Triennial art leaders say Medina perfect fit for big initiative but community participation needed

Former Medina HS will host 20 artworks with 10 to 12 others in Medina

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A handful of guests enjoyed brunch at the Triennial Hub on Saturday and participated in a discussion on ideas for Medina’s upcoming inaugural Triennial this year. From left are Karin Laansoo, co-curator; Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program coordinator for the Triennial Hub; and Shirley Verrico, operations manager.

MEDINA – The Medina Triennial hosted a brunch and informative session Saturday afternoon at their hub at 345 North Main St., for the purpose of explaining the features of the initiative, getting ideas and to share the Triennial’s goals and opportunities for work and volunteers during 2026.

The brunch was hosted in collaboration with the Medina Area Partnership, Medina Railroad Museum and Orleans County YMCA. Leading the discussion were Federico Rosario, Community Engagement and Program Coordinator; Shirley Verrico, operations manager; and Karin Laansoo, co-artistic director with Kari Conte.

They explained the reason Medina was chosen for this inaugural initiative, scheduled to take place June 6 through Sept. 7 in various locations in Medina, was because Medina embodies the convergence of industry, agriculture, immigration and civic life. The town is also rich in cultural and ecological significance, situated between Buffalo and Rochester and surrounded by farmland, wetlands and canal infrastructure.

When the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation met to discuss what to do with an aging waterway, they began planning this event as a broader effort to revitalize the canal. They agreed 150% on choosing Medina for the location, said Verrico. She also added that Medina has an amazingly active antique community.

“We agree with their choice 200% and I hope everyone in Medina does as well,” Laansoo said. “I was so happy when people at the community brunch applauded and agreed with Medina being the best possible choice.”

“One thing about Medina is it has a lot of landmarks,” Rosario said. “And the canal has a strong presence in the area, with Medina Falls, the aqueduct and the culvert on Culvert Road.

Laansoo said the question gets asked a lot during meetings when they introduce the triennial and explain where Medina is.

“We usually say that historically Medina was the widest point in the Erie Canal where boats could turn around,” she said. “Medina has a lot going on for a village of 6,000 people – a well-preserved Main Street, it is rich in culture and ecology, surrounded by farmland, wetlands and infrastructure. Obviously, an amazing community, as well. “

Also announced on Saturday was the creation of a book club, which will meet every third Saturday, with the first one scheduled Jan. 23. The first book chosen is The Mezzanine by Nicholas Baker, and copies were available on Saturday.

Guests take part in a discussion on Saturday at the Triennial Hub on North Main Street, sharing ideas and asking questions about the first-time Triennial expected to bring 50,000 people to Medina from June to September.

A highlight of Saturday’s meeting was the announcement of a movie to be filmed by a renowned Mexican artist and composer. Filming will be on March 28 at Medina High School, 324 Catherine St. The are looking for singers, movers, vocal enthusiasts and attentive listeners. All voices, bodies and abilities are welcome to audition. No experience is needed. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 30 by e-mailing info@medinatriennial.org.

In addition, a plea was issued for housing for artists, preferably within walking distance from downtown and the high school, mostly in April and May.

In all, 400 volunteers from the community are going to be needed, including guides who will be trained to help visitors engage with the artwork. Opening hours for sites hosting artwork are still being finalized, but public spaces with artworks will, of course, be accessible 24/7, Laansoo added.

Twenty artists will show their work at the old Medina High School, while others will be at 10 to 12 other sites, all within walking distance of downtown. Light renovation and painting at the high school have already begun, and thanks was issued to Roger and Heather Hungerford for their generosity in allowing use of the building. Most of the artwork will be on the second floor, with some on the first floor as well.

Types of art represented will include a large variety of different mediums, such as video, sound, paintings, photos, textiles, sculptures, prints and even a floating garden.

One artist who has already been here is Mary Mattingly, who will develop a garden on a floating barge. The barge arrived in the fall and work will continue on it when the water returns to the canal this spring.

Among those who attended Saturday’s brunch were Medina historian Todd Bensley and his wife Nicole.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for Medina to showcase everything we have,” Todd said.

Funding for the Triennial comes from the New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation, Laansoo explained. In essence, NYPA functions like a self-sustaining business, using its power generation and sales to fund operations, new projects and state initiatives, all without relying on state taxes.

“The Triennial still needs to fundraise quite a bit, because everything is very expensive and it is important for it to be free to the public, so we are working hard to get additional funds,” Laansoo said.

In closing Saturday’s event, Verrico said, “We want to be here for visitors. We want to collaborate with all of you. We know art. We don’t know Medina.”

Anyone with questions should e-mail Rosario at info@medinatriennial.org.