Uniquely Cortland: Art Souvenirs

Gone are the days of cheesy tee shirts and cliché tchotchkes. Travelers crave a souvenir that tells a story. Something unique, created by locals, handmade- a treasure that could only be found on their adventures. Whether it is an original piece of art for your wall, a limited-edition concert t-shirt, something handmade or one of a kind, Cortland County is brimming with uncommon goods that reflect your uncommon adventures.

BE ORIGINAL 

Cover your walls with original, local art and let your home tell the tales of your travel. Make a statement with the clever creations of Luke Dangler. You can find his quirky illustrations, along with dozens of other New York artist at Cinch Art Space. While you’re there, check out the wonderous watercolor pieces of Emily Gibbons. Her signature style perfectly captures Cortland County’s wild spaces and county side.

WALK THIS WAY

Make a statement with wearable art. Both utilitarian and unique, Cortland has no shortage of fantastic pieces. Elevate your kicks with a custom pair from BullAirs. Thom Bulman hand paints each pair, infusing pop culture nostalgia into each step. Speaking of nostalgia, Magpie Custom Creations has it in spades, from classic circle skirts, retro aprons and pinup fashion to kimonos and kerchiefs. Looking for something specific. Don’t fret, they can make any piece custom!

GIVE ME BACK MY BLACK T-SHIRT

Bring home a souvenir your grandkids will actually want someday, with a limited-edition concert t-shirt. Cortland County is home to 3 music festivals; Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble (August 6), Seedstock (Aug 12), and Porchfest Cortland, (August 20). Each sell merch you’ll proudly wear till threadbare. Molly Reagan’s (Good Neighbor Art) Porchfest t-shirts have such a cult following that the line wraps around the block before the music even begins! And the Seedstock sweatshirt you bought when the temps dropped after sunset is guaranteed to quickly become your favorite.

CRAFTERNOON AT THE CORSET BUILDING

All this leaving you feeling a little artsy? Treat yourself to a crafternoon in the Cortland Corset Building and learn a new skill! Forged From Ashe Studios offer weekend mosaic classes. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel at Pottery Works Cortland or at the sewing machine at Magpie Custom Creations. Each offers one day classes, with a full list available on their websites.

FESTIVAL FINDS

If you’re looking for the quintessential collection of art, Cortland Arts Connects’ Arts Off Main is not to be missed. This day long festival, Saturday, August 5, is filled with exclusively original art, live music and entertainment, eats and treats, and creative chalk murals. Shop everything from fine art and woodworking to jewelry and fiber arts. This annual festival showcases some of the best makers, creators, and artists in the Finger Lakes Region.

In search of more artistic inspiration for your next Cortland County weekend getaway? Request a FREE Visitors Guide to start planning.

Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured!
Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.