A Conversation with Artist Ashe Martin: Building Cortland’s Story, One Tile at a Time
Nov 03, 2025
Candace Rozansky
7 mins
Something beautiful is taking shape in downtown Cortland and you’re invited to be part of it!
Local artist Ashe Martin is leading the creation of Cortland Through Time, a striking four-sided mosaic obelisk that will soon rise on Main Street and she’s asking the community to help build it, one trinket at a time.
On November 13, from 12–4pm, residents and visitors can drop off small keepsakes to be embedded in the sculpture at the Experience Cortland Visitor Center (42 Main Street, Cortland NY). It's your chance to weave your own stories into Cortland’s past, present, and future.
This new public artwork was made possible by an award from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which provides funding to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant hubs of activity.
Q. & A. with the Artist Behind Cortland’s Next Landmark
Candace: Ashe, let’s start with the big picture. For those who have not heard about it yet, can you tell us what this new installation will be and what inspired its design?
Ashe: Absolutely! The new piece is called Cortland Through Time. It’s a 8-foot-tall, four-sided mosaic obelisk that will live permanently on Main Street as part of Cortland’s downtown revitalization. Each side tells a different story—two of them feature cityscapes of Main Street from different time periods, and the other two are made up of donated trinkets and bold, pop-art-style mosaics representing key local landmarks like the clock tower, corset, cabbage, and wagon wheel.
The inspiration came from the desire to create a permanent landmark that honors the city’s history while inviting the public to physically take part in the future of its storytelling. I wanted something bold, beautiful, and full of personal meaning—not just for me, but for the whole community.
Candace: This project was made possible by an award from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). How does it feel to have your art become part of Cortland’s ongoing downtown transformation?
Ashe: It feels incredibly humbling and exciting. I’ve poured so much of my heart into public art over the years, especially here in Cortland, and to be part of this transformative moment for the city means the world to me. The DRI is about revitalization, yes—but for me, it’s also about recognition: recognizing the artists, business owners, and everyday residents who have kept the spirit of this place alive. I’m honored to contribute something permanent and meaningful to that legacy.
Candace: You’ve shared that the piece combines historical imagery with modern materials. I love that contrast. Can you walk us through how those elements come together and what story they tell about Cortland?
Ashe: Thank you! That contrast is really intentional. The materials—stained glass, tile, mirror, ceramic—are modern, vibrant, and durable, but they’re used to reflect something historical and rooted. The side-by-side street views will show how our built environment has changed over time, but also how the essence of Cortland remains strong.
I want people to see that history is not just something behind us—it’s layered into the streets we walk every day. Using a contemporary mosaic approach helps bring those layers to life in a way that feels fresh and accessible.
Candace: You’re also inviting the community to donate small trinkets that will become part of the finished mosaic. Why was it important to you to include pieces from the public, and what kind of items are you hoping people will bring?
Ashe: Because public art should belong to the public. By incorporating items from residents—things like broken jewelry, keys, small tools, pins, marbles, or other pocket-sized treasures—we’re literally embedding their stories into the work. It’s a way for people to leave their mark, and that’s powerful.
I’m hoping for items that reflect people’s connection to Cortland: childhood memories, family heirlooms, or even something symbolic that reminds them of home. It doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to be real.
I’m hoping for items that reflect people’s connection to Cortland: childhood memories, family heirlooms, or even something symbolic that reminds them of home. It doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to be real.
© Ashe Martin
Q. & A. continued
Candace: The design includes four sides, each telling a different story. The east and west panels will include donated items, while the north and south panels will depict Main Street from other eras. How did you decide on that layout, and what do you hope people notice when they explore the piece?
Ashe: The layout came from a desire to balance personal and collective memory. The east and west sides—where the trinkets go—are all about individual stories and everyday objects. The north and south sides step back and tell the broader story of Cortland itself.
I hope people notice that contrast and feel encouraged to move around the piece, to see how their story fits within the city’s story. Public art should invite curiosity and reward those who take time to explore.
Candace: The glowing pyramidium and floating crown are such striking details. Can you share what those symbols represent and how they connect to the spirit of the work?
Ashe: Yes! The pyramid capstone is a nod to ancient obelisks, which were often used to honor something sacred. In this case, it’s a beacon—a glowing symbol of connection and elevation.
The floating crown represents Cortland’s nickname, the Crown City. But it’s also a symbol of community sovereignty—of how we all hold a piece of what makes this place special. The idea that something so meaningful could rise up from a base made of shared stories and fragments? That’s the heart of the whole sculpture.
The floating crown represents Cortland’s nickname, the Crown City. But it’s also a symbol of community sovereignty—of how we all hold a piece of what makes this place special. The idea that something so meaningful could rise up from a base made of shared stories and fragments? That’s the heart of the whole sculpture.
Candace: The sculpture will be illuminated from within, creating a soft glow through the stained glass at night. What do you hope people feel when they see it lit for the first time?
Ashe: I hope they feel seen. I hope they feel proud. There’s something magical about light coming through glass, especially when it’s glass that’s been carefully placed by hand and heart.
Seeing the obelisk glow after dark should feel like a reminder that even in the quiet moments, our community shines. It’s a symbol of resilience, warmth, and shared beauty.
Candace: Public art often sparks curiosity and sometimes even debate. What would you like the community to know about your vision or process for this project?
Ashe: That this project was created with them in mind from the very beginning. This isn’t about me imposing a vision on the city. It’s about us—the stories we’ve lived, the things we hold sacred, the moments that define us.
Public art should invite conversation. And I welcome that. If it makes people feel, question, remember, or even disagree—that means it’s alive.
Public art should invite conversation. And I welcome that. If it makes people feel, question, remember, or even disagree—that means it’s alive.
Candace: You’ve created so many memorable works through Forged from Ashe Studios. How does this project compare to others you’ve done, and what part of it has challenged or inspired you most?
Ashe: This is definitely one of the most ambitious and meaningful projects I’ve taken on. Not just because of the size or permanence, but because of the incredible opportunity to work directly with the Cortland community on something that will last for generations.
What’s inspired me most is how many people have reached out wanting to be involved—whether it’s helping with fabrication, donating items, or just sharing stories. It reminded me why I do this work. The biggest challenge has been balancing the logistics with the emotional weight of it all—but honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Candace: Finally, when people drop off their trinkets at the Visitors Center, what message would you like them to take with them about being part of this artwork and Cortland’s story?
Ashe: I want them to know that they matter. Their memories matter. Their stories are part of what makes Cortland vibrant and beautiful. By contributing even a small item, they’re helping build something that will stand long after we’re gone. That’s legacy. That’s community. That’s the power of art rooted in people
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