ROCHESTER, N.Y. —Inside the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, staff were busy swapping art prints for ones from gallery members, like Carly Cook.

“During the pandemic, I tried growing houseplants and would take pictures of ones that thrived or died," Cook said. "This is the first one. I’m planning on making them a body of work."

A longtime supporter of the ROCO, Cook found it hard to create during the pandemic. She pushed herself to create at least one new piece for the member’s exhibition

“It’s a goal to work towards, especially during the pandemic when it’s hard to keep deadlines and goals," said Cook.

Members of the art center can submit one art piece to be featured in the annual members' exhibition. This is the 31st year.

“The last two years were slow, the pandemic limited the artworks," said Blue Cease, executive director at ROCO. "But it seems everyone was storing energy and came out in full force."

From Friday to Sunday, around 350 pieces were dropped off. One of those was from young artist Adam Eaton. His art highlights black beauty in Rochester.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have my work featured at ROCO, so it’s an honor being featured in the gallery," Eaton said.

The member’s exhibition opens on Dec. 3 and is open to the public.