Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Rochester Contemporary Arts Center~three New Exhibitions August 28 ,6-9 PM Details below !

See the exhibitions ~Fire & Form~Detour~ Still Moving~ all open on the same night August 28. Details are listed belwo for the presentations with each collection.

Three new exhibitions opening on August 28, 6-9pm

We are proud to showcase the work of 60 encaustic artists from across New York State. Through their work, these artists continue to build on the tradition and craft of encaustic and wax-based practice.

There will be a panel discussion August 28th at 7pm that explores encaustic art today with some of the exhibiting artists in Fire & Form. The panel will explore the evolving definition of wax based work and engage in discussion of personal, environmental, and conceptual narratives that are embedded within each work.

Fire & Form, is presented in partnership with the Working with Wax Roc/Flx group.

Detour, a new solo exhibition by Aaron Steffer, focuses his long-standing exploration of urban materials and graffiti language in a mesmerizing series of wall-based, mixed-media paintings.

Rooted in a childhood shaped by skateboarding, painting street art, and navigating Rochester’s industrial and abandoned spaces, the works are constructed from salvaged materials such as: construction signs, found wood, and reflective sheeting.

Opening Reception: August 28, 6-9pm

Still, Moving: A Firefly Meditation is an immersive light installation inspired by summer evenings spent observing fireflies. Through illuminated painted-glass sculptures and field recordings, the exhibition transforms the space into a contemplative environment that invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

Opening Reception: August 28, 6-9pm

Share your Immigration story

The deadline to enter an artwork to the community component of our upcoming exhibition Sanctuary: Borders, and Belonging in 2026 just a week away!

There are basic guidelines below and there is more information on our website as well as the form to enter artwork.

-Deadline: September 1

-Rochester area considered the following counties: Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario and Wayne Counties

-Artists may display their work anonymously

-Artwork may be any artistic medium or craft. One per artist. Maximum dimensions 24" x 24"-We encourage personal testimony, memory, anger, critique, repair, celebration, and imagination.

Deadline: September 15 at 5pm

We are inviting artists to propose three images of preexisting work for our 2D public art installation series. Of particular interest are projects that connect visitors to the location, community and/or history of the neighborhood, challenge visitors to consider their surroundings.

Please send proposals via email to info@rochestercontemporary.org

For more details on proposals and a timeline READ MORE below.

Artwork drop off: Nov. 5 - Nov. 7
Opening Reception: First Friday, December 4, 6-9pm
Days the Artists Spoke: Dec. 19, Jan. 9 & Feb. 6

Show your latest artwork in RoCo’s 36th Annual Members Exhibition. All entries will be exhibited and be eligible for numerous awards. All artistic media are welcome with maximum dimensions of 2D: 32” x 32” and 3D: 24" x 24" x 24". Artwork must be delivered ready to hang, framed, and wired.

The Days the Artists Spoke is a series of short, back-to-back artist talks and a great opportunity to learn more about the participating artists. Don’t miss this eclectic celebration of the visual arts in Rochester and the surrounding region.

*memberships must be current through February 2027, the end of the exhibition. Not a member yet? Join here