A group of Brockport, NY, canal enthusiasts envision the canalway becoming the world's longest art gallery, and are seeking partners across the canal system to make it happen. Art Walks On Water came about as a result of the installation of "Howdeee," an 18-foot tall sculpture by nationally recognized artist, Bill Stewart. It was presented to the Village in October, 2005, by the Art & Aesthetics Committee of the Walk!Bike! Brockport Action Group - a volunteer organization. The New York State Canal Corporation is currently reaching out to towns and villages, encouraging them to enhance the canal's role as a community asset and tourism destination. This project could do just that! It is ambitious and inclusive, with statewide potential. If you are excited about the concept of a 524-mile art gallery that can engage residents and visitors alike, get on board!
Some communities already have art installations near the canal and on waterfronts. We want to know what is out there. Please tell us what you think about this concept and if you want to participate.
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8 comments:
Jordan, NY-
Thank you Lori for providing us "canal nuts" a place to share ideas and to help the "Art Walks On Water" project grow.
In Jordan we are working on an "Erie Canal Walk Path" which will include an art project.
Although Jordan is not on the navigable canal we once were so are hoping to be part of the largest art walk in the world (the navigable canal does run through Jordan a few miles outside the village).
the sculpture by the welcome center and the piece in remembrance park are wonderful examples of community art! Keep up the good work!
Hi again, Lori,
I filled out a different thing the first time, so who knows... anyway.. fabulous job on the site. Hope you get a lot of responses for this marvelous project.
Liz
Hi Lori
As a practicing visual artist in upstate NY for over 23 years, I have participated in and am aware of many arts marketing programs. I've worked with arts councils (Finger Lakes Arts Grants and Services, Inc., chambers of commerce’s and individual arts groups to help further the cause. The concept of an arts trail has been successful in other parts of the US as well as NY State ( Greater Ithaca Art Trail, and First Fridays Gorgeous Washington Street Art Walk in Binghamton, NY) Last year I participated in a prototype program - the Finger Lakes Arts Trail created by FLAGS.
We all understand the economic impact provided by the arts to the tourism industry. We are the linger longer cultural activities - the museums, galleries and arts studios that provide a glimpse of NY State's soul! We capture the out of area visitor who might stay a few hours longer, evening an extra meal, lodging or gas. We are a source for the number one visitor activity - shopping!
Successful programs, such as the Greater Ithaca Area Arts Trail and others are the foundations upon which this next evolution is built - a defined heritage corridor! In order to effectively interoperate all the NY experiences (agricultural, dining, wine, tourism, arts, cultural, outdoors, etc.) we must all individually and collectively work together to collaboratively market ourselves. The proposed artist trail that spans the heritage corridor is an excellent place to start – it’s the geographic and economic thread that links us all.
Congratulations on your Art Walks On Water project. Bravo!!
I look forward to meeting you.
Ciao,
Teresa Vitale
TAV-Designs
www.TAV-Designs.com
email:tavdesigns@aol.com
This is an excellent site, and you have refined it now so that it is more easily used from the outside.
Thanks, Kendra
Lori -- This is such an important project. Brockport is lucky to have you and to be the first of many stops on this canal-based gallery!
Lori -- I continue to be impressed with the breadth and depth of your voluntary interests. Brockport, & the NYS Canal, are most fortunate in having a community leader like you. The web site will facilitate the collaboration required for AWOW to be successful, & it can become a quick guide for residents & visitors alike. As the number of your links increases, it could become a portal for all Canal interests.
Richard Evans
What can I say - WOW! I am so excited about this art initiative!
I am a glass artisan living in Rome NY. I work in stained glass, mosaics and ceramics. In addition to my business I am also very involved in the community but my passion is working with youth. I can envision our kids coming together and creating a community art piece for our own canal waterfront, Bellamy Park.
I'm SO looking forward to your visit to Rome, NY.
(Is it May yet?!!)
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