica, which features paintings from the Paul Parker Trust,” said Rebecca McLain, Executive Director of the Oneida County History Center. “It’s fantastic art. However, as a history museum, we’re particularly thrilled to display a piece of history that no longer exists. This exhibit offers a view of Utica that today’s children might not remember, but perhaps their parents or grandparents will. We hope it sparks conversations and encourages visitors to learn more about our shared history.” McLain also emphasized the importance of collaboration between artists and historians. “The art world and the history world have a great deal to offer each other, and we are thrilled to host this exhibition,” she said, while thanking the Paul Parker Trust, History Center staff, board members, and Director of Public Programming Patrick Reynolds for
bringing the exhibit to life.

The evening also highlighted the ongoing work of the Paul Parker Trust, which has supported artists throughout Central New York for decades. Cassandra Harris Lockwood, trustee of the Paul Parker Trust and CEO of Phoenix Radio, reflected on the Trust’s mission to preserve Parker’s artistic legacy while supporting emerging and underrepresented artists.

“The Paul Parker Trust has always been about more than preserving paintings,” Harris Lockwood said. “It has been about investing in artists and ensuring that creativity, culture, and community continue to flourish. The Trust has proudly supported artists whose talents might otherwise have gone unrecognized, including Indigenous artists and those whose work reflects the rich diversity of our region.”

Among those artists is Onondaga Nation artist, sculptor, educator, and Native American spiritual advisor Clint Shenandoah, a recipient of support from the Paul Parker Trust. Shenandoah studied at the Munson-Williams-Proctor School of Art and Syracuse University before dedicating nearly two decades to serving as a Native American chaplain and spiritual advisor within the New York State Department of Corrections.

During his remarks, Shenandoah spoke about the profound role of art in personal and community healing. “When I paint, I channel emotion and the current events of the world into my artwork,” Shenandoah said. “I aim to encapsulate these issues on the canvas, hoping that people will connect with it.”

 Drawing upon Indigenous traditions, spirituality, and artistic expression, Shenandoah uses creative practices to support individuals dealing with mental health challenges, trauma, and personal growth. “Art, music, drawing, and poetry are therapeutic outlets that help heal the mind, body, and
soul,” Shenandoah said.

He emphasized that artistic expression, community interaction, and spiritual healing are
interconnected pathways toward emotional wellness and resilience. The exhibition opening also celebrated the contributions of local cultural figures, including musician Doc Woods and community leader Jack McHatton, who was previously inducted into the History Center’s Historical Hall of Fame as a Living Legend for his contributions to music and the community.

Visions of Utica: The City in Oils by Paul Parker, 1952-1968 will remain on display at the Oneida County History Center through August 20, 2026. The History Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is offered on a pay-what-you-wish basis.

The exhibition serves as both an artistic celebration and a reminder that art preserves memory, fosters understanding, and creates opportunities for healing across generations and communities.

Christopher and Doc Woods, architect, Robert Heins, Attorney Steve Lockwood, Clint Shenandoah, and Paul Parker Trustee, Cassandra Harris Lockwood at gallery exhibition