(vase and photo by Audrey Dowling)
The weather is warming up, the boats are on the water, and Chautauqua County is moving to open up. The arts are thriving, and many galleries and events are located near the Maple Springs Lake Side Inn. Even with current restrictions, you can be sure to include art in your Chautauqua Lake vacation.
The annual Chautauqua-Lake Erie Open Studio and Gallery Tour has been rescheduled to take place during Labor Day 2020 Weekend. Take a drive along the trail to “discover the places where artists work while enjoying the landscape that inspires them — verdant vineyards, charming towns, rolling hills and lake shores. Follow the trail from studio to studio and meet painters, potters, photographers, sculptors, fabric artists, jewelers and stained-glass artists. Find favorite new works and purchase treasures to be enjoyed at home.” Many of the artists on the art trail have works for sale in their own galleries or in other area galleries.
Galleries Feature Local Chautauqua Artists
There are many fine galleries on or near Chautauqua Lake, and several that are very close to the Inn. These are some of our favorites:
The Art Loft
The Octagon Gallery at the Patterson Library
Chautauqua Institution Visual Arts
Painted Finch Gallery, Corry, PA
Be sure to check with each gallery/shop for opening information and hours.
Hummingbird Plate
Chautauqua Lake Art shows
No Chautauqua Lake summer vacation is complete without attending one of the many art shows scattered throughout the area. More may be coming on-line as the summer transpires.
Arts Alliance juried Fine Crafts Shows will be held on-line in 2020 and will return to the Chautauqua Institution Grounds in 2021.
The Westfield Arts and Crafts Show will be held in Moore Park July 24-25. Admission is free.
A Stir of Artists is scheduled for August 8-9, 2020 in Bemus Point. The event is located in the Village Park on the water between the Lenhart Hotel and the Village Casino.
Arts and Crafts Show in Letchworth, scheduled over Columbus Day Weekend in October, 2020. This is a great show with over 300 artists in a beautiful place.
Check with the Innkeepers for other artsy activities, shops and events. Enjoy your Chautauqua Lake experience!