The Yards Collective offers a space for community engagement and the networking of Rochester’s art scene. Our goal is to provide a platform for creative individuals to learn real world skills, or as we like to put it all the things they didn't teach you in art school! Our primary services and resources revolve around studio spaces and residency programs that are both enriching and inspiring. We are also host to First Friday exhibitions, curated showcases, workshops, public critiques, and private rentals in our Gallery space and Lounge.
The Yards differs from other art spaces in that our central focus is to foster a supportive community for all creative ventures. Studio artists have 24 hour access and the opportunity to discuss, share, and develop their practice with other renters as well as access to the public.
Rochester has a bustling and diverse art scene and our space is centrally located within The Rochester Public Market. Every Saturday morning we are open from 10-2, right upstairs from where you get your daily cup of coffee at Javas! Our foot traffic from the market is year-round despite the weather of an upstate New York winter, we enjoy the regular support of our community! The Yards Collective Art Space was founded in 2011 by Sarah Rutherford and Lea Rizzo, the space is now owned and operated by long time member and former intern, Kristina Kaiser.