It is not rare to hear folks talking about attending Locust Street Art’s classes “when it used to be MollyOlga”; while the organization’s name has since changed, its mission to provide accessible arts education remains the same. They strive to provide free or low-cost art classes consistently for any individual, especially youth, low-income and minority individuals from age 4 to senior adult, to seriously develop the talent and skills necessary to excel in the visual arts.

“We are about making sure that everyone has equal and equitable access to fine arts,” said Rachelyn Noworyta, Locust Street Art Executive Director, as quoted from Believe in Buffalo on Channel 7. “Places like this save lives and change lives for the better.” 

Currently, Locust Street Art offers a selection of low-cost specialized workshops that run through June in addition to hosting their regular Spring session, which features free classes. These affordable workshops include a Stop Motion Production Club, Figure Drawing, Printmaking, and 2D Photography for artists looking to professionally shoot their artwork, amongst others. A full list of these offerings,  their regular schedule, and enrollment can be found at locuststreetart.org. 

In addition to the regular classes and workshops, Locust Street Art opens up to the public on June 24 for their annual Spring Art Show, which will feature student work of all mediums from the Spring and Fall sessions. During this art show-turned-cookout, friends, family, and neighbors are encouraged to appreciate the creativity of their peers over games, food, and music.

Locust Street Art also offers customized arts programming to local organizations and groups - for inquiries, please email Danielle Saeva at programs.locuststreetart@gmail.com.

For more information or to help uplift Locust Street Art’s mission, visit locuststreetart.org.