By Darlene Brace
The Jamestown area is fortunate and proud to offer a vibrant platform for local artists to showcase their work as part of the fourth annual ArtScape program. This event has quickly become a beloved tradition, highlighting the incredible talent within our community. The selected artwork transforms the downtown area into a captivating outdoor gallery, where both locals and visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of ArtScape.
ArtScape 2026 is well underway and continues to be organized by Leslie Calimeri of the Chautauqua Art Gallery on Main Street in Jamestown. This year, she is partnering with Pearl City Clay House. To participate in ArtScape, artists must live within 35 miles of Jamestown. Each artist can submit up to three works of art using various mediums, such as painting, drawing, photography, and other two- and three-dimensional media. This year, the participating artists included a mix of returning artists from previous years as well as some newcomers.
Over 300 artists submitted their artwork between December 1, 2025, and February 24, 2026. A panel of judges from the local art community selected a total of 59 stunning pieces of art, featuring contributions from both adult and youth artists. Replicas of their artwork will be created on the ArtScape banners, and they will be displayed throughout the downtown area, primarily along Third Street and the adjacent side streets. The Parks Department will hang the banners on light posts in June, and they will remain on display throughout the year.
To celebrate Artscape and this year’s selected artists and their artwork, a reception will be held on May 21st at two locations. The event is open to the public and will begin at 5pm at the Chautauqua Art Gallery, located at 318 North Main Street. There will be opening remarks, and attendees will have the opportunity to mingle and view the original artworks on display. Following this, the reception will continue at the Pearl City Clay House, located at 220 East Second Street, where more of the artwork will be exhibited. The original pieces will remain on display at both locations until July 4, 2026. The Artscape program will also feature several awards across different categories. While the details about the prizes are still being finalized, there will be awards for both adult and young artists.
In addition to the outdoor ArtScape gallery that enhances the streets of downtown, ArtScape is excited to announce two new events taking place this summer that will encourage the community to connect with local art and artists. A designated ArtScape tent will be set up at the Farmer’s Market, located on Third Street between Spring and Pine Street in Jamestown. The tent will be open from 9am-1pm on select Saturdays throughout the summer. During these Farmer’s Market Days, attendees may be fortunate enough to see some talented ArtScape artists painting or sketching on-site. Additionally, visitors can participate in the ArtScape Scavenger Hunt and create special buttons featuring their own unique designs.
In addition, the Pearl City Clay House, located at 220 East Second Street in Jamestown, is hosting three Sunday Artist Salons this summer on June 14th, July 12th, and August 9th, from 2-4pm. These Sunday Salons are free to attend, and guests will have the opportunity to interact with some of the ArtScape artists as they share insights about their artwork and their creative processes. More details about this unique experience will be available soon.
The ArtScape program is an exciting public art initiative that serves as an outdoor gallery featuring banners displayed throughout the downtown Jamestown area. The outdoor gallery has been well received by the community, and people look forward to its continuation as an engaging artistic event that fosters appreciation for local art. These vibrant banners support local artists by showcasing replicas of their original works, brightening our streets and bringing joy to everyone. Additionally, there are two other new events that complement this initiative. For more information about the ArtScape outdoor gallery and the new events, you can visit artscapejamestownny.com.