Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Rochester Contemporary Art Center Feb. 13 Artists Discussion with W. Michelle Harris and Amanda Chestnut- More throughout discussion the month

Feb. 13 - Artist Discussion

Honoring Past and Present: Public Art, History, and Community Memory. A Conversation with W. Michelle Harris and Amanda Chestnut
February 13 at 7pm.

Inspired by Harris’s public art installation Nia Panes on view in the park next to RoCo, this discussion brings together two community leaders who work to bridge art, history, memory, and memorialization.

W. Michelle Harris is a digital media artist who uses code as a medium for engaging discussions as a Black woman in American culture. Amanda Chestnut, is an artist, curator, and co-founder of In This Moment, a ground-breaking program that honors living elders and influential figures in the Black community.

Don't miss the opportunity to see the 35th Members Exhibition! This is the final week to immerse yourself in all the amazing art in this years show.

The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday 12-5 (12-9 on Friday) so you can view the over 500 artworks on display one more time!

If you're a member - you can make your final vote for the Members Choice Award Winner!

The members exhibition comes to a close on February 14th, which means that artworks pick-up days are coming up soon! Please plan to retrieve your artwork or an artwork you purchased on one of the below days:

February 15, 12-5pm
February 16, 12-5pm
February 17, 12-5pm

March 6 - 6x6 Make Art Day!

Join us, Magnus Champlin, and five other venues on First Friday, March 6 for a collaborative 6x6 Make Art Day event!

Participating First Friday Venues include:
AltBar @altbarroc
Fine & Splendid Things @finesplendidthings
Impact Earth @impactearth_lifestyle
Kali Ann Art Studio @kaliannartstudio
Studio 305 on Elton St.
Rochester Contemporary Art Center @roco137

For this project, 36 individual 6x6 artworks will be created, each printed with a small portion of the Rochester City mark/logo. Participants are invited to visit one of six First Friday venues and make original artwork on their square while keeping the printed line visible.

When all the artworks are installed together within RoCo's 6x6 exhibition this summer, they will connect to form a single, unified image of the iconic City logo built from art by fellow creative Rochestarians.

February First Friday was a cold one but so much fun! Almost 40 events were hosted at regular spots and pop ups, and we welcomed a couple new venues (hi AltBar, Gallery 31, and The Cocktail Lab)

Venues: the First Friday printed map is in its final editing stages, reach out to us or renew your participation fee to ensure you are on the map!

Mark your calendars for March 6 - in addition to regular First Friday events, six venues will also be hosting collaborative 6x6 art-making events for Make Art Day, organized by us and Magnus Champlin!

Image: top Abundance Food Coop, bottom left RoCo, bottom right Gallery 31

LEARN MORE

Permanent Space

We’re currently accepting inquiries for a studio opportunity at RoCo Upstairs. This is a permanent space within the close-knit community of artists here—some of whom have worked in a studio here for many years!

If you’re interested, please send us an email with a brief introduction and a bit about your studio practice. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!