Rochester Contemporary Art Center facts for kids
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| Established | 1977 |
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| Location | 137 East Ave Rochester, New York 14607 |
| Type | Art museum |
| Public transit access | Rochester Transit Service |
The Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) is a cool place in Rochester, New York. It's a non-profit art center that started in 1977. RoCo is a spot where people can share ideas about art. It also gives artists chances to show their work.
This center shows and supports all kinds of contemporary art. Contemporary art means art made in our time. RoCo is famous for its yearly 6x6 exhibition. They also have popular Makers & Mentors Exhibitions. These shows bring together great teachers and their students. RoCo hosts many other art shows and projects too.
RoCo's Story
The art center began in 1977. It was first called Pyramid Arts Center. Tony Petracca and Gina Mosesson started it. The center was in different places around Rochester back then.
In 2001, the center got a new name: Rochester Contemporary Art Center. It also moved to its current home. This new spot is in Rochester's East End District. In 2007, RoCo started First Friday. This is a monthly art night across the city. Up to thirty other art places join in.
In December 2012, RoCo bought its building. They also started a special fundraising effort. It was called The Future Fund. Today, the Rochester Contemporary Art Center has over 850 members. About 60% of these members are artists. These artists can show their work in a yearly Members' Exhibition. RoCo holds several big shows each year. They also host many smaller events and performances.
The Famous 6x6 Exhibition
In 2008, RoCo started something amazing called 6x6. It has become a huge art event around the world. Each year, thousands of original artworks come in. These pieces are made and given by famous people. Artists, designers, students, and kids also send their art.
Every artwork is 6x6 inches square. The artist's name is only on the back. This means all art is shown without knowing who made it. All artworks sent in are accepted and shown. You can buy them for $20 each. This money helps the art center. Buyers find out the artist's name after they buy the art. It costs nothing to enter your art in 6x6.
Many well-known people have sent art to 6x6. These include George Condo, Andrea Barrett, and Philip Glass.
More to Explore
- Fun things to do in Rochester
- Art museums in New York State
- Memorial Art Gallery
