Our Story
About Railroad Street Artworks
Railroad Street Artworks is a cooperative gallery created by artists, for artists — and for everyone who loves art. We’re a community of creative people who believe that art should be accessible, welcoming, and woven into the fabric of everyday life right here in Fairport.
What Makes Us Special
As a co-op, our members staff the gallery, teach the classes, and create the work you see on our walls. When you visit, you’re not just seeing art — you’re meeting the people who made it. You’re supporting local talent, connecting with your neighbors, and becoming part of something that grows a little more with every person who walks through our door.
We’re committed to making art accessible to everyone through free events, affordable classes, and a gallery that feels like it belongs to the whole community — because it does. With rotating exhibitions, new classes throughout the year, and a full calendar of events, there’s always something fresh to discover on Railroad Street.
Our Mission:
To provide a welcoming, supportive, and safe place where the Artists, Art Lovers, and the Art Curious among us can Learn, Collaborate, Create, and Inspire.
Proud Recipient of Monroe County’s Mid-Sized Arts Support Program
Railroad Street Artworks is grateful to have received support through Monroe County’s Mid-Sized Arts Support Program, an investment in local arts and cultural organizations made possible by County Executive Adam Bello and the Monroe County Legislature. This support helps us continue bringing accessible art experiences to Fairport and the surrounding community.
Invest in Our Community
Help Us Build Your Hometown Gallery
Railroad Street Artworks is a nonprofit cooperative run entirely by volunteers — artists and community members who show up because they believe in what this place can be for Fairport. The Fairport Foundation serves as our fiscal sponsor, which means your donations are fully tax-deductible and go directly toward making our gallery a better creative home for everyone.
We’re working toward some meaningful improvements that will help us serve our community even better — from children taking their first art class to neighbors discovering a new favorite local artist. Here’s what’s on our wish list:
- Install a classroom sink for our youth art programs
- Build custom display tables for 3D artwork
- Paint the multipurpose room floor
- Stock essential art supplies in our classrooms
Every donation makes a real difference, no matter the size. Whether you’re contributing to the cost of a paintbrush or helping fund a larger project, you’re investing in creativity and community right here in Fairport.
The Fairport Foundation accepts donations through PayPal. You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation.
Learn more about the Fairport Foundation, Inc. Checks may be made payable to the Fairport Foundation, with Railroad Street Artworks in the memo. Mailing address: Fairport Foundation, Inc., 6 N Main Street, Suite 105, Fairport, NY 14450
The People Behind the Gallery
Meet Our Board of Directors
Railroad Street Artworks is led by a volunteer board of artists, designers, educators, and community builders who share one thing in common: a genuine belief in what this gallery means for Fairport. We’re grateful for every one of them.
Pam Renfro
A Village of Fairport resident for more than 35 years, Pam brings deep roots in the community and a career built around retail management and customer service. She is actively involved with the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association and the Fairport Perinton Partnership, where she focuses on economic development for local businesses. Pam also represents the gallery at Visit Rochester and Fingerlakes Tourism Alliance events, keeping Railroad Street Artworks connected to the broader regional arts and tourism landscape. Her energy and love for this community are woven into everything she does here.
Jeff Tokarz
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY and brings entrepreneurial experience earned through founding and growing multiple ventures in the human resources industry. He contributes sharp business acumen and a results-oriented mindset to the board — the kind of practical perspective that helps a creative community thrive and grow sustainably.
Nikki Bittner
Nikki earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Elmira College, and she brings that creative, strategic instinct to everything she does — whether she’s developing marketing plans or behind the camera as a photographer. Her eye for imagery and her understanding of how to connect with an audience make her an invaluable voice on the board.
Lori Capron Galan
Lori holds a degree in Medical Illustration and has led her own design firm, Capron Galan Art & Design, for more than 28 years. A longtime Fairport resident and active fine artist, she also serves on the Board of the Rochester Art Club as newsletter editor. Lori’s rare combination of professional design expertise and deep community ties shapes how Railroad Street Artworks shows up visually and in print.
Scott Nost
Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in Mechanical Engineering and Museum Studies from RIT — an unusual combination that turns out to be a perfect fit for a gallery with big ideas. With 25 years of experience in audiovisual and communications systems design, he brings the kind of technical and systems thinking that helps translate creative vision into real-world solutions.
Nancy Murty
Nancy is a designer and marketing professional whose career has spanned advertising agencies, her own design firm, and work with companies worldwide in the craft, quilting, and home décor industries. She brings a rare blend of creative vision, marketing strategy, and hands-on production experience to the board — and pours it into every exhibit, event, and communication Railroad Street Artworks puts into the world.