Publisher’s note: This story has been updated to include a declaration from the city of Lancaster.
West Art, a versatile place by Lancaster City which hosts concerts, events, lessons and more, will be temporarily closed while it ends the current renovations.
The place announced Friday in an article on social networks that Lancaster City asked the organizers to suspend events until the renovations of the next coffee project of the place end.
“The projects of this scale still have setbacks and opportunities,” said the owners of Western art, Josh Gibbel and Rufus Deakin, in a social media position on February 14. “Although we are disappointed with the involvement for the coming weeks, we are more dedicated than ever to our vision of this essential community center.”
Gibbel confirmed during a phone call with LNP | Lancasteronline that the break will be temporary and, hopefully, short.
“This is a small roadbar,” explains Gibbel.
Gibbel and Deakin intend to meet the city soon to find a solution.
“The Bureau of Building Code Administration is attached to the safety and integrity of the built environment of Lancaster,” said Amber Strazzo Rightter, spokesperson for Lancaster City, in an email with LNP | Lancasteronline. “The office works with the owners of Western art to ensure that their space is safe and compliant.”
Western art, at 800 Buchanan Ave. In Lancaster, is located in the old United Church of Christ St. Peter’s. Gibbel and Deakin transformed the old church space into a versatile space with two main gathering zones that have hosted concerts, theatrical productions, online dances, manufacturers’ markets and more.
Currently, West Art is working to finish an internal coffee that accompanies it.
The production of “Measure for Measure” by the Lancaster Shakespeare Theater was planned for Western art this week, but after the break, the theater changed its performance location at the episcopal church St. John’s, at 321 W. CHESTNUT St. in Lancaster.
“MEASURE FOR MEASURE” will take place from February 21 to 24 and from February 26 to 27. The performance of February 25 of production has been canceled Due to a conflict with the calendar of the Episcopal Church St. John.
The performance of February 22 of the Allegro Orchestra Lancstra Lancaster in West Art, “Chamber Music in the Round: Marimba Ensemble”, will be transferred to the First United Methodist Church celebration room, at 29 E. Walnut St. in Lancaster, says Caroline Fresh, marketing coordinator with Allegro.
West Art has some major concerts on its calendar in early March: Americana Band the Steel Wheels on March 6, and two shows by the singer-songwriter Josh Ritter on March 9. It is too early to say if the break will have an impact on these programs, Gibbel says.
For more information and updates, visit Westartlanc.com.
