The early formations of Locust Street Art (LSA) began in the house of founder Molly Bethel in 1959. Bethel understood that there was a great need to teach art to children living in the Fruit Belt. The home studio grew quickly, and shortly thereafter Olga Lownie jumped onboard to help. Together, the two formed MollyOlga Neighborhood Art Classes (see whole story), which ultimately begat Locust Street Art.
To this day, Locust Street Art follows the initial wholesome guidelines that Bethel and Lownie layed out – to provide free or low-cost art classes on a consistent basis for any individual, especially youth, low-income and minority individuals from age 4 to senior adult, to seriously develop the talent and skills necessary to excel in the visual arts.
“The Locust Street Art Show is not only a day to celebrate our students, their work, and their individuality, but it’s a great way for us to bring our communities together for one day and appreciate the magic that creativity and art bring to our world,” said Executive Director Rachelyn Noworyta. “This art show also brings forward all of the amazing work that the teaching staff does with their students to help them grow in many different facets.”
On Saturday, June 24 (1pm-6pm), Locust Street Art invites the community to attend the 61st Locust Street Annual Art Show, featuring up and coming, and established artists. The event will feature a live drawing rally.
“As a celebration of our students and their work, the Annual Art Show is free and open to our students, families, friends, and community. There will be food with meat and vegan options, music, an art auction, face painting, 50/50, an awards ceremony along with many other family fun attractions for our younger artists! With LSA’s student enrollment reaching an all-time high of over 1300 students this year, this promises to be one of our largest and best Annual Art Shows ever.” – Locust Street Art
Locust Street Art offers free art classes in the Fall and Spring for students of all ages and talents (starting age 4 to senior), with classes in ceramic, animation, digital and film photography, and drawing and painting. In their winter off season they offer low cost workshops that are more specialized (ie. comic book making, pottery wheel). During the summer, they offer low-cost art camps after their annual art show, which features work from the fall and spring sessions.
Locust Street Art | 138 Locust St, Buffalo, NY 14204 | (716) 852-4562 |
