Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Abadir.
Hi Victoria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2023, the space at 100 North Queen Street had been sitting vacant for a couple of years after the bank on the first floor moved out. Given its location—right on the corner of Queen and Orange, one block from Gallery Row and the city square—it felt like too important a corner to remain dark and underused.
The vision really came into focus after I visited the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Seeing a thriving creative space filled with working artist studios that were open to the public made me think, “Why not Lancaster?” When I returned home, I walked the space, over and over and started imagining what that building could become and how it could serve both artists and the community.
One of the first people I shared the idea with was Christiane David, a longtime artist and gallery owner. She immediately saw the potential and encouraged us to test the concept with a pop-up exhibition. Less than a month later, in December 2023, I hosted our first pop-up featuring seven artists. The response validated the idea and gave us confidence to move forward.
Immediately following the Holidfay Pop-up, I began transforming the former bank space—removing teller stations, updating the flooring and lighting, and creating studio and exhibition areas. While our original timeline was to open until September of 2024, studio spaces began to fill and the excitement from artists and the community convinced us not to wait.
On May 1, 2024, during Lancaster’s Spring Art Walk, we officially opened Lancaster Art Vault. It wasn’t perfect—we were still building things out and didnt even have our gallery walls up! — but we opened our doors and welcomed the community in.
Since then, Lancaster Art Vault has grown into much more than a gallery. Today we have 24 artist working out if studios, monthly rotating exhibitions, First Friday artisan markets, performances, book signings, and a wide variety of community events. What started as an idea to activate an empty building has become a creative hub where artists can work, exhibit, and connect directly with the public.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating permits, inspections, construction, and launching with a very small team required a lot of persistence and flexibility. But it has also been incredibly rewarding to see the vision come to life and become a meaningful part of Lancaster’s arts community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I think that’s true of most start-up businesses.
One of my earliest challenges was simply navigating the process of transforming a former bank into an arts destination. The demolition permits were delayed for almost two months, which pushed back our construction timeline and created a lot of uncertainty. Understanding exactly what was required in terms of permits, licenses, inspections, and approvals was far more complicated than I anticipated. There were many moments when it felt like every answer led to three new questions.
Another challenge was that I don’t come from an art background. I’m not an artist, gallery owner, or curator by training. When I started Lancaster Art Vault, I had a vision for creating a space that would support artists and bring people together, but I had a tremendous amount to learn about the art world itself.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of surrounding myself with people who knew what I didn’t know. I sought out artists, gallery owners, creative professionals, and community leaders who were willing to share their expertise and perspectives. I tried to keep an open mind, listen more than I talked, and stayed curious throughout the process.
I’ve also spent a lot of time learning from my mistakes. There have been decisions I would make differently today, projects that took longer than expected, and ideas that didn’t work exactly as planned. But every challenge taught me something valuable and I’ve learned and improved with each challenge.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lancaster Art Vault is more than a traditional art gallery—it’s a creative hub designed to connect artists directly with the community. What makes us unique is our combination of artist studios, gallery space, and community programming under one roof. Visitors don’t just come to view finished artwork; they have the opportunity to meet artists, watch them work, learn about their creative process, and build personal connections with the people behind the art. We currently have 24 working artist studios representing a wide variety of mediums, styles, and backgrounds. We strive to make art approachable and accessible for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer, or simply curious about the creative process.
What sets Lancaster Art Vault apart is our focus on community. We believe art thrives when artists and audiences can interact directly. Our goal has never been to create an exclusive gallery experience; instead, we’ve worked to create an inviting environment where people feel comfortable walking in, asking questions, meeting artists, and discovering something new.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is how quickly Lancaster Art Vault has become a meaningful part of Lancaster’s cultural landscape. What started as a vision to activate an empty downtown building has evolved into a place where artists can grow their careers, collaborate with one another, and engage with thousands of visitors each year. We’ve created opportunities for emerging artists alongside established professionals, and we’ve built a space that encourages creativity, connection, and collaboration.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that Lancaster Art Vault is ultimately about people. It’s about supporting artists, fostering community, and creating experiences that bring people together. Whether someone visits to purchase artwork, attend an event, rent our space, or simply explore, we want them to leave feeling inspired and connected to Lancaster’s creative community.
What matters most to you?
Community—creating something meaningful not only for our artists but also for our neighbors and the city we call home.
From the beginning, Lancaster Art Vault was never just about opening another gallery. It was about creating a place where people could gather, connect, and experience creativity in a way that feels accessible and welcoming. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing artists find a home here, build relationships with collectors, collaborate with one another, and gain exposure they might not have had otherwise. At the same time, I’ve loved watching visitors discover local artists, attend events, and become part of the creative energy that exists in the space. I get so excited when someome walks in to our space for the first time and the look on their face when they realize how much there is to see, or a child is excited to complete the “Art Scavenger Hunt”. We are handicap accessible with wide open spaces so it allows us to serve our entire community incuding those with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, children and we also love to welcome our furry friends!
I’m also passionate about Lancaster City and its continued growth as a destination for the arts. Lancaster has an incredible creative community, and I believe the arts play a vital role in shaping a vibrant, thriving city. Being part of that growth and contributing to Lancaster’s cultural identity is something I take great pride in.
At the end of the day, what matters most is creating something that has a positive impact—something that brings people together, supports local artists, strengthens our community, and helps make Lancaster an even more dynamic and inspiring place to live, work, and visit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LancasterArtVault.com
- Instagram: @LancasterArtVault
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lancaster-Art-Vault-61556765667494/
