Our Mission
We create dialogue & build community through contemporary art.
Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) is a venue for the exchange of ideas and a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that was founded in 1977. As a center for thoughtful contemporary art, RoCo provides unique encounters for audiences and extraordinary opportunities for artists.
To support this mission RoCo:
- Offers thoughtful contemporary art programming of all disciplines.
- Supports and exhibits artists who address our most pressing issues through their work.
- Presents the work of both renowned and emerging artists from New York State and beyond.
- Provides exhibition, educational and networking opportunities for artists.
- Actively seeks unique voices and new audiences from diverse backgrounds.
- Initiated and administers First Friday Citywide Gallery Night for the City of Rochester.
- Fosters collaborative partnerships with other arts organizations and artists.
- Builds community by bringing artists, patrons, students, teachers and enthusiasts together.
- Is a gathering place for artists, audiences, and the local community.
- Is a neighborhood anchor for artistic activity and unique encounters in downtown Rochester.
A Message from us
On behalf of our staff and volunteers, it is my pleasure to welcome you. Over the last four decades, RoCo has grown from a small 300sq. ft. storefront to our Downtown location on East Avenue. We've exhibited and supported thousands of artists of all disciplines, played a significant role in the 'artist-run space' movement of the 70s & 80s, and partnered with many organizations to help grow the art community in our region.I am honored to serve as director of an organization with such a rich history and an important place in the New York State art community. I work with an amazingly dedicated team. We're all committed to developing programs and collaborations, supporting the creation of original artworks, bringing new artists to Rochester, and increasing RoCo’s long-term capacity. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary season, and the important milestone of 1,000 members for the first time ever, I hope you'll join us. Please consider becoming a member and helping us advance contemporary art in downtown Rochester.
–Bleu Cease, Executive Director/Curator
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Hours
Wednesday - Sunday, 12 - 5pm / Friday, 12 - 9pm. Visit us on First Friday! -
Parking
Street parking is free on weekends & after 6pm. Or use the East End Garage.
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Accessibility
Our main gallery is fully wheelchair accessible.
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Photos
Photography is allowed and encouraged.
Instagram: @RoCo137 -
Bag Policy
Large bags/backpacks can damage art. You may be asked to leave your bag at our front desk. -
Groups
We look forward to your visit! Please call us to arrange a group visit of any size: (585) 461-2222
We look forward to hosting your group
When
Group visits can be arranged anytime during regular gallery hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm - 5pm / Friday 12-9pm. Fridays at 12pm are an ideal day/time to arrange your group visit. Please let us know if your group has light or sound sensitivities, or other special needs. We may be able to accommodate a special visit time.What to Expect
Your visit will begin once all have arrived. You will start with an introduction to the gallery, gallery history and exhibition orientation by our staff. You will then proceed on a self-guided tour of our current exhibitions. Allow 45-60 minutes total for your visit. Please also note our general visitor guidelines above.Where
Our address is 137 East Avenue. Rochester, NY. We are located in Rochester’s vibrant East End neighborhood with numerous coffee shops, bars, and restaurants nearby.Accessibility
Our ground floor is 100% wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. There is one handicapped parking space directly in front of our main entrance. Please let us know in advance if your group has other special needs.Admission
Payment shall be made upon arrival with cash or credit card. It is only $2(adults and children) / free for RoCo members. Join here for free admission and to support our exhibitions and programs. We are unable to accommodate purchase order requisitions for later payment.Parking
Nearby street parking is free on weekends and after 6pm on weekdays. The nearest parking lot is the East End Garage located at 475 E. Main St. Rochester 14604Contact Us
- Please be sure you contact us well in advance to schedule your group visit.
- Contact: Patti Tuori, Front Desk Volunteer & Group Visit Coordinator. info@ (this domain) or call (585) 461-2222
Visiting RoCo with my co-workers from xyz was a terrific experience. The exhibition was quite surprising and thought-provoking. - Janet
Our History
RoCo was founded as the Pyramid Gallery
In 1977, a small group of artists led by Tony Petracca, John Kavanaugh and Albert Robbins joined together to exhibit their artwork, present an alternative to museums and commercial galleries, and expand the cultural offerings in the region.
Early on, the crew faced considerable obstacles. Only days after the grand opening there was a significant fire that left the small Monroe Ave. storefront and many artworks damaged. Fundraisers were held and walls were rebuilt. Thanks to the perseverance of the founders and their fellow artists, the Rochester art community has been the beneficiary ever since. After formalizing the organization began to receive New York State and foundation funding and soon began to play a significant role in the artist-run space movement of the era. Still there was uncertainty and challenges. The Culture Wars and shifting foundation priorities altered the funding landscape. Through the decades and several different locations, RoCo’s individual members have provided a stable base for the organization. This significant community support has enabled RoCo to survive and thrive when other small art centers have struggled and even closed their doors. In recent years RoCo’s membership and stature has grown significantly. Now as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we've achieved outright ownership of our facility and are approaching 1,000 members for the first time in the organization’s history.
Albert Robbins, John Kavanaugh, and Tony Petracca outside the original Pyramid Gallery on Monroe Avenue.
Founded
A small group of artists joined together to exhibit their artwork and expand the cultural offerings in the region.Village Gate
After several moves, we relocated to the 3rd floor of Rochester's urban mall in the Neighborhood of the Arts.East Avenue
We rebranded and moved into our current location in downtown Rochester's East End neighborhood.We Own It!
Thanks to the support of over 400 donors, we paid off our building!Our Facility
Learn about 137 East Avenue. Written by Landmark Society of WNY.
Erected in 1924 by developer John J. MacMaster, the two-story building was designed “to be equal in attractiveness to the up-to-date Fifth avenue shops in New York city,” according to a contemporary newspaper story.
RoCo is located in a neighborhood that’s experienced a dramatic transition over the past 100 years. Early 20th-century photos of the East Avenue/Scio Street area show a vastly different landscape, that featured mostly houses – not commercial buildings! Read more...
1924 | 137 East Avenue as envisioned by J. Wenrich for Leander McCord, Architect.
Our Team
Anna Brooks, Front Desk & Social Media Volunteer
Bleu Cease, Executive Director / Curator
Salem Chilton, Admin Volunteer
Emily Cook, Front Desk & Social Media Volunteer
Jeffrey Cougler, Volunteer Preparator
Chris Frank, Volunteer Preparator
Millie Eller, Volunteer Preparator
Shayna Hettler, Front Desk Volunteer
Brent Joseph, Designer
Frankie Pezzulo, Admin Volunteer
Alyssa Reagan, Exhibitions Associate
JM Scipione, Membership & Marketing Associate
Patti Tuori, Front Desk Volunteer & Group Visit Coordinator
Jeanne Young, Front Desk Volunteer
Jon Gary, Admin Volunteer
Kate Kennedy, Front Desk Volunteer
Janet Levy, Admin Volunteer
Lisa Mancini, Admin Volunteer
Reggie McCann, Volunteer Preparator
Linda Weinstein, Admin Volunteer
... and so many more!
Mark Cleary - Vice President, Business Owner
Katherine DaCosta - Arts Patron & Neighbor
Ann Konar - Secretary, Educator
Laurie Swagler - Retired, IT Specialist
Jerry Wells, Retired Financial Services Executive
Craig J. Zicari, Esq., Retired Attorney
Rome Celli Realtor, Collector
Grant Holcomb, Retired Director, Memorial Art Gallery
Cinda Kelly, Artist
Janet Lomax, Journalist
Luvon Shepard, Artist
Elaine M. Spaull, Ph.D., Executive Director, Center for Youth Services
Mimi Tilton
Pat Tobin
Allen Topolski, Artist / Professor, University of Rochester
Eric I. Zeller, Retired Business Owner
Weekly Volunteer
We welcome inquiries from energetic, friendly, and skilled individuals who are enthusiastic about contemporary art. Volunteers will help out with a variety of projects including administrative work, art installation, mailings, promotions, and helping to organize events. We aim to build long-term relationships with dedicated volunteers and prefer those who can commit to 6.5 hours per week. If you're not available this often, but would still like to get involved, send us an email anyway. We might have the perfect project for you.
Call or Email us:
tel: (585) 461-2222
email: info@rochestercontemporary.org
We need you!
6x6 is a huge community initiative and important fundraiser. We're seeking energetic, friendly, and skilled individuals to help make this annual, international small art phenomenon a success!
Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks including art installation, greeting visitors, helping with artwork sales, promotion etc.
If you would like to be a part of 6x6, please contact us:
tel: (585) 461-2222
email: info@rochestercontemporary.org
Intern
We aren't currently offering internships.