Shows, Workshops and events
Explore the diverse array of art classes at Lancaster Art Vault designed to cater to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. Delve into our collection of courses offering a wide range of mediums, techniques, and styles to suit every artistic interest. Whether you are a novice looking to dip your toes into the world of creativity or an experienced artist seeking to refine your skills, our classes offer a welcoming environment for all. Visit us today to discover the perfect class to ignite your passion for art and unleash your creative potential.
Live Model Figure Drawing
2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 6-9PM
Join Lancaster Art Vault for a Figure Drawing session with a live model for beginner and experienced artists (Adults 18+ only). Next Sessions: Tuesday, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24…
Sessions are uninstructed & artists must bring their own drawing/painting supplies. Tables and easels are available.
Each session is 3 hours and costs $20. Sign ups and payment can be made by clicking here. Walk-ins welcome and payment may be made via cash or card at the door.
Lancaster Art Vault is located at 100 North Queen Street, Lancaster.
Email Info@LancasterArtVault.com for more information.
CLOSING RECEPTION - Expressions of Strength: A Celebration of Black Art and Identity
CLOSING RECEPTION - EXPRESSIONS OF STRENGTH
FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH 5:30-7:30PM
Join us for the closing reception of Expressions of Strength: A Celebration of Black Art and Identity on Friday, March 28th, from 5:30–7:30 PM at Lancaster Art Vault! Experience powerful art and a cash bar featuring wine & bubbles from Vine Bar. Let’s come together to honor these incredible artists and their work!
The Lancaster Art Vault, in partnership with Baldwin’s Gallery, proudly presents Expressions of Strength: A Celebration of Black Art and Identity. This inspiring exhibition showcases the creativity, resilience, and diverse voices of Black artists.
This powerful collection brings together the works of 18+ talented artists and poets, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and community through a range of mediums and perspectives.
Featured visual artists:
Bashae Josephs
Blake Showers
Dane Tilghman
Diana Shannon Young
Gerri McCritty
Joshua Beltre
Ophelia Chambliss
Osmyn Oree
Reina 76 Artist
RJ Scott
Tatiana Tisdale
Adding to the immersive experience, the gallery walls will showcase written works by numerous Lancaster’s poets, curated by “Nobody’s Pen”, weaving a rich tapestry of words and visual art. The show will also include a Pop-Up Bookstore from A Concrete Rose, offering a curated selection of books celebrating Black authors, culture, and history.
The show will run from February 1 through March 29, 2025.
Fluid Acrylic Workshop with Marcy Stone
Join Marcy Stone at Lancaster Art Vault for an evening of fun, creation and exploration!
We supply everything you will need for this event
Wear clothing that can get messy! Real messy! (We do supply aprons)
Tie long hair back
Gloves and shoe booties will be supplied
This is a standing workshop so if a chair is needed, please let us know in advance by emailing soulfullartbymarcy@gmail.com
Once completed, the art will need to stay and dry. Marcy will varnish and work out arrangements to get your masterpieces back to you.
Fluid acrylic art is an abstract painting technique that involves pouring and turning thin, liquid paint, mixing with mediums and powered pigments, onto a canvas or other surface. The paint’s fluid consistency allows it to move and spread freely, creating organic shapes. Workshop max is 10 people.
Who is this workshop for?
Teens and adults
A fun way to spend time with family and friends or a wonderful team building or corporate event.
Fee – $100 per person (All supplies included)
Upcoming Dates: March 13, April 3rd, May 8th, June 5th, July 3rd
Sign-Up and Pay Here
Catching Ephemeral by Resident Artist, Sara Stichler
Resident Artist Sara Stichler presents “Catching Ephemeral: Through the Prisms of Paint and Poetry” at Lancaster Art Vault. Opens First Friday, April 4 through April 26th.
Ephemeral: adjective. i-‘fe-mə,-rəl. lasting for a very short time; fleeting
Capturing Ephemeral highlights an attempt to stop time; to freeze and exalt fleeting moments of beauty. Paired with some of my favorite verses of poetry, I hope to share with the viewer the sense of wonder tinged with nostalgia that comes from knowing these moments have passed. What was once the reality of the present moment now exists only in the confines of memory and the colors on the canvas.
Nature is often my inspiration, and I work in watercolor and oils to evoke mood and sense of place. My artwork features places and subjects that are significant to me, ranging from my garden, to my hometown, to far-off places around the globe. Each painting represents a moment and a place that I seek to capture and recreate. I’m interested in sharing the moments I find beautiful, and endeavor to invite the viewer in, to reflect on the elusiveness of time, and to feel a sense of serenity.
“Days I have held,
Days I have lost,
Days that outgrow, like daughters,
My harbouring arms.”
-“Midsummer, Tobago” Derek Walcott
Guest Artist Show - Color and Place
Color & Place is an exploration of how color shapes our understanding and experience of place—whether real, imagined, or abstract. Featuring the work of Laura Watt, Mimi Shapiro, Ellen Silberlicht, Jennifer Domal, Karen Schory and emerging artist, Joseph Roach, this exhibition brings together artists who use color as a primary force to define landscapes, evoke environments, and reimagine spatial relationships. From vast natural expanses and urban scenes to surreal environments and abstract forms, the works in this show challenge the boundaries of how we perceive and connect to place.
Through vibrant hues, tonal subtleties, and expressive compositions, Color & Place invites viewers to consider how color can be both a reflection of the physical world and a gateway to new, intangible spaces. Whether through bold abstraction or detailed representation, each work captures the essence of place—not just as a geographic location but as an emotional, and deeply personal experience.
Featuring a range of media including painting, photography, mixed media, and fiber art, Color & Place celebrates the power of color to define, distort, and transform our perception of the world.
Also featuring the work for the following selected artists:
Ann Benton Yeager, Diann Cardello, Felicia Feemster, Jane Wolf, Jessica C. Oehme, Jordan Swartz, Kim Bricker, Kristin Whitbeck Lee, Lee Shannon, Leia Davliakos, Lindsey Cammauf, Louise Thomas, Marilyn Fox, Marlena Beiler, Morgan Scott, Nichole Madonna, Olivia Stoltzfus, Paul Engleheart, Sherrie Snyder, Steffany Minotti, Stone Stafford, Susan LePage, Terri Yacovelli, Tina Borchert, Tracy Lambros, Valerie R. Dillon.
Opens First Friday, April 4th through May 31st, 2025
Lancaster Art Vault. 100 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
Let's Get Woolly - Free Community Event
Get Your Hands Woolly: Join Our Community Felting Project!
Ever wondered how a fluffy pile of sheep’s wool transforms into a cozy piece of fabric? Spoiler alert: it involves soap, water, and a lot of fun! This April First Friday, we’re inviting YOU to be part of this magical process at the Lancaster Art Vault.
When & Where?
First Friday, April, 5:30-8:00PM. Lancaster Art Vault located at 100 North Queen Street, Lancaster
What’s Happening?
You’ll get to dive into the felting process—literally! We’ll have pre-cut pieces of wool ready for you to add your personal touch to our community design. Picture this: layers of soft wool laid out like shingles on a roof, then doused with warm, soapy water. A little massaging here, some squeezing there, and the fibers magically cling together, shrinking and transforming into a vibrant piece of felt art.
Meet the Artist!
Ellen Silberlicht, our newest resident artist (and wool-whisperer), will guide the process and complete the final felting magic. The finished masterpiece will be unveiled during May’s First Friday, just in time for the ARTWALK weekend extravaganza!
Why You Should Come:
· Get Creative: No experience needed—just bring your imagination!
· Meet Fellow Art Lovers: Connect with creatives from all over the community.
· Be Part of Something Unique: Your contribution will transform into a beautiful, fine art piece.
So, roll up your sleeves, bring your friends, and let’s make some woolly magic together.
Come be a part of the process!
Introduction to Paper Marbling with Robin Ashby
Join LAV Resident Artist for a one-day workshop where you will learn paper marbling, including its history, tools, and techniques. Participants will create 7-9 marbled papers through hands-on practice. No experience is needed—just curiosity and creativity. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and aprons and non-latex gloves will be provided for potential paint splashes.
Classes held April 5th or May 3rd
10:00AM-4:00PM (with a 30-45 min break for lunch - participants should bring lunch or money to purchase at a local restaurant)
$135/Person. All supplies included
(Class limited to 6 students)
“A Walk in the Woods”: A Musical Journey at Lancaster Art Vault
Walk in the Woods is an immersive, three-part musical experience that invites the audience to wander through the gallery, experiencing music as a natural counterpart to the art around them.
The performance balances composed structure with spontaneous improvisation. Musicians will be positioned throughout the gallery, allowing the audience to move freely and experience the music from different perspectives—much like walking through the woods and listening to the surrounding sounds. As the audience strolls and explores the artwork, they will be enveloped in a soundscape that flows naturally, intuitively responding to the space and environment.
Pysanky Artist Talk & Demonstration with Jennifer Domal
Join Guest Artist Jennifer Domal as she speaks about the ancient art of Pysanky. Pysanky are decorated eggs created using the beeswax resist (batik) technique. The word comes from the verb “pysaty” which means “to write”.
These talismans have a long, rich history among the peoples of Eastern and Central Europe, particularly Ukrainians and Poles. The intricate designs on real eggshells were originally written as requests to gods and goddesses for health, love, wealth, and fertility.
Today, artists continue this tradition, using the same techniques and motifs to create new works on blown eggshells. Their designs honor the past while engaging in dialogue with contemporary artistic practice.
About the Artist:
Through the art of batik on natural eggshells, Jennifer Domal explores the intricate dialogue between cultural heritage and historical decorative arts. Her work reinterprets traditional motifs by writing them with designs drawn from textile patterns, architectural elements, illuminated manuscripts, and period furniture, creating visual narratives that span centuries of craft tradition.
The disciplined process of applying melted beeswax and dye to eggshells creates layered depths of color and pattern. Each artwork emerges through successive applications of wax and dye, building complex structures that tell stories of artistic evolution and interchange. The curved surface of the egg transforms conventional decorative patterns into dynamic three-dimensional compositions.
Despite her allergy to eggs, Domal transforms her potential limitation into an act of artistic alchemy by transmuting a personal health constraint into a medium of creative expression. By merging visual elements from different historical artifacts and traditions, her work examines how cultural motifs evolve and influence each other across time and medium. The distinctive properties of the eggshell as canvas enhance the dimensionality of traditional patterns, while the permanence of the batik process speaks to the enduring power of traditional craft techniques and the stories they preserve.
This fusion of old and new, of different cultural traditions, and of two-dimensional pattern with three-dimensional form, creates pieces that honor the past while engaging in dialogue with contemporary artistic practices.
Critique Club
Critique Club is an opportunity for any kind of artist, beginner or established, to bring in artwork for critique from fellow artists. The club is not only meant to receive critique on your artwork, but to engage in discussion with others about their pieces as well.
Held on the 3rd Tuesaday of every month. April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15…
6-8PM
It’s requested to only bring one piece to allow for time to be distributed evenly to all participants.
Please arrive on time or contact @_tinaborsht (on Instagram) if you are late as the door will be locked and you will need to be let in.
“Words of Wisdom” Card Deck Workshop with Marcy Stone
In this class you will create your very own deck of inspirational wisdom cards, with key words/phrases that speak specifically to you!!
I find that collage unlocks our intuitive nature and allows themes, symbols, and messages to arise in our lives. It can serve as a playground for exploring imagery and juxtaposition, but it can also stir our imagination, prompting new ideas, concepts, and styles.
The best part of collage is that EVERYONE can do it! No need for drawing or painting experience. We will be using things like collage images, lace, old magazines, etc. to begin this journey of creating your very own deck of daily wisdoms!
I hope you will enjoy this magically inspired process.
All supplies are supplied for this class.
Who is this workshop for?
Teens and adults
A fun way to spend time with family and friends or a wonderful team building or corporate event.
Fee - $75 per person
Upcoming Dates: April 17th, May 22nd, June 19th, July 17th.
Registering in advance is required. Please click the button above to purchase your space for this super fun experience!
Artist Talk & Panel Discussion: Finding Joseph’s Many Colors
Artist Talk & Panel Discussion: Finding Joseph’s Many Colors
Thursday, April 17 | 6:00PM (doors open at 5:30PM)
Join us for an inspiring evening as emerging artist Joseph Roach debuts his powerful new series, “Finding Joseph’s Many Colors: Autism and the Gifts Within.” Through expressive color and personal perspective, Joseph’s work offers a vibrant reflection on the beauty of neurodiversity and the creative gifts that often accompany it.
Following the artist talk, stay for a panel discussion led by Friendship Community, highlighting resources and opportunities within the arts for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.
Let’s come together to celebrate diverse talents, self-expression, and inclusive collaboration in the arts.
Free and open to the public. All are welcome!
Summer First Friday Artisan Markets
Artists, Crafters, Artisans and Visitors - Join in the First Friday celebrations at Lancaster Art Vault!
We will be hosting a Artisan Market every First Friday from May-October, 2025 outside, under the eaves of the building from 5-8PM. Stop by and shop local artisans, crafters and artists!
Vendors - Please apply here
$20/Vendor Space
The Art of Making Collage with Mimi Shapiro
Collage is the art of assembling materials like paper, photographs, and fabric to create unique compositions. It’s a process of creative discovery, linking seemingly unrelated elements to form personal expressions. With diverse backgrounds and perspectives, participants—beginners and experienced artists alike—learn from each other while exploring new ways of seeing and making art.
Originating from Max Ernst’s papier collé technique, collage was embraced by Dadaists to merge disparate materials into meaningful designs. In this workshop, we’ll experiment with layering colored papers, newsprint, tickets, string, and fabric, transforming everyday objects into compelling visual stories.
Through playful exploration, we’ll challenge perspectives—altering contexts, adding or subtracting elements, and integrating paint or crayon for a mixed-media approach. From abstract patterns to figurative imagery, participants will build compositions through repetition, superimposition, and textural contrasts. Found objects, discarded items, and unexpected materials will be assembled into dynamic 3D structures.
Collage is more than an art form—it’s a way of thinking, a visual meditation on emotion, experience, and identity. Keep an artist journal, experiment, and embrace creativity as a lifelong skill. Join us to play, explore, and spark new artistic possibilities!
$35/person. All supplies incuded
Dan Graziano Workshop: Painting In A “Painterly” Manner
This two-day workshop will focus on painting “alla prima” (all at once) as well as developing greater skills of observation, simplification and quickly painting “wet on wet” to create strong “painterly” paintings. The workshop will also discuss techniques to quickly transfer the important elements from a reference photo to the canvas, creating an artistic and personal interpretation rather than simply rendering a photograph.
This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced painters in both oil and acrylic mediums, however proficiency in basic drawing is required. Participants will be able to choose from a wide variety of reference photos supplied by the instructor for their painting exercises.
Two Day Workshop:
Saturday, May 17 - 9:00AM-4:00PM and
Sunday, May 18 - 9:00AM-4:00PM
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER SOON. Participants supply their own art supplies and equipment. For a registration form and suggested supply list, CLICK HERE.
The Ekphrastic Experience with Lancaster Poet Laureate, Dana Kinsey
Join us for a powerful two-part workshop that brings poetry and visual art into conversation. The Ekphrastic Experience, led by Lancaster City Poet Laureate Dana Kinsey, invites writers of all levels to engage deeply with the creative process through the lens of ekphrasis—writing inspired by art.
Session 1 - Saturday May 17, 4:00-6:00PM:
Take a guided tour of the artwork at Lancaster Art Vault and select a piece that resonates with you. Then, under the guidance of Lancaster City Poet Laureate Dana Kinsey, learn techniques for writing poetry inspired by visual art. You'll craft your poem surrounded by the very work that sparked it.
Session 2 - Saturday May 24, 4:00-6:00PM:
This public event invites the community to celebrate your creations. Meet the artist behind your chosen piece and share your finished poem alongside fellow writers. It's a unique opportunity for dialogue between visual art, poetry, and audience.
$20 for both sessions.
Register Here
Introduction to Alcohol Inks with Ann Benton Yeager
Introduction to Alcohol Inks with Ann Benton Yeager
Alcohol Inks are a highly fluid color that are vibrant and fast drying. They are also moisture-resistant and permanent once dry, and will work perfectly on almost any clean, oil-free surface. Alcohol inks can be used to make stunning paintings on a variety of non-porous surfaces. These concentrated inks are alcohol-based and waterproof. They are semi-transparent, which means they can be layered and combined to create gorgeous effects. Ann will show you several techniques on a variety of different substrates, and give you ample time to create your own beautiful pieces. No experience is necessary to dive into this beautiful medium!
Saturday, May 31 OR Saturday, June 28
$90/ per person; all supplies included
Click Here to Register
Ernest Presents: Your Neighbors (Improv TheatrE Show)
Ernest Presents: Your Neighbors
Ernest Presents: Your Neighbors is an improv theatre show in two parts.
Part One: Your actual neighbors (potentially!) step into the spotlight to share their passions and expertise (like mini TED Talks!). Then, Ernest and friends will improvise instant comedic theatre based on what they share.
Part Two: Ernest, a veteran improv duo, will transport you into a world of characters and relationships crafted on the spot. Think of a play being written, rehearsed and performed all at once, based on a single suggestion.
Ernest is Tom Kelley and Melissa Widhson.
For more info about Ernest visit ernestimprov.com.
$10 - Pay at the door - Cash or Credit Card
See you on March 22nd at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. BYOB.