Adventures in Art in the Western NY Wilds

The Alfred Arts Studio at the West is pretty amazing. Set in Alfred's artistic and collegiate community, the art studio offers an array of opportunities to engage the arts and the world-renowned ceramics culture. Visitors can “get their hands dirty” by participating in classes and workshops for all levels. An on-site gallery allows visitors to see the works of the Alfred community of artists and emerging talent.

Also in Alfred, over 8,000 ceramic objects reside at the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum on the Alfred University campus. The pieces range from small pottery shards recovered from ancient civilizations to modern and contemporary ceramic art. The primary mission of the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum is to collect, preserve, conserve, research, interpret, and exhibit ceramic art for aesthetic and educational purposes. The museum is a research and teaching facility, which offers an engagement in cultural history via ceramic art to the student, artist, scholar, and collector as well as the local, national, and international community.

The culinary arts are a creative output that should never be overlooked. In the hamlet of Fillmore, this small community hosts Valley Bread and Bounty. Set in a historic building, the shop features breads, breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches, sauces, and much more. Their freshly brewed, locally roasted, Jockey Street Coffee is served all day and can also be purchased for home brew. Valley Bread and Bounty also has a gift shop that includes creations from over 30 local artists.

In Houghton, Coppa Co. is a handcrafted and sustainable space “where art and coffee unite.” If you are interested in learning more about pottery, Coppa offers regular classes and studio space to new and experienced potters. The space also has an exhibition gallery that features local artists. At the center of Coppa Co. is good coffee. Their coffee is fair trade, direct trade, organic, and micro-roasted. The beans used in the coffee are contributing to sustainable practices that make the coffee better - as well as allowing the local producers to make more profit. Coppa Co. also sells ceramic creations that will look fantastic inside and outside one’s home.

A visit to the Ortlip Art Gallery should also be on your itinerary. The gallery presents a diverse range of innovative exhibitions and educational programs that offer insights into the works of established artists from the region and across the world.

In Wellsville, the Wellsville Creative Arts Center is the complete package. This destination is dedicated to arts education but also has a cafe, exhibition, and performance space. The center hosts several art classes throughout the year that appeal to artists of all ages. A monthly “paint and sip” event is the perfect way to have fun, stretch some creative muscles, and unwind. The cafe is fully stocked with delicious pastries, hot soup, and a full menu of espresso beverages, hot/iced coffee, cold brew, blended frosted lattes, and yes, even wine slushies!

Next door to the arts center is The Little Gem artisan store. The Little Gem spotlights a collection of unique hand-crafted art made by local Western New York artisans. Featuring painting, pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, and textiles, you're sure to find the perfect gift for a loved one!

A hallmark artistic event in Allegany County is the annual Allegany Artisan Studio Tour Weekend, which will be held on October 14-15, 2023. The weekend features “open houses” at nearly 30 artisan studios throughout the county. It’s a wondrous chance to meet with the artists and see their works up close. The studio visits and conversations that ensue are inspiring.