Arts Center of the Capital Region

- 265 River St, Troy, NY 12180

For residents of New York, especially those in the Capital Region spanning Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties, the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy stands as a vital and dynamic hub for creative expression and arts education. Founded in 1962 as the Rensselaer County Council on the Arts, it has grown into a preeminent regional center, operating a 36,000-square-foot facility dedicated to visual, literary, and performing arts. The center's core mission is elegantly simple yet profound: to enable people to create and to engage in the arts, championing the belief that “Art Belongs to Everyone.” This commitment is realized through an extensive array of programs, classes, and community initiatives designed to serve individuals of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds.

More than just an art school, this institution acts as a critical leader in arts advocacy, investment, and programming across the region. It is a place where aspiring and established artists converge, where children discover their first creative spark, and where the community gathers to celebrate the transformative power of art. The facility itself is a testament to this dedication, featuring specialized studios for numerous mediums, contemporary art galleries, and performance spaces, all contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Troy.

Whether you're looking to develop a professional portfolio, engage in a relaxing creative workshop on a date night, or find an enriching summer camp for your child, the Arts Center of the Capital Region provides an accessible and inclusive environment. It is a cornerstone institution that nurtures a robust creative ecosystem, reinforcing the role of the arts in building a vibrant and understanding community.

The Arts Center is a non-profit corporation, which further highlights its dedication to public service and community benefit. It regrants funds from New York State to support artists and arts projects, provides comprehensive training on the business of arts for area professionals, and spearheads public art projects that seamlessly integrate art into the civic experience of the Capital Region.

Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Troy, NY, the Arts Center of the Capital Region is easily accessible for residents across the broader New York Capital Region. The central location contributes to its role as a cultural anchor, particularly on River Street and in the Monument Square area, amidst a thriving downtown environment. The center is housed within six historic, renovated buildings, offering a modern and fully-accessible environment for arts learning in all disciplines. This location makes it a prime spot for local exploration, often integrating with other downtown events like the popular Troy Night Out and the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market.

The center has made significant commitments to ensure that its facilities are welcoming to all members of the community. In a demonstration of their belief in inclusive access, the center offers several key accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating (in performance spaces)

This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can comfortably enjoy the galleries, participate in classes, and attend performances. For New York locals driving in, the downtown location is well-connected and easy to navigate.

The Arts Center offers a truly staggering breadth of creative services, catering to a wide spectrum of ages and artistic interests. Classes and programs are offered in trimesters throughout the year, with options ranging from single-session workshops to intensive, multi-week courses. For busy New Yorkers, they also offer the flexibility of Online Classes. The extensive list of offerings includes:

• Art Classes for Adults (Beginner to Advanced) and Kids/Teens
• Comprehensive Art Camps (Summer Camps, Child's Camp, Youth Camps, and School Break Camps)
• Classes in Visual Arts: Painting (Landscape, Acrylics, Watercolor), Drawing (Digital, Studio Art), Mixed Media, and College Portfolio Prep
• Craft and Studio Courses: Ceramics Class, Pottery, Fiber Arts, Screen Printing, Jewelry Making, Stained Glass, and Woodworking
• Performance and Movement Arts: Performing Arts, Dance, and Movement Classes
• Photography and Digital Arts Classes
• Creative Workshops and Date Nights (e.g., Craft & Sip, Try It! Pottery Wheel)
• Facility Rental for Special Events and Receptions
• Studio Rentals and Portfolio Development for professional artists
• Special Events, including art shows, exhibitions, and festivals (such as TroyGlow)
• Financial aid through a scholarship program to ensure accessibility for those with financial need

The Arts Center is defined by its outstanding facilities and its deep connection to the regional art community. Key features and highlights for New York visitors include:

• Extensive Studio Space: Operating 36,000 square feet of fully-equipped studios focusing on pottery, printmaking, culinary arts, jewelry making, metalworking, woodworking, painting, drawing, stained glass, writing, and dance.
• Contemporary Galleries: Hosting four contemporary art galleries that feature rotating, critically acclaimed exhibitions of work by local and regional artists, with opening receptions often coinciding with Troy Night Out.
• Professional Teaching Faculty: Every class is taught by experienced, working artists, ensuring high-quality, practical instruction for all students.
• Black Box Theatre: A fully-equipped 100-seat black box theatre used for dance, theatrical, and small musical performances.
• Community Impact: Beyond classes, the center provides crucial support services to artists, including grants, funding opportunities, and professional training programs, strengthening the entire Capital Region arts scene.
• Public Art Initiatives: Producing significant public art projects throughout the city of Troy and the Capital Region, such as murals and the popular light-based TroyGlow exhibition.
• Educational Partnerships: Offering college credit from Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) for certain coursework, demonstrating the educational rigor and value of its programs.

Address: 265 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
Phone: (518) 273-0552

Choosing the Arts Center of the Capital Region means selecting a premier New York arts institution that truly puts the community first. What makes it stand out for locals is the combination of professional-grade facilities and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where the quality of the instruction—delivered by working, regionally renowned artists—meets an unparalleled variety of mediums, ensuring that everyone can find their niche, from glass blowing to digital drawing. For parents, the range of engaging and well-staffed art camps provides a fantastic, enriching option for children and teens during school breaks. Furthermore, the ability to attend virtual classes means even those who cannot travel to Troy regularly can still benefit from their high-quality education.

Beyond education, it is a vital contributor to the local culture. By visiting its free galleries, attending a performance in the black box theater, or simply walking by a public art installation sponsored by the center, New Yorkers can directly engage with the vibrant local artistic output. The Arts Center’s continuous effort to provide scholarships and financial aid underscores its mission to make creativity accessible, proving that art truly does belong to everyone in the Capital Region. Its modern, accessible facilities and its anchor role in the revitalization of downtown Troy make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking creative enrichment or cultural engagement in Upstate New York.

Arts Center of the Capital Region

265 River St, Troy, NY 12180, USA