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FeedThe Eligibles: Cynnie Gaasch, 39
Nancy J. Parisi
Origin story: “I was born in New Jersey, and I grew up in Fredonia. Then I went away for a decade, and came back to WNY—and then I discovered Buffalo.”
Occupation: Artist, executive director of Young Audiences WNY
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, dancing, and the West Side
What’s in a name: "Cynnie was the name of my mom’s best friend growing up; Gaasch is Luxembourgian—my great grandfather came to the U.S. from Luxembourg.
Cynnie Gaasch’s home is a vibrant showcase of her passions: the West Side house is fronted by a lush perennial garden; outside are romping dogs; and inside is an eclectic collection of art.
“I bought my house eight and a half years ago, and I’m almost done paying my mortgage. It’s a double that I’m turning back into a single.” In her front hallway, where she was photographed for this profile, Gaasch commissioned a work by artist/architect Dennis Maher. Entitled Vestibule, it is a two-story, layered pastiche of wooden architectural features blended together to create an intriguing entryway.
The rest of her art collection—work acquired mainly from friends and colleagues—sprawls over the two floors in rooms either completed or in progress. Gaasch's own art practice (her studio is downtown) is in a bit of flux as she’s busy directing the work of Young Audiences of Western New York, producing arts programming for thousands of students annually.
Gaasch is open to all sorts of possibilities when it comes to places to go, either alone or on a date. “There is always a ton of things to do in Buffalo; it’s just a matter of deciding which to do. ... I’m basically a shy person; it’s a real effort for me to meet strangers.”
Three adjectives that Gaasch ascribes to herself are “ambitious, creative, and caring.” She says she’s “fortunate to have found the job that will allow me to realize ambitions. And we all want to change the world; I can do a little bit of that with Young Audiences.” Gaasch gladly admits that she makes life decisions based on the four things she cares most about: “The world. People. My community. Doggies,” she says, laughing a hearty laugh.
