Since opening in 2008, Focus on Renewal’s Father Ryan Arts Center has offered residents of the Sto-Rox community cultural and artistic opportunities to learn and grow. Classes, workshops, art exhibits, and special events are held in fully functioning studios and makerspaces and include an array of visual and graphic arts, ceramics, music, dance, and culinary arts.
The Father Ryan Arts Center is also home to the African American Celebration of the Arts (AACOA), a committee comprised of artists and community members dedicated to recognizing, inspiring, creating, and celebrating African-American art in the Sto-Rox Community and beyond.
All classes are free! Click any flyer below to sign up.
Ready to create, grow, and earn? Join us at Focus On Renewal for hands-on classes in DJing, T-shirt design, ceramics, book publishing, dance, and podcasting! 🎶👕🎨📚💃🎙 No experience needed—just bring your creativity. Spots are limited, so sign up today! Classes begin 10/7/2025.
EVERY TUESDAY
4pm – 6pm Under 18
6pm – 8pm 18 & up
Instructor: Veronica DeAlmeida
Ready to get your hands muddy and create your own pottery? This beginner-friendly wheel
throwing class will teach you the core techniques of centering, pulling walls, and shaping clay on
the potter’s wheel. No experience needed – just come prepared to learn and have fun crafting your first ceramic pieces!
EVERY WEDNESDAY
4pm – 6pm Under 18
6pm – 8pm 18 & up
Instructor: Veronica DeAlmeida
Explore your creativity in our beginner-friendly open studio ceramics sessions! This unstructured
time allows you to practice wheel throwing or hand-building techniques at your own pace. Basic
guidance and access to studio equipment and clay are provided, making it perfect for those new
to clay or looking for independent studio time.
EVERY SATURDAY
3pm – 5pm
All Ages
Instructor: Veronica DeAlmeida
Combine your love for ceramics and greenery in our unique Pot & Plant class! You’ll learn hand-
building techniques to create beautiful and functional pots perfect for housing your favorite
plants. Discover how to design and craft custom planters that complement your indoor jungle and add a personal touch to your home decor.
EVERY THURSDAY
3:30pm – 5:30pm
18 and Up
Instructor: Aleah Ansari
Unleash your inner artist in our beginner-friendly art classes designed specifically for adults!
Explore various mediums like drawing, painting, and mixed media in a supportive and encouraging
environment. No experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and discover the joy of creative expression.
EVERY MONDAY
4pm – 6pm – AGES 13 & up
Instructor: Britney Smith
Discover the tactile joy of shaping clay with your own two hands in our beginner hand-building
ceramics class! You’ll learn fundamental techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab
construction to create unique forms without a potter’s wheel. Perfect for all skill levels, this
class offers a relaxing and creative way to craft your own ceramic art.
EVERY SATURDAY
12:30pm – 2:30pm
Seniors Only
Instructor: Veronica DeAlmeida
Embrace a new creative outlet in our relaxed and supportive beginner open studio ceramics
sessions designed specifically for seniors! Enjoy the therapeutic process of working with clay, whether you’re trying the potter’s wheel or hand-building. Our accessible studio provides basic guidance and all necessary materials for you to explore your artistic side at your own pace.
EVERY THURSDAY
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Instructors: Robyn Macon & Trevia Dixson
Dust off your boots and join the fun in our beginner-friendly line dancing class! You’ll learn a
variety of popular line dances to different styles of music in a relaxed and social atmosphere. No
partner is needed – just come ready to step, slide, and have a great time getting some exercise andmaking new friends!
EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Instructor: Raelynn Hunter
Unlock the exciting world of digital fabrication and traditional craftsmanship in our beginner 3D
Print & Wood Engraving class! You’ll learn the fundamentals of designing for 3D printers and
operating them to bring your digital creations to life. Then, discover the art of precision wood
engraving, using specialized tools to add intricate designs and personalize your projects.
TUES, WED, THURS
4PM – 6PM
AGES 8-13 YEARS
Instructor: Dontrell Summers
Get ready to move and groove with our dynamic dance team! This energetic program focuses on
developing rhythm, coordination, and teamwork through exciting choreography. Whether you’re a
seasoned dancer or just starting, come join us and discover the joy of performing together!
EVERY THURSDAY
3pm – 5pm
13 & up
Instructor: Caden Huffman
Elevate your photography skills and capture breathtaking aerial perspectives with our
introductory drone photography class! Learn the essentials of drone operation, safety regulations,
and fundamental photographic techniques from a bird’s-eye view. Discover how to frame stunning
landscapes, capture unique angles, and unlock a new dimension in visual storytelling.
MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS
3:30pm – 5:30pm
13 & up
Instructor: Caden Huffman
Unlock your creative vision and learn the fundamentals of photography in our beginner-
friendly class! You’ll discover essential camera settings, explore composition techniques, and gain
a deeper understanding of light and exposure. Start capturing beautiful and meaningful images that tell your unique story.
EVERY THURSDAY
1:00pm – 3:00pm
13 & up
Instructor: Caden Huffman
Boost your math confidence with our comprehensive tutoring services, covering
everything from foundational concepts to the complexities of statistics. Support to help you
understand challenging topics and improve your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re tackling
basic arithmetic or advanced statistical analysis, we’re here to guide you toward mathematical success.
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY
3:30pm – 4:30pm
AGES 6 – 12 YEARS
Instructor: Aleah Ansari
Spark your child’s imagination in our engaging children’s art class! Through fun and hands-on
projects, young artists will explore a variety of materials and techniques, fostering creativity and
self-expression. Join us for a colorful adventure where kids can learn, create, and discover the joyof art!
EVERY WEDNESDAY
3:30pm – 5:30pm
13 years & up
Instructor: Zay Davis
Unleash your inner fashion designer and learn to create eye-catching graphics for clothing! This
beginner-friendly class will guide you through the fundamentals of graphic design principles and
how to apply them to apparel. Discover the tools and techniques to bring your unique style and ideas to life on wearable art.
EVERY THURSDAY
1:00pm – 3:00pm – Under 18
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Adult
Instructor: Danielle Wise
Unlock your inner beatmaster and learn the art of DJing in this dynamic class! You’ll master
essential techniques like beatmatching, scratching, and mixing across various genres. Get
ready to spin tracks, create seamless sets, and ignite any dance floor with your unique sound.
Every Wednesday – 9:45am – 10:45am
Every Saturday – 11:15am – 12:15pm
Instructor: Bernard Stankay
Discover the gentle yet powerful art of Tai Chi in our introductory class. These flowing movements
improve balance, flexibility, and focus while promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Join us
to learn the basic forms and experience the many physical and mental benefits of this ancient practice.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured a story about the Focus On Renewal Mural Club. Read all about it here: “Mural Painting Classes Fill McKees Rocks Arts Center with Color and Life.”
The AACOA was founded nearly a decade ago in an effort to recognize, inspire, create, and celebrate African-American art in the Sto-Rox Community and beyond.
The AACOA offers special events, exhibits, and community celebrations that not only serve as a creative outlet for artists, but also as a way for all members of our community to find common ground, gain understanding, and unite to work together toward a better future.
Our Juneteenth celebration at Focus On Renewal was a meaningful and joyful event held on Saturday, June 14th from 12 PM to 5 PM at the Father Ryan Arts Center. The day brought our community together to honor freedom, culture, and unity. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in commemorating this important day.
Our 2024 Kwanzaa Celebration was held on Saturday, December 28 at Focus On Renewal’s Sto-Rox Public Library. Community members came together to celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa with activities, music, food, and entertainment.
Our Community Juneteenth Celebration was held on Saturday, June 22. Those who attended were treated to live entertainment from local artists LHAGIC, Harlin, and Melissa Edmunds. vendors with all types of goods, music from DJ Schizo, and a FREE CHILDREN’S AREA with games and activities, hotdogs, snow cones, popcorn, and a foam machine!