Meet our Celebrities: Cecilia H. de Davis

Cecilia (Cecy) Henaine de Davis is a proud Durhamite of 30 years, an incredible artist, and a committed supporter of many local artists in the community. She is the founder and gallery owner of Cecy’s Gallery and Cecy’s 2.0, located on Foster Street, and a core founder and organizer of the Art Market that takes place in Durham Central Park. After moving to the United States from Mexico, she began making jewelry and teaching jewelry-making workshops for women in domestic violence recovery. This slowly morphed into a special group focused on talking, networking, and connecting through art.

In 2018, Cecy moved into her current space on Foster Street. It has become not only a home for her jewelry and classes, but also an incredible exhibition and workshop space for dozens of local artists in the area. In 2023, she expanded the space and created Cecy’s 2.0 to further her artistic mission.  

Cecy’s vision of an art space that is wide open and full of love, life, and music has become a reality. Cecy’s Gallery and 2.0 spaces house artist studios, classes, events, community gatherings, and a gallery – all in an effort to encourage Durhamites to come together and make local art accessible and fun.  

We are honored to welcome this inspiring community leader, Cecy, to the stage at the Carolina Theatre to share her talents with us. We also took the opportunity to learn more about Cecy, and here is what she shared: 

Tell us more about Cecy’s Gallery & Studio. How did it start and what is the importance of the work you’re doing in Durham?

Cecy’s began 6 years ago this past April.  If I’m honest with you though, Cecy’s began many years before then, in my mind.  I’ve had this dream for a very long time now.  A dream and vision to support local artists and creators offering them a safe space to showcase their creations to the community and beyond.  It is so easy to go into big name stores or to shop online and pay very high prices for things that are mass produced or worse not produced in an ethical environment with very little of the recognition or profit going back to the crafter.  I want to help our community recognize the very vibrant and quality arts and crafts made by amazing people right in their community, their neighbors.  I want to support artists to be able to have a way to be profitable producing something they are passionate about and encourage our community to keep our dollars right here where we live and hopefully thrive. 

One of Durham’s greatest strengths is the quality of the arts and culture initiatives and opportunities we have here. Do you believe that arts and culture are a core part of Durham’s identity and how has it changed over the years?

Yes, I do believe the arts are a core part of what makes Durham (and surrounding areas what we are).  Our arts (food, drink, dance, paintings, written, spoken, film, pottery, textiles and cloth, on and on) is what makes our culture unique.  It is so much a part of what makes Durham, Durham, the fabulous Bull City.  Investment in Durham, in our infrastructure and people has really helped to shine a national spotlight on us.  Durham has become a destination in addition to home and a thriving community.  I remember when I moved here almost 30yrs ago now.  Our city center was so different than it is today, we have new arrivals everyday.  Durham is a fantastic melting pot with a special culture and feel.  I love calling Durham home.

 As an artist, you understand the importance of arts education and opportunities. What do you think the Carolina Theatre’s greatest impact has been for Durham residents and artists?

The Carolina Theatre is more than an historic landmark in Durham.  It continually fulfills a need by bringing top quality productions to our area and helps to attract a national if not international fan base to our area.  The dollars they bring are real dollars that benefit us all.  For those of us locally, we have the regular opportunity to enjoy top acts and productions without straying far from home.  Cultural enrichment is so important to the soul.

When you were asked to participate in the Theatre’s Dancing With The Carolina Stars, what inspired you to say yes?!

The adventure of doing something new.  Let’s face it, I’m not shy and I don’t often shy away from new challenges. What is the worse that can happen, embarrassment? If so, so what, we all need to laugh more.  On the other hand, I’m more likely to have a great time and a new experience!

What do you think will be the most exciting part of this Celebrity Dancer experience in Dancing With The Carolina Stars?

 Meeting new friends, conquering a new challenge, and hopefully raising funds for a worthy cause!

Cecy is so excited to share her Latin-inspired performance she has been rehearsing with professional dancer, Joel Spencer! 

Join us for a night to remember at the Carolina Theatre on May 21! Celebrate our talented dancers, reconnect with familiar faces, and make new connections in support of Durham’s nonprofit historic showplace. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, dance along to vibrant local bands, and be wowed by the incredible performances that await. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss! 

Grab your tickets now for an electrifying performance by the incredible Cecilia and Joel!