Young artists have Canandaigua park in their sights
- paintsandrecs
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
CANANDAIGUA, NY— The Kershaw Park bathhouse and beach area may be getting a makeover this summer, courtesy of as many as 400 young artists.
As part of the city's popular Paints & Rec program, student artists plan to create murals that celebrate the history and ecology of Canandaigua Lake and Kershaw Park, according to Courtney Austin, who runs the program and is an art teacher at the Canandaigua Primary-Elementary School.
Austin called it an honor to have the opportunity to paint such a historic location, and the youths of Canandaigua will continue to build meaningful connections, grow as artists and deepen their pride in the community in the process.
“Painting Kershaw’s bathhouse will offer them a chance to explore the history of their city, as well as the ecology of the lake and its surrounding areas,” Austin said.
Members of City Council still have to review and approve the design, although its planning committee did give the OK for the full council vote. City Council next meets Feb. 24.
Ocean-themed mural planned for Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua
Several students in the program will be spending four weekends in March painting an ocean-themed mural in a stairwell at UR Medicine Thompson Health’s F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua.
Familiar with the students’ work, Amanda Reynoldsand Kristen Seyfried from the wellness department reached out to Austin. Artists ages 10 to 16 then designed a proposal and presented it to the healthcare administration.
Jennifer DeVault, vice president of associate services and wellness, was on hand for the students’ presentation and said everyone got excited hearing what they had to say.
“They were very prepared to share their vision, their research and their own passion for art,” DeVault said. “The artists spoke very professionally about their personal connection to our healthcare environment.”
The new mural will join other student works of art at the hospital. Canandaigua Academy students in 2018 and Keuka College students in 2019 painted stairway murals in other areas of the hospital.
“The kids are truly enjoying all of the opportunities to give back to the community with their artistic talents,” Austin said. “We all feel very fortunate.”
Youth art projects brighten Canandaigua
The Paints & Rec program has already been a hit in the city.
Young artists painted characters from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" by Dr. Seuss on the windows of businesses as part of downtown Canandaigua's "Whobilation" holiday celebration. Also last year, more than 170 artists painted murals at the Canandaigua Fire Department’s Station No. 1 on Main Street. The summer prior young artists took their brushes to Jefferson Park.
This summer, Austin, who also helped lead a mural project at the Cheshire Fire Department’s Station No. 2, is looking to lengthen the camp program from six to seven weeks, beginning July 7. That would enable more young artists to take part.
Here's an example of how big a deal this Kershaw Park project is. In addition to the excitement of participating in the project, many can't wait to see the finished product: A grand reveal is already planned, for Aug. 22.
For details on Paints & Rec, visit www.paintsandrec.com.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
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