Arts Programs at the Father Ryan Arts Center

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.

Arts and Culture Classes

TAI CHI & QIQONG

with Mr. Bernard Stankay

Beginning Tai Chi & Qiqong
Wednesday 11:00am-12:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm

Advanced Tai Chi & Qiqong
Wednesday 9:45-10:45pm
Saturday 10:30-11:30pm

Ages 16 & up

Father Ryan Arts Center

Tai chi is a Chinese system of physical exercises that combine slow, gently flowing movements with deep breathing that focuses the mind while increasing body strength and stamina, improving balance and joint flexibility and reducing stress and tension. Contact the Sto Rox Public Library at 412-771-1222 or email at gotoprintfor@gmail.com

FOR Arts in the News!

Recently, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured a story about our Mural Club.  Read all about it here: “Mural Painting Classes Fill McKees Rocks Arts Center with Color and Life.” 

Spring 2025 Arts Classes

We are planning our Spring 2025 Arts Classes.  Check back soon for more information.

 

Is there something you’d like to see?  Do you have an idea for a class or workshop?  Let us know!

Email or call us with suggestions!

African American Celebration of the Arts (AACOA)

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.

 

Upcoming Events

Black History Month Celebration

Our Black History Month Event will take place on Saturday, February 22 at Focus On Renewal’s Father Ryan Arts Center.

Past events have included entertainment, art exhibits, and panel discussions.  Our events celebrate not only achievements by African-Americans, but also the rich history of the African-American community in our Sto-Rox neighborhood.

Please check back for more details and a link to register.

BE A PART OF the AACOA!

PAST EVENTS

Kwanzaa Celebration

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.

Check out our event photo gallery by HERE!

Community Juneteenth Celebration

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!

Check out our event photo gallery by HERE!