“No Kings” protest in Pittsford draws crowd opposing potential Trump return too power

Pittsford, NY – Roughly 50 people gathered at teh intersection of State and North Main Streets in pittsford saturday morning, holding signs and chanting slogans as part of a “No Kings” protest. the demonstration was organized to express opposition to the possibility of a second term for former president Donald Trump.

protesters carried signs wiht messages like “No Kings,” “Not Again,” and “Democracy Now.” one participant even donned a costume resembling Trump, adding a visual element to the demonstration.

“We’re here to send a clear message that we don’t want a return to the authoritarianism and divisiveness that characterized the Trump presidency,” said Steven Jarose, a pittsford resident and protest participant.”America doesn’t need a king.”

The protest remained peaceful, with participants engaging with passing drivers and sharing their concerns about the upcoming election. A lone Trump supporter was present,holding a sign in support of the former president,but remained separate from the main group.

Organizers stated the protest was intended to raise awareness and encourage voter participation in the 2024 presidential election.The event concluded after approximately two hours.

‘No Kings’ protests erupt across Rochester, challenging monarchy and advocating for a republic

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Demonstrations dubbed “No Kings” took place across the Rochester area on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as protesters voiced their opposition to the concept of monarchy and called for the establishment of a republic.

The protests, which included rallies and roadside demonstrations, drew participants of all ages and backgrounds. In Pittsford, protesters held signs along busy roadways, while a more festive gathering took place at Genesee Gateway Park in Rochester, featuring music and dancing.Many attendees embraced the spirit of the event with creative costumes.

the movement aims to challenge the historical and symbolic weight of monarchy, advocating for a system of governance based on elected depiction and citizen participation. Organizers say the protests are not directed at any specific individual or nation, but rather at the principle of inherited power.

“We believe that leadership should be earned,not inherited,” said one protester at the Genesee Gateway Park rally. “It’s time to move beyond outdated systems and embrace a truly democratic future.”

The “No Kings” movement has been gaining momentum in recent months, fueled by social media and a growing dissatisfaction with conventional power structures. Saturday’s protests represent a significant show of force for the movement, signaling a potential turning point in the debate over the future of governance.

‘No Kings’ protests held across Monroe County,challenging historical power structures

Monroe County saw a series of protests Friday under the banner of “No Kings,” challenging the concept of inherited power and historical structures of authority. Rallies and demonstrations took place in Brighton, Rochester, and Pittsford, drawing residents who voiced opposition to the idea of monarchy and its lingering influence.

At Twelve Corners in Brighton, protesters displayed signs as vehicles passed by in support. A larger rally was held at Gateway Park in Rochester, were speakers addressed a crowd of area residents holding signs.

In pittsford, the protest took a more theatrical turn with Bruce Boak donning a pope outfit to symbolize his rejection of hierarchical power. He explained his choice of attire as a statement against all forms of inherited authority.

The “No Kings” movement appears to be gaining traction as a way to question traditional power dynamics and advocate for more equitable systems. The protests Friday represent a visible expression of this growing sentiment within the community.

‘No Kings’ protest draws crowd to Twelve Corners in Brighton

Brighton, NY – A “No Kings” protest took place at Twelve Corners in Brighton on Saturday, October 18, 2025, drawing a crowd of demonstrators. Families and individuals gathered along Monroe Avenue to voice their opposition, with many carrying signs and flags.

Among those present were Tyler and Ethan Ferro, 4-year-old twins who waved flags from their father’s shoulders and a stroller, respectively. Carol Hope of Penfield was also seen participating, holding a sign crafted from a paper bag.

The protest reflects a growing sentiment against the monarchy,with participants advocating for a shift away from traditional systems of power. The event at Twelve Corners provided a local platform for these views to be expressed and shared within the community.

Finding Calm in the crowd: How Live Painting Connects an Artist to Protest

On October 18th, Ashley Moore found herself amidst a large crowd in Canandaigua, New York, not as a protester, but as an artist. She was live painting the “No Kings” protest, a demonstration advocating for the return of land to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. For Moore, this wasn’t just about capturing the event on canvas; it was a way to engage with a cause she cared about while managing her anxiety in large gatherings.

Overcoming Anxiety Through Art

Moore admits that large crowds typically overwhelm her. The energy and intensity can be difficult to navigate. However, she discovered that focusing on the act of painting provided a sense of calm and control. “Large crowds give me anxiety,” Moore explained. “But painting allowed me to feel less overwhelmed.” The focused concentration required for live painting created a buffer, allowing her to be present at the protest without being consumed by her anxiety.

The Power of on-Site Creation

Live painting, or plein air painting in a contemporary context, offers a unique perspective. It’s more than just documenting an event; it’s about experiencing it directly and translating that experience onto the canvas in real-time. This immediacy captures a raw energy that a photograph or a painting created from reference material frequently enough misses.

Moore’s approach isn’t about precise realism. Instead, she aims to convey the feeling of the protest – the emotions, the atmosphere, and the collective energy of the participants. This is achieved through expressive brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a focus on capturing the essence of the moment.

Connecting with the Community

Beyond managing her anxiety, moore found that live painting fostered a connection with the protesters. People stopped to observe her work, ask questions, and share their stories. This interaction transformed her role from a passive observer to an active participant in the event.

“It was really nice to connect with people and talk about what was going on,” Moore said. “It felt like a way to contribute, even if I wasn’t marching or chanting.” The painting became a focal point for conversation and a symbol of solidarity.

Why Live Painting Matters at Protests

• Emotional Connection: Captures the raw emotions and energy of the event.
• Real-Time Documentation: Provides an immediate and authentic record of the protest.
• Community Engagement: Creates a space for dialogue and connection between the artist and protesters.
• Accessibility: Art can reach people who might not engage with traditional forms of protest messaging.

Key Takeaways

• Live painting can be a powerful tool for artists to engage with social and political issues.
• The act of creating art can be therapeutic, particularly for individuals who experience anxiety in large groups.
• On-site painting offers a unique and immediate perspective that captures the essence of an event.
• Art can foster community and facilitate dialogue around critically importent social issues.

Published: 2025/10/19 15:42:43

Looking ahead, Moore plans to continue incorporating live painting into her artistic practice, seeking out opportunities to document and engage with events that resonate with her values. She hopes her work will inspire others to find creative ways to connect with their communities and contribute to positive change.