Art lovers rejoice! Cortland County has many art spots waiting for you. Explore a metal zoo, interactive art installations, impactful murals and so much more. Feed your soul and take a trip to Cortland County. Eric Kroot Art Trail at Lime Hollow Nature Center
Eric Kroot Art Trail at Lime Hollow Nature Center
Totem poles, incredible larger than life art installations can be found lurking amongst the beautiful protected nature at Lime Hollow. Just a short walk from the Visitor Center on McLean Road, the Eric Kroot Art Trail has been set aside for nature inspired outdoor art exhibits created by local artists.
Metal Zoo at Frog Pond Farm Folk Art Gallery
Driving down from Little York Lake on Route 281 you might spot a giraffe or an elephant outside and around the Frog Pond Farm Folk Art Gallery. The Ferro’s have been creating art of all mediums for many years. Their “metal zoo” (as we call it) features multiple metal art creations. They work with about 90% recycled or pre-used material allowing for a very distinct and unique style.
Mural at the Cortland Corset Building
Set back from the main road emerges this historic factory building that was once home to the Cortland Corset Company and the Cortland Wagon Company. It now features a 30-foot mural that pays homage to the building’s history. Local artist Crystal Lyon received partial funding from a CNY Arts Decentralized Grant for Individual Artists and with support from the community, this mural also helped with partial exterior restoration of this historic structure. This community-based project also drives attention to the diverse art found inside from textile art at Magpie Creations, local artisans at Cinch Art Space, home to Art by Emily Gibbons, Instant Artist and more. The Corset Building is one of Cortland’s creative and cultural hubs for artists, musicians, start ups and more.
Exterior and Interior Art at the Center for the Arts of Homer
The Gallery at the Center
Established in 2005, The Gallery at the Center has held over 100 exhibits featuring local, regional, and national known artists. Recently, thanks to an anonymous donor, The Gallery has gotten a renovation to improve its lighting and more. The Gallery has regular hours throughout the year or plan ahead and catch the next opening reception. Exterior Art Installations Driving down Main Street in the Village of Homer you might notice some of the exterior art installations like Landforms Sculpture by Rob Licht. These two sculptures that sit out front of the Center for the Arts are designed to mimic the hills and valleys of Cortland County. You’re actually encouraged to touch, or even take a seat!
Nationally and Internationally Acclaimed Contemporary Artists at the Dowd Gallery
A true hidden gem in Cortland County is the Dowd Gallery on the SUNY Cortland campus. Each year it hosts up to 7 exhibitions that features work done by nationally and internationally acclaimed contemporary artists while maintaining a permanent collection of over 500 objects dating from the 13th through the 21st centuries. Stop in during their normal open hours or plan ahead for one of their upcoming exhibits.
PLAN AHEAD
Cortland Cultural Council First Friday Art Nights
Held on the first Friday each month, Cortland First Fridays was created as an informational but important movement to celebrate the arts in our local community. From galleries, studios, artists, businesses, music and performing arts venues open their doors to the public to spotlight the arts.
Cortland Repertory Theatre
Opened in 1972, Cortland Repertory Theatre has been producing theatrical arts at the historic Little York Pavilion on Little York Lake. It has grown to be a professional theatre and also has created a downtown Cortland black box theatre so it may operate year-round. Plan ahead and catch a summer show at the Pavilion or head downtown.
Cheerful & Creative Art Studio
Cortland’s local art studio nestled on Central Ave in Historic Downtown Cortland offers classes in all sorts of mediums from glass and wood, to canvas or sculpture. You can rent out a private class or enroll your little ones in their Lil’Monets art classes.
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