Chautauqua County
The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is announcing several updates for Paint CHQ, Chautauqua County’s public art initiative that brings vibrant murals, creative placemaking, and cultural tourism to local communities.
For 2026, Paint CHQ will be implementing two mural projects that will continue to expand the county’s public art footprint. These locations will take place in Dunkirk at the Coburn Block (123 Central Ave.), and in Bemus Point, on Village Hall (13 Alburtus Ave.).
The mural in Dunkirk was originally scheduled to be completed in September 2025; however, due to scheduling challenges, it will now be finalized in 2026. This extended timeline ensures the project is completed to the highest standard, delivering a finished, professionally created piece of art that fully reflects the vision and quality intended.
For Bemus Point, the selection of Village Hall as a mural site highlights a strategic effort to draw attention beyond the main street corridor, encouraging visitors to discover a vibrant destination just steps off the beaten path. This new installation will serve as both a visual landmark and a gateway, guiding foot traffic toward a unique mural experience while supporting nearby local shops and hidden gems.
Additional details for both of the 2026 Paint CHQ murals, including participating in an artist apprentice program and also the community input sessions for Bemus Point, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Also new for 2026, Paint CHQ is partnering with the CHQ Chamber to launch a new “Murals of Chautauqua” interactive trail map, available through the Bandwango Passholder Experience App. The app serves as an interactive digital passport, allowing users to explore 23 murals throughout Chautauqua County, discover the stories behind the artwork, find out more about the artists, and travel from community to community while supporting local businesses and attractions.
The Murals of Chautauqua map is set to debut just in time for spring, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the communities where public art is located through a fresh, artful lens as the season of renewal begins. No download is necessary to use the app, and as an incentive to use it, those that check in at any of the 23 mural sites will be eligible for a 2025 Paint CHQ t-shirt. The Mural Map can be accessed at Go.CHQChamber.org.
“One of the main goals of this project is to encourage residents and visitors alike to get out and explore Chautauqua County by visiting these amazing public murals,” explained Dan Heitzenrater, CHQ Chamber president and CCPEG Advisory Board Co-Chair. “The goal is to not only help people find Chautauqua County’s public art, but to explore our communities and support local businesses located within or nearby the host communities.”
The Murals of Chautauqua map features murals in several communities, including Cassadaga, Dunkirk, Falconer, Findley Lake, Forestville, Fredonia, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Lakewood, Mayville, Sherman, Silver Creek, and Westfield.
Finally, Paint CHQ has completed a 2025 Paint CHQ highlight video, showcasing the exciting work that went into the three professionally created murals in Falconer, Sherman, and Westfield last summer. The video celebrates how public art is transforming spaces, telling local stories, and creating memorable destinations for residents and visitors. The full video can be found on CCPEG’s Youtube Channel (Youtube.com/@CHQPartnership).
“These upcoming murals reflect the strong local partnerships that make Paint CHQ possible,” said Rebecca Wurster, Planning Coordinator for the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development and CCPEG. “Each project is community-driven and designed to reflect the character and stories of the places they call home.”