Arts & Culture
Six ways to enjoy Downtown Lancaster’s vibrant arts scene
There are so many ways to enjoy art in Downtown Lancaster. From fine art galleries and student exhibitions to interactive art projects and creative supply stores, Downtown Lancaster is a hub for the local arts. As a community that values artistic expression, it’s not hard to find opportunities—no matter your age—to engage with the Lancaster art scene. So roll up your sleeves and let the creativity flow!
There are so many ways to enjoy art in Downtown Lancaster. From fine art galleries and student exhibitions to interactive art projects and creative supply stores, Downtown Lancaster is a hub for the local arts. As a community that values artistic expression, it’s not hard to find opportunities—no matter your age—to engage with the Lancaster art scene. So roll up your sleeves and let the creativity flow!
1. Friendship Heart Gallery
Friendship Heart Gallery is a nonprofit art studio in Downtown Lancaster, using art as a tool to empower people with intellectual disabilities and autism. For 15 years, Friendship Heart Gallery & Studio has fostered a space in Lancaster City where artists can express their capabilities. Heart Artists share their thoughts, feelings, and dreams with the world through their creativity—creating pieces infused with love. If you’re up for an adventure, take a short walk from the gallery and check out Friendship Heart Gallery’s mural on the 300 block of North Mary Street (pictured here). To meet the Heart Artists and view their artwork, visit friendshipart.net/portfolios.
Find them at 118 North Water Street #101 | @friendshipheartgallery
2. Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) is a staple for the arts in the Lancaster community. PCA&D supports student artists and makers as they set out to build creative careers. Apart from its roots in education, PCA&D also serves as a gathering place for local creatives and art enthusiasts. Through frequent presentations from artists across a variety of disciplines, the community is invited to step into conversations around creativity. You can even take it a step further and exercise your own creativity at PCA&D. With art classes offered for all ages, continuing education certifications, and frequent creative workshops, PCA&D is the place in Lancaster to hone your skills or pick up a brand new hobby. And as spring warms up, visit PCA&D’s Art Garden located across the street from the campus. The ampersand statue on display in the center of the garden serves as a symbol of “forging, building, and deepening connections,” which is exactly what the college is doing in the downtown community.
Find them at 204 North Prince Street | @pcad_edu
3. curio. Gallery & Creative Supply
While you’re at PCA&D, be sure to stop by their next door neighbor, curio. Gallery & Creative Supply, where you can stock up on a fresh set of watercolors, a crisp new sketchbook, or a set of drawing pens. Owners Nicole Duquette and Matt Allyn Chapman are artists themselves, both with degrees from PCA&D. With artistic roots in the community, Duquette and Chapman use their shop as a platform to elevate fellow creatives by opening up two walls of the shop as an exhibition space for local and visiting artists. But creatives be warned: curio. is sure to get your mind spinning with ideas and inspiration for your next creative venture.
Find them at 106 West Chestnut Street | @curio.lancaster
4. The Ware Center – Millersville University
The Ware Center – Millersville University is making fine art accessible to all. With a rotating selection of exhibitions and performance art, The Ware Center makes it possible for Millersville student artists to display their work and share their creative insights with the Lancaster community. With a wide variety of excellent performances on display throughout the year, The Ware Center is Lancaster County’s home for the cultural arts. With thought provoking performances featuring live music, theater, film screenings and so much more, there is something for people of all ages and interests to enjoy.
Find them at 42 North Prince Street | @artsatmu
5. Gallery Grow
Gallery Grow is a space to let your curiosity wander. At Gallery Grow, you are not only observing art—ou’re making it! With a full-service plant bar, you can get your hands dirty and create living art pieces for your home or garden. With options for all ages, Gallery Grow is a great spot to take your kiddos on a weekend or arrange a friends night out.
Looking to throw a party? Gallery Grow offers private room and full-shop rental options. As a BYOB friendly shop, Gallery Grow is the perfect spot to celebrate or connect with friends over a creative project.
Find them at 150 North Prince Street | @gallerygrow
6. Lancaster City Art Galleries
Lancaster is home to so many artists who have chosen to make the city their home. All across town, you will find galleries with beautiful work on display. On the First Friday of each month, their gallery doors swing open to welcome in Lancaster local and tourists who come out to see the openings of new exhibitions or enjoy special events. Situated in the middle of Downtown Lancaster is Gallery Row, a staple in the Lancaster arts scene. This walkable route of galleries is positioned near some of Lancaster’s most popular restaurants, making it an ideal destination for date night, a night out with the family, or a solo adventure to soak in creative inspiration.
Find Gallery Row on the 100 block of North Prince Street, and check out a full list of Lancaster City Art Galleries at lancastercityartgalleries.com
Be sure to save the date for Lancaster’s 2022 Spring Art Walk happening on May 21 & 22 in Downtown Lancaster. For more information, visit lancastercityartgalleries.com/lancaster-artwalk. Until then, make sure to come out for First Friday on April 1 to soak in all of the fresh exhibits and creative inspiration. We’ll see you around town!
