This weekend's grand opening of the Father Ryan Arts Center on Chartiers Avenue in McKees Rocks will be a two-day celebration of history, cultural diversity and revitalization of the community.

The center is named for the Rev. Regis Ryan, of the community's Focus on Renewal.

The public is invited to hands-on arts activities, food, family events, guided tours, gallery exhibits and live performances from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. All events are free.

Work to convert the former Desks Inc. store into the arts center began in September 2006 with the project being funded through a $4.2 million capital campaign that has relied primarily on grants and donations from the public and local businesses.

Seed money of $800,000 from the Sanders consent decree, a court-ordered payment as restitution for discrimination in public housing, helped launch the project.

The celebration kicks off at 11:30 Saturday morning outside the building at Chartiers and Bell avenues with the Sto-Rox Marching Band followed by brief comments and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon.

Visitors will head inside for the unveiling of the new arts center logo, created by local graphic designer Chris Stys, and a series of mosaics created for the arts center by local artists and teens in partnership with the MLK Community Mural Project.

Guests can experience hands-on arts activities in dance, literary arts, music, theater and visual arts; tour the arts center; meet artists and teachers; watch a live performance; stay for lunch in the new cafe; learn more about the arts center; and register for fall classes. Sunday's activities include an open house and tour.

For information or a schedule of events, visit www.forstorox.org.