Canal Culture

The Erie Canal gave rise to unique artistic and cultural expressions. Venues like the Arkell Museum preserve early examples of those works, while contemporary artists use the current landscape to inspire their work.

Story by Daisy Polowetzky

The Broken Plastics project transforms microplastics from water pollution to art displays.

Photographs of Fairport's draw bridge taken and fine-tuned during post production by Nikki Bittner. The bridge constantly changes colors, making it Bittner's favorite muse, she said.

Story by Ally Watkinson

Dozens of original paintings, sculptures and photos are on display at Fairport’s Railroad Street Artworks, just blocks from the Canal.

The performance of "The Refuge" at the Montezuma Audubon Center on November 2, 2024 that was part of the Albany Symphony's Water Music NY: More Voices Festival.

Story by Mathilde Refloch

The Albany Symphony’s Water Music NY series brings together diverse composers whose works explore the Erie Canal’s history. 

Clara Riedlinger in her studio at Rochester Contemporary Art Center is one of the Erie Canal artists in residence. She is a photographer and uses different format cameras from film to digital and also includes video.

Story by Julia Carden

Clara Riedlinger captures the historic spirituality of Central New York through photography.

Artist Beverly Owen painting the latest mural from the Mural Mania art mission at the Liz and Dave Beebe Camillus Erie Canal Park in Onondaga County on Thursday, June 20.

Story by Julia Carden

A mural in the Canal town helps to illustrate and remember its connection to the waterway.

Story by Gia Rebstock

Just steps from the Canal, the Arkell Museum showcases American art and Mohawk Valley history from the 19th and early 20th centuries.