Black Art Across Lancaster

The 2025-2026 Black Art Across Lancaster (BAAL) program builds on the Black Artist Waystation to create opportunities for Black artists to lead, collaborate, and mentor the next generation.

Through mentorship by past Black Artist Waystation Fellows and public art events, emerging artists will receive professional development while organizing Black-centered events that align with YWCA Lancaster's mission of racial and gender equity. With support from YWCA Lancaster, this program amplifies Black artists' work and fosters a more inclusive arts community.

The Tear Jar: A Blues Opera

BAAL was proud to share the work of local creatives with the community through the Tear Jar Project. This project was a powerful community art initiative that invites reflection, healing, and shared humanity. Inspired by the ancient tradition of collecting tears as symbols of grief and resilience, the project offered space for participants to honor their own stories of loss, hope, and transformation. Through collaborative art-making and storytelling, the Tear Jar Project reminds us that every tear holds meaning, and that healing grows when our stories are seen, shared, and held in community.

Sponsored by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, we are proud to share the work of local creatives with the community.

Meet the Artists:

Additionally, BAAL will uplift six new mentees, providing them with the mentorship and resources needed to thrive as professional artists. By fostering their growth, the program strengthens Lancaster County’s creative community, amplifying Black voices and artistic expression. This initiative not only nurtures emerging talent but also contributes to a more inclusive and vibrant local arts scene in our community.

SPOKEN WORD