Backstreet Galleries and Garden are undergoing extensive updating and renovations and will be available for special event rentals beginning Spring, 2017. Exposed rafters, artfully restored cement and ceramic tile flooring, and original brick walls make the space unique. Indoor space is over 2,000 s.f. and outdoor garden area is over 1,000 s.f. of usable area. The former 1940’s pool halls and cafes that were once housed in our row of buildings have left their mark in the form of original murals - Atlantic Beer and Ale and Pepsi-Cola. The murals date to early 1940’s and were originally on an exterior wall.

Artist/owner Bob Doster exhibits his collection of artwork from artists of all genres - a collection of more than fifty years. A small catering kitchen has all the conveniences you will need - dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and stove. There is plenty of free parking and the enclosed private sculpture garden is perfect for outdoor mingling. Contact us for rates and details.

Avant Garde Center for the Arts is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization recognized by the IRS in 2008. The mission is to provide arts opportunities in diverse and marginally served neighborhoods. Not bound by a geographical location, Avant Garde Center for the Arts delivers arts services wherever there is a need. Partnerships with existing arts & other agencies provide the basis for all programs.

Funders, Sponsors, & Grantors include: Duke Energy Fdtn., Springs-Close Fdtn., First Citizens Bank, Home Depot, Chester County SC, Katawba Valley Land Trust, Cornell University, Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio, Harper Corporation of Charlotte NC, Communities in Schools of Chester & Lancaster Counties, City of Lancaster, Walmart Foundation, Regis Salons, PetSmart Charities, Nike, and many individual donors who have gifted the center time, talents, skills, donated supplies. A few of these are:

Summer Camps in partnership with Great Falls Home Town Assn. & Mt. Dearborn Methodist Church
After School Arts at Lewisville & Great Falls Elementary with Chester County Communities in Schools
Hot Summer Nights Concert Series with Great Falls Home Town Association
Youth Work Study Program with Lancaster County Communities in Schools
Cultural & Heritage Festival with Great Falls Home Town Association & Duke Energy
Ag+Art Tour of Lancaster County with Clemson Extension, Olde English District Tourism Commission, Lancaster County Agribusiness Center, Lancaster County Council of the Arts, & See Lancaster
Snapped For Sandy Hurricane Relief Benefit with KW Lilly Photography & Bob Doster’s Backstreet
Americans Feeding Americans with Hope of Lancaster, SC
Framing Hope with Home Depot & Bed,Bath, & Beyond
Gingerbread Workshop with Cakes & More by Pierre & Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio
Mask Making Workshop with Heather Speer Photography & Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio
Glass Mosaic Workshops with Montage Designworks & Bob Doster’s Backstreet Studio
Arts Events at The Cultural Arts Center with Society for Historic Preservation & Lancaster County Council of the Arts
Neighborhood Outreach Public Art Projects with volunteer artists and individual donors
Sizzlin’ Summer Saturday Arts Markets with local churches
Great Gospel Explosion with local churches
Arts Workshops with artists of every art form
Popeye Jones Scholarship Program with family of Popeye Jones
Christmas Drive for Homeless Pets and Children in need with PetSmart Charities
The Art of Style - Back to School Needs for Youth
Soles for Souls - New Nike Shoes for teens
Artisans of the Olde English District & Downtown Holiday Market with OED Visitor Center & Artist Market