The Ware Center for the Arts is more than a visual and performing arts center — it is the cultural cornerstone of Lancaster’s diverse, vibrant, creative community.
In recognition of its 15th Anniversary Season, the Ware Center held an evening of celebration on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for its community partners, supporters, and local artists.
Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by Taste & Toast while the smooth jazz sounds of the Ryan Kauffman Quartet—led by a member of Millersville University’s music faculty—set the tone for an evening filled with the best of Lancaster’s local arts scene.
Photos by Taylor Ann Photography
The event featured the grand unveiling of the Ware Center’s refreshed new name and logo (created by Lancaster design agency Goodthree), marking its continued growth and commitment to the community, as well as the reading of a formal citation recognizing the mark the Ware Center has made on the region, presented by Pennsylvania State Representatives Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Jordan Harris.
Photos by Taylor Ann Photography
Throughout the evening, guests contributed to a collaborative mural project led by artist Keisha Finnie. The 15 canvases, which were based on themes like Community, Connection, Dance, Music, and other pillars of the Ware Center’s mission, vision, and values, were brought together at the end of the night into a honeycomb “mosaic.” The finished artwork will remain on display throughout the 2025-2026 season, serving as a reminder of the power of the arts to bring people together from all walks of life.
Photos by Taylor Ann Photography
After a dinner that was accompanied by original music from pianist Brad Minnig, an eclectic lineup of local artists highlighted the Ware Center’s mission to create space for all voices, cultures, and genres—including a demonstration of African drumming by Imani Edu-tainers African Dance Company, an original poem crafted for the event by Lancaster City Poet Laureate Dana Kinsey, a series of photos and stories by photographer Bri Nguyen, and musical performances by Julia Kamanda and Ever Sandoval. ASL interpreter Nancy Abreu made each performance more accessible and engaging for those in attendance.
Photos by Taylor Ann Photography
A range of speakers provided insights into the Ware Center’s history, legacy, and its place in the community, including Jerry Eckert, Millersville University’s Vice President of Advancement Emeritus. In a pre-recorded video statement, Paul and Judy Ware voiced their disbelief at how quickly the time had passed and related that while Millersville University owns the Ware Center, Lancastrians see the venue as their performing arts center. (The Wares were unable to attend in person, as they were being honored the very same night by Franklin & Marshall College. As the Ware Center’s Barry Kornhauser quipped, “We don’t mind sharing the Wares—or their generosity!”)
To culminate an already incredible evening, featured guest speaker Deborah Rutter, former president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the current Vice Provost for the Arts at Duke University, spoke about the role of the arts in civic life, the lessons she had learned in her decades as an arts administrator, and, when asked, her reason for hope—”the performances I saw tonight.”
Photos by Taylor Ann Photography
Reflecting on its accomplishments of the past 15 years and the community it has built around the arts, the Ware Center looks ahead to the next 15 years—and beyond—with hope, joy, and excitement for the artists who will one day bring their voices, their hearts, and their art to its stages.
Photos by Bri Nguyen