By Nicole Coleman/colemann@gnnewspaper.com
As her retirement project, Lori Skoog would like to create the world’s longest art gallery.
It’s simple, really. The gallery? New York’s 524-mile Erie Canal. The art? Community commissioned murals, sculptures and designs at every port and waterfront.
The result will be a one-of-a-kind tourist destination rejuvenating the state’s once vibrant historic canal villages.
Aptly known as the Art Walks on Water movement, Skoog has been collaborating with supporters of the idea for the past three years. Already, new pieces have gone up across the canalway system, adding to pieces already in existence — like Medina’s fiery red apple and Stacey Kirby’s now famous Albion murals. Her ultimate dream is to link each community with a Web site, coffee table book and brochures to inspire travelers to see the treasures for themselves.
“This is not just a teeny project. ... This could have a huge domino effect once it gets going,” Skoog said, a former Brockport art teacher. “I have all these brainy ideas. This is a vision that I think is doable in every little town. It just takes energy and organization.”
As Skoog’s efforts became public, she joined forces with Mark DeKracker of Lyons, N.Y., the madman behind the canal’s Mural Mania, and Theresa Vitale of Jordan, N.Y., who is pushing for a trail of art studios along the canal. Hannah Blake with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, who loves the idea almost as much as Skoog, is building the movement’s momentum across the state.
In Orleans County, Albion muralist Stacey Kirby said plans are already in the works for a spring “round table” discussion to get all of the towns and villages on board. Communities interested in the project will then be responsible for commissioning their own artists.
The art doesn’t have to be expensive, Skoog said. Residents can make unique sculptures out of items in their home, work on an outdoor together, or fundraiser for professional pieces. Her hope is that the art will inspire communities to revitalize with new kiosks, boating docks, restaurants and stores.
In Brockport, the Art & Aesthetics Committee of the Walk! Bike! Brockport Action Group has installed two sculptures, approximately 20 Victorian benches and a billboard painting.
“Public art communicates to people on so many levels. It makes people feel involved in their community and it shows visitors that excitement,” Kirby said. “It gets them off the canal path and into the town.”
Medina Mayor Clayton Ehrenreich III said the idea embraces the canal’s ever changing purpose. What once was used for transporting industrial goods could become a prominent historic and recreational attraction, he said.
“Art Walks on Water could be anywhere. If I could really get this going, I would like then to go down the Hudson River — then we’re talking. There is so much art down that way,” Skoog said. “Who knows? All kinds of things could happen.”
Contact reporter Nicole Colemanat 798-1400, ext. 2227.
