Ellicottville Fine Art Show Returns Labor Day Weekend with Regional Artists & Makers
Ellicottville Fine Art Show Returns Labor Day Weekend with Regional Artists & Makers
The Ellicottville Fine Art Show brings two days of creativity, community, and craftsmanship to the heart of the village with a juried lineup of regional artists and artisans.
If you’re looking for something inspiring to do this upcoming Labor Day weekend, make your way to Ellicottville August 30th-31st. The front lawn of the historic 1887 Building will be buzzing with creativity during the Ellicottville Fine Art Show, a juried gathering of regional artists and craftspeople. The show runs from 9:00am-5:00pm both days, and it’s the kind of event where you can stroll the venue, chat with the artists, and maybe even find that perfect piece you didn’t know you were looking for.
Presented by the Tri-County Arts Council in partnership with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, the event brings together 15 incredibly talented artists representing the broad and diverse creative spirit of the Southern Tier.
MEET THE ARTISTS
One of the best parts of the Ellicottville Fine Art Show is getting to know the people behind the work. Each artist brings their own story, style, and creative energy - from painters and potters to jewelers, photographers, and woodworkers, every booth offers something unique to discover. Here’s a closer look at just a few of the artists you’ll meet this year.
If you've ever appreciated leather goods that feel alive and age even more beautifully, you're in for a treat with John Crandall’s Bearded Barley Leather. His handcrafted heirloom-quality pieces range from sleek front-pocket wallets and versatile passport holders to roomy cow-hide totes and charming cord keepers, all made with richly tanned Italian and American leather, solid brass hardware, and meticulous stitching.
Eileen Weishan
Eileen Weishan brings decades of artistry to life through her one-of-a-kind accessories - scarves, shawls, wraps, handbags, totes, wristlets, and more, each sewn and hand-beaded with an emphasis on texture, color, and individuality. From an early passion sparked by her grandmother and guided by her mother, Eileen’s work blends sewing, embroidery, and intricate beading into every piecee. She delights in experimenting with unique materials, including luxurious Japanese kimono fabrics and eco-friendly cork, vinyl, and faux leather.
Michael R. Weishan
Michael R. Weishan is a Southwestern New York–based photographer who has a remarkable ability to turn the everyday chaos of nature into tranquil, artful compositions. Whether he’s capturing the delicate textures of a woodland scene, the interplay of wildlife in natural settings, or a portrait in a sitter’s sweetest, most comfortable moment, his images convey emotion and invite the viewer in. He exhibits across regional galleries, including the Tri-County Arts Council Gallery in Olean and the Chautauqua Art Gallery in Jamestown. View more of his works at www.mrweishanphotography.com.
Melissa Locke
Melissa Locke is a self-taught oil painter whose work is rooted in a deep passion for realism. Her portfolio reveals a captivating range - everything from lifelike pencil sketches of elephants and expressive portraits like her "Jerry Garcia" drawing, to powerful oil paintings in her “Horror Series,” including pieces like Book of Fire and Mask on Fire, both of which earned her “Best in Show” at the Tri-County Arts Council’s Small Works Show in 2022. Drawing from nature, human relationships, and the interplay of light and shadow, her work reflects a thoughtful journey of learning, observation, and self-expression - all beautifully embodied through oils and pencils.
Kenneth Korn
Kenneth Korn, known online as Turning Treasures, is a dedicated woodturner who transformed his woodworking hobby into a full-time craft. He specializes in beautifully turned bowls, boxes, ornaments, and live-edge creations that showcase the natural character of the wood. His live-edge bowls, in particular, highlight the rugged beauty of raw bark against smooth, polished interiors - turning each piece into both a functional object and a work of art. From practical kitchenware to one-of-a-kind decorative pieces, Kenneth’s work merges toughness with elegance and aims to bring joy through the simple, timeless beauty of wood.
Denise Drummond
Denise Drummond has been capturing the wild beauty of the outdoors since she was barely old enough to hold a pencil. She began drawing animals and nature scenes at age two and had already started selling her work by her teenage years. A seasoned freelance artist since the 1980s, Denise brings landscapes to life with graphite and watercolor - especially scenes from national parks and wilderness areas. Her deep love for the land has found expression in time spent sketching across the country, including summers sketching Glacier National Park, which sparked a celebrated series of park-inspired drawings. A self-taught artist, she’s earned multiple placements in Arts for the Parks Top 100 and Mini 100 exhibitions. She continues to draw inspiration from the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, and New York State Parks, while also maintaining a thriving portrait business - from pets and people to homes - infusing each piece with a genuine, heartfelt connection to her subjects.
After leaving the corporate world, stained glass artist Michelle Hoff found her creative home in a countryside studio, where she draws inspiration from the natural world - particularly flowers. Her work includes delicate stained-glass pieces, vibrant mosaics, and upcycled art that breathes new life into vintage items. Recently, she has been incorporating a plasma cutter into her creations, adding a dynamic metal element that brings a fresh dimension to her art. Whether it's a whimsical garden stake or a functional vase, Michelle's pieces reflect a harmonious blend of nature, sustainability, and artistic innovation.
Veteran arts advocate Mikel Wintermantel, Ken Falkenhagen, Lynzie Rinamon, Robert Vrboncic, Kaylee Taylor, Violet Nolder, Julie Ellis, and Nicole Missle complete the roster - each bringing their unique creative flair spanning from fine painting to sculptural jewelry and artisan-crafted pieces. Come explore their creative processes and find unique works to bring home.
The celebration of art doesn’t stop when the festival ends - TCAC will continue into the fall with a gallery show in Olean and the 20th anniversary of the Southern Tier Biennial, both showcasing the depth and diversity of regional talent. Learn more at tricountyartscouncil.org.
