Allegheny County’s newest arts center is set to open Oct. 4 in McKees Rocks.
The $4.2 million Father Ryan Arts Center, a project of nonprofit
Focus on Renewal, features a 125-seat multipurpose theater, 1,261-square-foot art gallery, classrooms, and offices. Performance arts facilities housed in the 26,000-square-foot facility include a recording studio, theater set design and costume shop, and musical rehearsal rooms. A 936-square-foot bistro-style Cafe´ is open to the public and available for small parties.
Designed by John Baverso, the center’s distinctive square façade features a “woven” brick motif and a pattern of decorative geometrical glass blocks. Its bright interiors feature 46 different colors of paint and 13 shades of flooring. Fully accessible, the center also includes a gated courtyard, conference room and computer lab.
Located at 420 Chartiers Ave. in McKees Rocks, the center will serve the town’s 5,600 residents, as well as bordering Stowe Twp. “It’s the first facility of its kind here, and encompasses all of the arts,” says Pilar Brown, with Focus on Renewal. “A cultural art center can bring people together. The vision is to serve McKees Rocks, neighboring communities and beyond.” The project received a $250,000 unrestricted and a $250,000 challenge grant from
Richard King Mellon Foundation.
This fall, the center will offer courses in dance, visual arts, music, theater, and creative writing. Featured programs also include Mommy and Me Movement, youth hip-hop, African Art, and pottery.
Opening festivities will feature the Sto-Rox Marching Band, remarks by center director Father Regis Ryan, and a ribbon cutting ceremony. A free open house on Oct. 5 will offer hands-on arts activities, refreshments, exhibitions and performances, and guided tours.
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Writer:
Jennifer Baron
Source: Pilar Brown, Focus on Renewal/Father Ryan Arts Center
Image courtesy of Focus on Renewal/Father Ryan Arts Center