The Great Western Catskills region has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the natural beauty of the area. However, there is a growing need for events that provide a unique experience for tourists while also promoting local businesses and supporting artists in the region. The River, Road & Rail Art Trail aims to address this need by providing a platform for renowned sculpture artists and local artists to showcase their works while also attracting tourists to the region.

These Highly Acclaimed Artists Represent More Than $8 Million Dollars Worth of Sculpture Being Showcased In The 1st Annual River, Road & Rail Art Trail In 2024. Local Artists Will Be Selected in Late April & Announced In Early May of 2024.  

The River, Road & Rail Art Trail is a new project which launched in 2023 that aims to bring together tourists, local businesses, and artists in Delaware County, NY. The project is set to run from July 4th until the end of October 2024, with the initial press announcement in Hancock NY during Memorial Day Weekend festivities!

The River, Road & Rail Art Trail will showcase the works of famous sculpture artists such as Robert Ressler, Wendy Klemperer, Ben Keating, John Clement, Motoko Fukuyama, Nora Valdez, and Harry L. Gordon, as well as other noted regional and local artists. The project is expected to cost $50,000, over 5 years and the main objective is to boost tourism in the region, while providing opportunities for the display of local and regional artists within local businesses to drive foot traffic and sales within local shops. The project will commence in Hancock NY the Gateway to the Upper Delaware and entrance to the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway. The Art Trail will feature a surprise artistic performance by Daniel Wurtzel, date to be announced in July. Other local artists will also be able to participate by partnering with storefronts across Delaware County to display their works in the shop windows or inside the businesses as satellite galleries to foster local commerce, and could generate more than 20k visitors to the region on an annual basis with limited funds needed.

The Great Western Catskills region has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the natural beauty of the area. However, there is a growing need for events that provide a unique experience for tourists while also promoting local businesses and supporting artists in the region. The River, Road & Rail Art Trail aims to address this need by providing a platform for renowned sculpture artists and local artists to showcase their works while also attracting tourists to the region.

The primary goal of the River, Road & Rail Art Trail is to boost tourism in the Delaware County region while also promoting local businesses and supporting artists. The specific objectives of the project are as follows:

• To showcase the works of renowned sculpture artists that attract new out of county tourists to the region.

• To provide opportunities for local artists to showcase their works with reputable and seasoned professionals established in the art world.

• To promote local businesses by partnering with them to display artworks in their storefronts.

• To attract tourists to the region and promote the natural beauty of the Great Western Catskills.

• To create an annual event that will become a staple of the Delaware County cultural calendar.

• To foster mentoring and studio workshops with established artists and youth seeking to learn.

The River, Road & Rail Art Trail will commence in Hancock NY with an artistic performance by Daniel Wurtzel and sculptures by Robert Ressler. The cross county trail will feature works by renowned sculpture artists, including Wendy Klemperer's steel animal sculptures, Ben Keating's kinetic sculptures, John Clement's abstract steel sculptures, Motoko Fukuyama's figurative sculptures, Nora Valdez's stone and metal sculptures, and Harry L. Gordon's abstract geometric sculptures.

The trail will also provide opportunities for local artists to participate by partnering with storefronts to display their works in their windows. This will provide an opportunity for local artists to showcase their works and attract visitors to local businesses. Visitors will be able to explore the trail at their leisure, and the trail will be marked with signs and maps to guide them to each artwork. The project will be promoted through various channels, including social media, print advertisements, and local press. The project will also have a website that will provide information about the artists, the trail, and the events associated with the project.

The event's website will feature a full map of the art trail (Available in July 2024) artist bios, and information about the event's sponsors. Last year Hancock alone was able to secure 1,200 Art Walk participants with limited budget and planning. This County-wide Art Trail is being organized with world-famous museum artists, curated with heavy hitters featured in the NY Times, with the coverage of local and national media secured to create a PR event like no other.