Quajay Donnell is a Rochester, NY based photographer and writer. His recent photo essay work has focused on community and public art. His words and photographs have been published in local and national publications including Departures Magazine and The Washington Post. Donnell is lead photographer / social media for WALL\THERAPY (2020 - Present), and staff photographer / social media for Roc Paint Division (2022 - Present)
Featured Exhibitions
30th Annual Members Exhibition, Rochester Contemporary Art Center Dec. 2020-Jan. 2021, George Eastman Museum Award Winner
67th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, Memorial Art Gallery, Aug.–Oct. 2021
31st Annual Members Exhibition, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Dec. 2021-Jan. 2022
How I See It (Solo exhibition), St. John Fisher University, Sept.-Dec. 2022
State of the City, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Oct.-Nov. 2022
All of Us, RIT City Art Space, Oct. 2022
32nd Annual Members Exhibition, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Dec. 2022-Feb. 2023
As I Recall Her: Artists Expand the Legacy of the Douglass Women, Juror, Mar.-May 2023
Thaww, The Yards, Mar. 2023
Good Friday, Frank’s Chop Shop, Apr. 2023
Behind the Glass Gallery, Co-Curator, Jan. 2023 - Present
Featured Work
Democrat & Chronicle: A Drive-Thru Christmas
Democrat & Chronicle, Story Tellers: A Drive-Thru Christmas
(585) Magazine: Be bold. Be gritty.
(585) Magazine: Making a seat at the table
(585) Magazine: Believe in WALL\THERAPY
(585) Magazine: The proof is in the pudding
(585) Magazine: Stronger Together
Waterbury Observer: Public Art Matters
CITY: Public art saved my sanity in 2020
Waterbury Observer: Enough
Visit Rochester: Top Spots for Public Art in Rochester, NY
Washington Post: Composers Crossing
The Warp & Weft: Black Futures Matter
In This Moment: Revolution Reckoning Reparation: Samara Brouk
In This Moment: Revolution Reckoning Reparation: Danielle Ponder
In This Moment: Revolution Reckoning Reparation: Ian Wilson, M.D.
Featured Interviews
Caleb Versus Self Podcast: Interview - Photography, Art, and Passion
Your Favorite Neighborhood Librarians: Interview - In This Moment
Thriving Forward: Podcast: Interview
I Heart ROC: I Heart ROC Interview
I Roc Mental Health: Mental Health Journey
Love+Lead: "I Heart Rochester, How 'Bout You"
Democrat & Chronicle: Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition at Memorial Art Gallery
Featured Events / Speaking
February 2020
Cocktails with Creatives - Memorial Art Gallery
January 2021
Why Rochester’s Public Art is So Important – Talk for Rochester Advertising Federation
February 2021
Meme Me at MAG DeTOUR℠ - Memorial Art Gallery
March 2021
East High Photo Club talk
Discover Public Art – Henrietta Library
In This Moment / Black History Month Celebration - SUNY Geneseo
April 2021
Public Art Matters – Pittsford Community Library
Meme Me at MAG DeTOUR℠ - Memorial Art Gallery
May 2021
Public Art Matters – School of the Arts, Teacher Development Day
June 2021
Public Art Walk with Rochester Brainery, Downtown Rochester
Meme Me at MAG DeTOUR℠ - Memorial Art Gallery
July 2021
WALL\THERAPY Public Art Walk
Public Art Walk, Summer LEAP at Allendale Columbia School
September 2021
Public Art Walk with Rochester Brainery
Meme Me at MAG DeTOUR℠ - Memorial Art Gallery
October 2021
Discover Public Art – Penfield Library
Public Art Walking Tour - Nazareth University
Street and Public Art – Hobart and William Smith Colleges
East High Photo Club talk
December 2021
East High Photo Club talk
Public Art Walking Tour - Nazareth University
February 2022
The Douglass Women 540West Main panel
Meme Me at MAG DeTOUR℠ - Memorial Art Gallery
April 2022
Public Art Matters – Pittsford Community Library
May 2022
Public Art Walk with Rochester Brainery, Downtown Rochester
June 2022
Public Art Walk with Rochester Brainery, South Wedge
July 2022
Public Art Walk with Rochester Brainery, Downtown Rochester
August 2022
Public Art Walk with The Yards
Public Art Matters - Irondequoit Public Library
September 2022
Meme Me at MAG DeTOUR℠ - Memorial Art Gallery
Public Art Walk with Rochester Brainery, South Wedge
Street and Public Art – St. John Fisher University
October 2022
Public Art Walking Tour - Genesee Community Charter School
Public Art in Rochester - Rochester Central Library Development Day
Public Art Walking Tour - Nazareth University
November 2022
Public and Street Art - SUNY Geneseo
February 2023
Public Art Matters - Nativity School
Public Art Matters - Paddy Hill Elementary
April 2023
Photography Presentation / Photo Exploration - World of Inquiry School
May 2023
Photography Presentation / Photo Exploration - Genesee Community Charter School
July 2023
Small Libraries Summer Symposium
Additional Links: linktr.ee/Quajay