The Full Story

History

AFA was founded in 1988. A local artist had a studio on Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton. A number of fellow artists got together and began to think about how beneficial it would be to create a network of artists in NEPA. They felt there were a number of artists in the region but didn’t know each other very well. This group decided that each person would invite five other artists to a meeting in one month.

In 1989, the name “Artists for Art” was chosen.

They took on various projects (i.e. raised $5,000 for the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen), participated in the WVIA auctions, showed work as a group in the Lackawanna County Courthouse and various hospitals. They also coordinated an art lecture series at the Scranton Children’s Library, which was very successful. AFA also hosted a number of social events and parties, as well as founded the Riverworks Show (coordinated by painter Lou Pontone), which worked to revitalize the Lackawanna River, and included a River Day on the Lackawanna and a series of traveling shows in five or six venues.

The next step was a strategic planning session. The Lucen Center for the Arts in Scranton had received a grant for strategic planning. Ty Welles got to know the consultant who was leading it, and he agreed to meet with AFA’s active members for a discussion on future plans. According to the strategic planner, the worst thing AFA could do financially, etc. was to open a gallery. After he left, AFA started looking for gallery space.

Peter Cupple had bought a building on the 500 block of Lackawanna Avenue in order to save it from demolition. He agreed to rent the first floor to AFA. While working together to create the Gallery space, AFA members developed a camaraderie which is still present in many of the members today.

Mission

The mission of Artists For Art (AFA) Gallery is:
• to foster an appreciation of the visual arts
• to present the visual arts to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region
• to provide support to regional artists.

Vision

Our artists, our members, and our community have been at the core of our work since AFA first opened its doors. They have supported us and shared their talents throughout the shifting of the millenium, countless exhibits, special projects, a global pandemic, and so much more.

After thirty years on Lackawanna Ave, AFA Gallery recently moved to a new locale of 101 Penn Ave, continuing to adapt to the changing landscape of our world and more specifically, the culture of Scranton, Pennsylvania!

There are numerous special events held throughout the year, including First Friday, fundraisers, bi-monthly member events such as supply swaps, mixers, classes, opening receptions, artist talks, and more. AFA is also proud to partner with various other arts groups and nonprofits such as the Everhart Museum, Scranton Fringe Festival, Arts Alive, Lackawanna Markets, First Friday, and more!

AFA is supported primarily through the donation of goods and services from our members. The time, expertise, and energy donated by AFA members are crucial to the survival of the organization. AFA receives annual support from the Lackawanna County Department of Arts and Culture as well as the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts via their regional partner, Arts in Education NEPA.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, the gallery and its programming rely upon the support of the community & culturally minded people like YOU! We invite you to join us as a member and help keep the arts thriving across Northeast Pennsylvania.