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.”
Fall 2024 Arts Classes
We are planning our 2024 Fall 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.
BE A PART OF the AACOA!
PAST EVENTS
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!