A kickoff celebration will be Friday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fredonia Grange, 58 W. Main St. The public is invited to view the original selected artworks, meet the artists, and connect with project sponsors.

Artists from across the Tri-County area submitted work for consideration, with selections made by an independent jury representing a cross-section of the community. Sponsors — including businesses, organizations, and individuals — help bring the project to life, with their names appearing on banners as a visible sign of support for the arts and downtown revitalization.

Artscape Fredonia aims to enliven public spaces, celebrate local talent, and strengthen the connection between arts and economic vitality — enhancing creativity, workforce engagement, and quality of life in the community.

Artists selected for Artscape Fredonia 2026 are: Elizabeth Booth, Dennis Bertram, Susan Simmons, Erin Ruffino, Ron Nasca, Sandra Maggio, Jewel Lin, Ronnie Lafferty, Lisa Weller, Lyn Harris, Jessica Ellen Boice, Michael Hoerbelt, Patrick Stokes, Janet Mandel, Sheila Raczka Canon, Christopher Sciarrino, Dan Vanderzyden, Tom Janik, Carrie Shank, Diane Buckley, Charles Ruffino, Carrie Duckett, Erin Borosky, Diane Andrasik and Jeff Crist.

Submitted photos Ronnie Lafferty and John McNiff with Lafferty’s artwork “Hemlock Ridge.”

Program sponsors include: Whiteporch Studios, Owl Homes of Fredonia, Lana’s The Little House, Pucci Carpet One Furniture & Bedding, Mudslingers, Barcelona Bed & Breakfast, East Main Laundry Co., Village Frame Shoppe, Tuscany Market & Deli, OBSERVER, Wells Enterprises, 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center, Jeffrey McMinn, Lawley Insurance/Employee Benefits, Marsha R. Finley, Tim Hortons, Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, Gugino & Ryel Financial, Fredonia Jazz Society, Lake Shore Savings, The White Inn, Sacred Grounds Coffee House, Peter D. Clark, Attorney, Nancy Nixon Ensign, and the North Shore Arts Alliance.

Artscape Fredonia will continue in 2027, with a new call for artists and sponsors to be announced in fall 2026.

Coordinated by the North Shore Arts Alliance, Artscape Fredonia is modeled after Jamestown’s banner program developed by the Chautauqua Art Gallery and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. This initiative extends the county’s commitment to creativity and collaboration, transforming public spaces into open-air galleries that foster connection, pride, and community.

Artscape Fredonia is generously supported by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.