Rockland Center for the Arts

Rockland Center for the Arts A Multi Arts Center: School, Gallery, Concerts, Workshops, A Summer Day Camp, & more! Follow us on Instagram !
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Our History
RoCA is a multi-arts center dedicated to creating and promoting art through its School for The Arts, exhibitions, workshops, literary and performing arts events, Summer Arts Day Camp, and outreach programs. Originally known as the Rockland Foundation, RoCA was founded in 1947 by a group of renowned artists, including Aaron Copland, Paulette Goddard, Kurt Weill and Lotte Lenya, Maxwell

Anderson, and Helen Hayes. Their intention was to create a new cultural center, separate from New York City, taking advantage of the immense creative talent that had recently migrated to the region. RoCA outgrew its Nyack storefront and moved in the 1950's to a ten-acre property in West Nyack. What began as a grassroots, volunteer organization has developed into the largest professionally staffed multi-arts center in the lower Hudson Valley. RoCA attracts over 25,000 visitors and students annually from throughout the region. RoCA's School for the Arts and intensive Summer Arts Day Camp has an annual enrollment of over 2000. RoCA's Community Outreach Programs provide studio art programs to the underserved populations in the area. RoCA also administers the County 1% for Art, program that commissions public works of art. "New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature."

Step into the bold, boundary-breaking world of Peter Cheney at Rockland Center for the Arts! A painter, sculptor, and pe...
04/03/2025

Step into the bold, boundary-breaking world of Peter Cheney at Rockland Center for the Arts!

A painter, sculptor, and performance artist from Rockland County, Cheney takes found objects and mixed media and turns them into something completely unexpected.

His latest paintings—layered, scraped, and reworked—move between landscapes, biblical stories, and big ideas about space and time… and sometimes, he just paints flowers because they’re beautiful.

Join us at Rockland Center for the Arts as we celebrate the work of Dan White—local artist, and RoCA’s very own registra...
04/01/2025

Join us at Rockland Center for the Arts as we celebrate the work of Dan White—local artist, and RoCA’s very own registrar!

Drawing inspiration from science fiction, monster movies, classic literature, and a lifelong love of dinosaurs, Dan’s work brings together the wonder of childhood imagination with the depth of artistic exploration. From intricate drawings to bold new forays into painting, his pieces invite us to see the world as a place rich with history and untold stories.

The Artist Reception is on Saturday, April 5 from 1-4PM, for more information click the link in our bio!

RoCA invites you to advocate for the arts and support increased funding for arts and culture in New York State’s 2026 bu...
03/27/2025

RoCA invites you to advocate for the arts and support increased funding for arts and culture in New York State’s 2026 budget.

The arts are essential to our communities, enriching lives, fostering connections, and inspiring creativity. Now is the time to take action—join us in urging our elected officials to make arts funding a priority.

Write your legislators today!

The Henry Varnum Poor Foundation will host a webinar presentation by Dr. Christine Boydell about Marion Dorn (1896-1964)...
03/27/2025

The Henry Varnum Poor Foundation will host a webinar presentation by Dr. Christine Boydell about Marion Dorn (1896-1964) on April 10th at 11am (Eastern). Dorn, a freelance textile artist, was married to Poor from 1919 – 1923 and was by his side while he built Crow House, Poor’s hand built home on South Mountain Road in New City, NY.

Register now using the link in our bio!

Registration for RoCA’s Late Spring Term opens March 4, with a fantastic selection of classes for kids, teens, and adult...
03/04/2025

Registration for RoCA’s Late Spring Term opens March 4, with a fantastic selection of classes for kids, teens, and adults! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, there’s something for you—painting, ceramics, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and more!

Join our artistic community, learn from expert instructors, and explore your creativity in a supportive environment. Don’t wait—classes fill quickly! Use the link in our bio to learn more.

Looking for a camp where your child can create, explore, and express themselves? Join us for the Arts Camp @ RoCA Open H...
03/03/2025

Looking for a camp where your child can create, explore, and express themselves? Join us for the Arts Camp @ RoCA Open House on Saturday, March 8, from 2-5 PM at Rockland Center for the Arts!

Kids ages 5-14 dive into painting, ceramics, theater, music, cartooning, dance, and more, led by professional artists in a supportive, nurturing environment. With small group sizes, outdoor fun, daily swimming, and nature explorations, it’s the perfect mix of art and summer adventure!

At the Open House, kids can join a hands-on art activity, parents can meet the Camp Director & staff, and families can tour our beautiful 5-acre campus.

Discover what makes Arts Camp @ RoCA a summer experience like no other!

Exciting News! Rockland Center for the Arts has been awarded grant funding from Rockland Tourism! Congratulations to all...
02/20/2025

Exciting News! Rockland Center for the Arts has been awarded grant funding from Rockland Tourism!

Congratulations to all of the awardees of Rockland County that continue to make our home an incredible and vibrant place to visit and live. This support helps us continue bringing arts, culture, and creativity to our community. Huge thanks to for investing in local arts and tourism!

Read more about the grant and all the amazing organizations receiving support using the link in our bio!

Discover contemporary art, family entertainment, and culture close to your home! Membership at RoCA delivers cultural ex...
02/18/2025

Discover contemporary art, family entertainment, and culture close to your home! Membership at RoCA delivers cultural experiences you and your family will share and enjoy all year long. Membership benefits range from discounted events tickets and art purchases, advance notice of performances, and access to The School for the Arts, RoCA’s Summer Arts Day Camp and more!

Your membership enables RoCA to present contemporary art exhibitions free of charge, award scholarships to our School for the Arts and Summer Arts Day Camp and also helps RoCA provide arts-in-education outreach programs to schools and community groups throughout the region.

To learn more about the different levels of membership available, head to our website using the link in our bio!

02/15/2025

RoCA will be closed today, Saturday, February 15 due to inclement weather.

Join Grammy-nominated composer & Spyro Gyra  founding member Jeremy Wall and the incredible flutist John Ragusa  for an ...
02/12/2025

Join Grammy-nominated composer & Spyro Gyra founding member Jeremy Wall and the incredible flutist John Ragusa for an unforgettable night of jazz, Latin, and classical fusion! Their dynamic performances have captivated audiences at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC—and now’s your chance to see them at RoCA!

Expect breathtaking compositions, stunning improvisation, and a journey through the sounds of Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, and Eric Satie.

Get your art seen, in the art scene!Join us for the Students & Members Exhibition from March 9–29, 2025, showcasing the ...
02/11/2025

Get your art seen, in the art scene!

Join us for the Students & Members Exhibition from March 9–29, 2025, showcasing the incredible talent of our students and members. Don’t miss the Opening Reception on Saturday, March 8, from 1–4 PM—meet the artists, explore diverse artworks, and support our vibrant creative community!

From painting to sculpture, ceramics to mixed media, this exhibition highlights the power of artistic expression.

For artist submissions, head to our website to download the submission forms and find out when you can drop off your pieces!

Experience the creativity of the Nyack Art Collective at Rockland Center for the Arts! Join us from February 1–22 in Gal...
02/07/2025

Experience the creativity of the Nyack Art Collective at Rockland Center for the Arts!

Join us from February 1–22 in Gallery One & Two for an inspiring exhibition featuring talented local artists from the Nyack Art Collective. Founded in 2013, this member-managed nonprofit is dedicated to fostering appreciation for the fine arts, providing artists with opportunities to showcase their work, and building a strong creative community.

Don’t miss this chance to support local artists and explore their incredible work!

02/06/2025

RoCA is CLOSED today (Thu. 2/6) due to inclement weather. The building will open at 6pm for night classes.

Rockland Center for the Arts proudly presents “Our Story, Our Future,” a powerful High School Art Exhibit running from F...
01/30/2025

Rockland Center for the Arts proudly presents “Our Story, Our Future,” a powerful High School Art Exhibit running from February 1 – February 22, 2025. This inspiring showcase highlights the incredible talent of local high school students, giving them the unique opportunity to curate and display their work in a professional gallery setting.

From painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, these young artists are shaping the future through their creativity.

Don’t miss this celebration of artistic expression and the power of arts education!

Current Exhibits at Rockland Center for the Arts!🖼️ Between the Spaces by Margery Theroux📅 January 13–27, 2025Step into ...
01/15/2025

Current Exhibits at Rockland Center for the Arts!

🖼️ Between the Spaces by Margery Theroux
📅 January 13–27, 2025
Step into surreal spaces with Margery Theroux’s work, where abstract figures emerge from the chaos of contemporary life to help us navigate its complexities. “My artwork has moved from realistic portraiture to abstract non-objective painting and now back to figuration in a surrealistic space.”

🖼️ Industrial Landscapes by Eleanor Grace Miller
📅 January 13–27, 2025
Inspired by industrial landscapes and the juxtaposition of the unexpected, her work transforms toxic sites into stunning visual narratives. “While my work ranges in style and subject matter, it always reflects that internal discourse seeking clarity and structure within the seemingly contradictory.”

Don’t miss these exhibitions featuring two incredible and local artists, who challenge and inspire through their distinct visions.

Winter classes start today!Whether you’re signed up or still thinking about it, mark your calendars and get ready to kic...
01/13/2025

Winter classes start today!

Whether you’re signed up or still thinking about it, mark your calendars and get ready to kick off a season of creativity and inspiration!

For more information on classes you’re signed up for, general registration, or other classes that are still open, head to our website or call us at 845.358.0877!

Address

27 S Greenbush Road
West Nyack, NY
10994

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+18453580877

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