By Darlene Brace
It’s an exciting public art initiative in which local artists have the opportunity to showcase their original artwork, which is recreated on colorful banners displayed throughout the downtown area. These vibrant banners give support to local artists while brightening our streets and bringing joy to everyone.
For ArtScape 2025, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) is thrilled to collaborate again with the Chautauqua Art Gallery and the City of Jamestown’s Parks Department. The program is open to anyone who lives in Chautauqua County or within 35 miles of Jamestown and wants to submit their art for this wonderful outdoor gallery project.
Leslie Calimeri, the owner of the Chautauqua Art Gallery, stated, “We are excited to host the 3rd annual ArtScape program this year. The program has been well received by the community, and we look forward to continuing it as an exciting artistic event that engages the community in the appreciation of local art.”
Photo/Susan Simmons.
This year, the participating artists will include a mix of returning artists from previous years, as well as the addition of some newcomers. ArtScape is excited to announce a new youth category this year, inviting young artists under the age of eighteen to participate and share their creativity with the community.
Art submissions opened on December 1st, and the deadline was February 24th. This year, over three hundred wonderful pieces of artwork were submitted by talented artists. The artwork was judged anonymously by a panel of judges who are involved in the local art community. After careful consideration, sixty beautiful pieces of art were selected to be featured for the ArtScape banners. The artists were notified of their selection by mid-March.
The vibrant banners are created with replicas of the artwork displayed on them and are proudly displayed throughout the downtown area. The Jamestown City Park Department hangs these eye-catching banners on light posts in June, decorating the downtown streets. The banners will remain in place for the rest of the year.
On May 15th, there will be an opening reception to celebrate the artists and their artwork that have been chosen. This year’s reception will take place at two locations. The first is the Chautauqua Gallery, located at 318 North Main Street, where opening remarks will be made, and it will then continue to the Pearl City Clay House at 220 East Second Street. You can visit both locations from 5pm to 7:30pm to enjoy the art and refreshments. The original pieces of artwork will be displayed at these locations until June 28th.
New this year, the ArtScape program will include several awards across different categories. While they are still finalizing the details about the prizes to be awarded, the winners can look forward to fun rewards like free art classes and memberships. Stay tuned for more information.
Frank Besse, the Executive Director of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s ArtScape program, stating, “The JRC is excited about bringing in local talent to enhance the vibrancy of the downtown area and to support local artists. It’s a fun opportunity for community engagement and great collaborations with the Chautauqua Art Gallery and the Jamestown Parks Department. We would like to thank all the artists, sponsors, the Chautauqua Art Gallery, and the City of Jamestown Parks Department for their contributions in making this wonderful program possible.”
ArtScape features an outdoor gallery experience in the heart of downtown Jamestown, showcasing the creativity of local artists of all ages and backgrounds. Art that is selected is reproduced on banners to be displayed in the downtown area. Park your car and take a stroll in downtown Jamestown this summer to enjoy the banners displayed throughout the area that enlighten and beautify the streets of downtown Jamestown.
For more information on the ArtScape program, you can go to jamestoownreniassance.org, and you can also visit the Facebook page of ArtScape Jamestown, Original Art Show and Artist Reception.