Ware Center for the Arts

09/03/2026

Mark Rast is no stranger to the Lancaster music scene. A member of both Colebrook Road and the Vinegar Creek Constituency, his intricate banjo picking is woven into the soundtrack of Lancaster County.

During First Friday in September, he'll be performing in a much smaller grouping—with his son, Jordan. We asked him how he got into playing the banjo, how he raised his kids in a musical family, and what it's like to get to perform with your grown-up kid.

Read more: https://artsmu.com/mark-rast-on-banjo-bluegrass-and-performing-with-his-son-jordan/

🪕 Then, experience the homegrown Appalachian magic of this father-son duo for yourself on September 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ware Center.

08/31/2026

Meet Rob Homan, the Lancaster artist behind September’s new gallery exhibit, “Wild in the Shadows.”

The first time we saw his artwork, it made us do a double-take.

Homan’s breathtaking wood sculptures are sourced from a local sawmill, painstakingly carved over hundreds of hours, and painted in vibrant colors, bringing intricately textured animals, humans, and elements of the natural world to life.

We asked Rob what inspires him to create, how he developed his unique style, and what it’s like to be married to a fellow artist.

Read his answers → https://artsmu.com/meet-artist-rob-homan/

08/26/2026

September is bringing art, creativity, and community to the Ware Center.

Here are three things we're excited about:

🪕 We the People First Friday — Explore Lancaster's vibrant print and design community on the Lancaster Print Crawl, enjoy live music from Mark & Jordan Rast, and discover unbelievably intricate fine art wood carvings by Rob Homan Art Studio.

🎨 Art as Seen Through the Eyes of Pablo Picasso — Pick up a pencil and explore Picasso-inspired techniques with local artist Fred Swarr in this encouraging three-week drawing series.

🌿 Macramé Plant Pods — Learn four basic macramé knots and create your own hanging plant pod in this beginner-friendly workshop.

Three very different ways to make, explore, and experience the arts this month. ❤️

Which one is on your calendar?

08/26/2026

We have a stunning venue, an unbeatable downtown location, and a season filled with diverse arts experiences—but we think our people are our best assets. 💛 Grateful to this team and to the rest of our crew behind the scenes for making every event such a welcoming experience for the community!

👀 𝗪𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 🎭
The Lancaster City Alliance Merchant Meetings, held monthly at the Ware Center for the Arts, continue to grow - connecting and engaging Lancaster City’s small business, professional, and nonprofit communities.

Behind every smoothly run meeting is a dream team working quietly behind the scenes. Their work often goes unnoticed - but not today!

Here’s a well-deserved to Stephanie Witmer, who makes sure every PowerPoint is ready to roll; Abby Imm, the queen of all things, who seems to have a solution for every problem; and their fearless leader, Wes Bullock, who keeps a watchful eye on every event to ensure everything - and everyone - is taken care of.
💛Thank you for helping us look good, sound good, and keep every Merchant Meeting moving forward! 👏

👀𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘄, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱? Have you observed something positive, uplifting, or simply smile-worthy while out and about in the City of Lancaster? Submit it for our weekly “𝗪𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆” campaign to Mary Elizabeth Wagner, LCA Community Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
📸 Photo credit to Kathlene C. Sullivan
💫

08/21/2026

A NEW SEASON AWAITS! 👏

We're thrilled to announce the Ware Center's 2026–2027 Visual & Performing Arts Season, featuring more than 50 opportunities to experience music, dance, theater, film, visual art, and more.

Tickets on sale Monday!

Explore the full season at ArtsMU.com

08/20/2026

Only one more day until our season announcement! 👏

We are over the moon to reveal who's joining our Performing Arts Series this year—a New Orleans-born Jazz Master bringing his acclaimed quartet, plus a five-time Grammy-winning singer, together to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.

Stay tuned... tomorrow, the wait is over! ✨

08/19/2026

Our free We the People First Friday series features community-centered performances and exhibits that represent the great mosaic of Lancaster and beyond. This season, we can't wait to introduce you to the young people shaping the next generation of Lancaster’s creative culture.

Find out who they are when we announce our season this Friday!

08/18/2026

We can't wait to announce the launch of a brand-new series this season for the mind, body, and soul. 🧘

Can you guess which Grammy-winning artist is going to be a part of it? He's no stranger to the Ware Center, but this time, he will be crafting a relaxing, immersive experience that allows our guests to experience the healing power of music from a cushion onstage.

Learn all about this exciting new series when we announce our 2026-2027 Arts Season this Friday!

08/17/2026

Our Lancaster Loves local music series is back for a second year!

We can't wait to announce who will be taking the Atrium stage this coming season, but until then, here's what we can tell you:

One of the artists joining us is an award-winning folk/roots band from Central Pennsylvania that has been making music together for more than 15 years. Their glowing three-part harmonies feel like the musical equivalent of a cozy night around the bonfire.

Think you know who it is?

The mystery ends this Friday, August 21, when we announce the new season.

08/12/2026

LUNAdance gave us a lot more than a show during First Friday in August—they immersed us in the joy and wonder of the creative process in real time.

During an interactive choreography session, Artistic Director Emmanuel Williams asked for random words from the crowd. We watched in rapt attention as words like "purple," "leather," and "popcorn" were somehow transformed into graceful movement.

After the session ended, LUNA's dancers presented a preview of their upcoming season with performances as gorgeous as they were different.

First Friday is always free, and we've got something for everyone. See you in September for the Lancaster Print Crawl feat. Mark & Jordan Rast!