Artists draw inspiration from canal

Chris VerSteeg painted this tugboat on the Erie Canal. It’s one of the paintings featured in a new art show about the canal. The opening reception is today from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Marti’s on Main.

Tony Barry of Holley painted this Erie Canal scene. Several of his works are on display at Marti’s.

ALBION – It runs through Orleans County, the iconic Erie Canal. In the eyes of many artists, the canal and its century-old bridges are a source of inspiration, a peaceful path full of beauty.

Several Orleans County artists are sharing paintings, photographs and other art about the historic waterway during a canal-themed art show at Marti’s on Main, an art gallery at 227 North Main St.

The opening reception will be today from 5:30 to 9 p.m. as part of the monthly First Fridays reception, which gives the public a chance to meet local artists. The latest show includes 11 artists. They have photographed or painted all seasons along the canal. Some of the artwork shows boaters or people walking along the canal.

Most of the paintings show a serene location, the canal set amidst changing fall foliage or tranquil waters.

Connie Mosher painted this scene of a canal bridge during the fall.

The following local artists are part of the canal show: Gallery owner Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, Tony Barry, Susan Rudnicky, Connie Mosher, Suzanne Wells, Rose Patronski, Terry Vick, Stacey Kirby, Christine VerSteeg, Arthur Barnes and Tom Zangerle.

In addition to the canal show, Marti’s is displaying art by the Skoog Family Artists, a group artists who started painting once they retired from their careers. Laurie Groth also has featured works about horses.

The First Fridays events at Marti’s are in their fifth year.

Stacey Kirby painted this winter scene of the canal between the lift bridges in Albion, where canal barges and tugboats are kept when the canal is closed.