Community Calendar

How do we reconcile our engineered past with an ecological future?

2025 Erie Canal Artists-in-Residence Sarah Cameron Sunde and Kari Varner explore the Canal from an environmental lens.

Kari Varner, a distinguished photographer and educator, explored key ecological sites along the canal, integrating harvested plants into her photographic artworks. Sarah Cameron Sunde, an innovative interdisciplinary artist, engaged with canal communities to create pieces that physically and ecologically connect with the canal. She also developed work in collaboration with Jeremy Dennis, a contemporary fine art photographer and an enrolled Tribal Member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY.

Cazenovia Artisans Presents
Wheel-Thrown Functional Vessels by Guest Artist Peter Valenti
“Under Cover: Covered Jars and Pierced Ceramics”

August 2-30, 2026

Peter’s functional vessels are primarily wheel-thrown and fired using both an electric kiln and a wood/salt kiln. Most of the resulting pieces straddle somewhere between functional and sculptural, with emphasis on both form and function. He tends to work things out in a series of 10 to 20 pieces until he is satisfied with at least some results. He’ll often let the work “rest,” and then he’ll eventually circle back to an interesting form, something that speaks to him, and he’ll work from that. Peter’s work investigates nature and tradition. Pierced work, yet functional, becomes sculptural vessels that create a feeling of lightness and transparency with a simple elegance.

Peter holds a B.S. IN Art Education from SUNY Oswego and an M.S. in Art Education from Syracuse University. He developed the Ceramics program at East Syracuse Minoa High School. He is the Co-founder of Feats of Clay CNY and was the director from 2002 to 2015. Founder and current member of Independent Potters’ Association (IPA).

“I strive for impeccable craftsmanship, which always seems elusive to me. Probably my main influence in creating pottery comes from ancient makers, such as Jomon Potters from Japan and Song Dynasty Pottery from China. I believe as a maker of things that finished work reflects the maker in ways that we don’t immediately understand, and that is what keeps me going.”

Please join us at Cazenovia Artisans as we celebrate some unique and inspiring creativity.

Peter’s Reception is Friday, August 7, 5-7:00 p.m., with an artist talk at 6:00.
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. 
cazenoviaartisans.com   315-655-2225.  39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035

The C.A.S.E. (Culture, Art, Science, and Environment) Camp at the Cayuga Museum of History & Art is a youth camp that connects campers ages 12-14 with their community through the historical, natural, and cultural significance of the City of Auburn. Each day of camp will feature a different theme to explore, with partnering organizations joining on various days to dive into assorted topics.

Admission is $100 per camper. Scholarships are available*

The Friends of Lorenzo and Lorenzo State Historic Site invite children ages 8 to 12 to attend our weeklong day camp. Campers will spend the week discovering our beautiful historic site. Together, we will explore the lives of those who lived over 100 years ago. Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, with early drop-off available. A maximum of 15 campers will participate. For more information and to register, visit friendsoflorenzo.org.

It's finally that time. Our annual Summer Book Sale will start on June 22 at 9 a.m. We have wonderful children's books that would be amazing for teachers looking for books. We have a huge selection of books and DVD's for all ages. We also have some vintage maps and original oil/watercolor paintings. You can call 315-482-2241 with any questions.

Come ride the restored river boat, Rose Lummis, on Sodus Bay! Save our Sodus offers 90-minute and two-hour cruises between May 8 and September 26, leaving from Oak Park Marina in North Rose, NY. Whether you're taking the kids on an eco-tour, or getting a guided history and wildlife cruise, or simply soaking up the sunset with local music, food and wine -- we invite you to experience Sodus Bay on board the Rose Lummis. Booking information at http://www.saveoursodus.com/roselummis.

How do we reconcile our engineered past with an ecological future?

2025 Erie Canal Artists-in-Residence Sarah Cameron Sunde and Kari Varner explore the Canal from an environmental lens.

Kari Varner, a distinguished photographer and educator, explored key ecological sites along the canal, integrating harvested plants into her photographic artworks. Sarah Cameron Sunde, an innovative interdisciplinary artist, engaged with canal communities to create pieces that physically and ecologically connect with the canal. She also developed work in collaboration with Jeremy Dennis, a contemporary fine art photographer and an enrolled Tribal Member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY.

Cazenovia Artisans Presents
Wheel-Thrown Functional Vessels by Guest Artist Peter Valenti
“Under Cover: Covered Jars and Pierced Ceramics”

August 2-30, 2026

Peter’s functional vessels are primarily wheel-thrown and fired using both an electric kiln and a wood/salt kiln. Most of the resulting pieces straddle somewhere between functional and sculptural, with emphasis on both form and function. He tends to work things out in a series of 10 to 20 pieces until he is satisfied with at least some results. He’ll often let the work “rest,” and then he’ll eventually circle back to an interesting form, something that speaks to him, and he’ll work from that. Peter’s work investigates nature and tradition. Pierced work, yet functional, becomes sculptural vessels that create a feeling of lightness and transparency with a simple elegance.

Peter holds a B.S. IN Art Education from SUNY Oswego and an M.S. in Art Education from Syracuse University. He developed the Ceramics program at East Syracuse Minoa High School. He is the Co-founder of Feats of Clay CNY and was the director from 2002 to 2015. Founder and current member of Independent Potters’ Association (IPA).

“I strive for impeccable craftsmanship, which always seems elusive to me. Probably my main influence in creating pottery comes from ancient makers, such as Jomon Potters from Japan and Song Dynasty Pottery from China. I believe as a maker of things that finished work reflects the maker in ways that we don’t immediately understand, and that is what keeps me going.”

Please join us at Cazenovia Artisans as we celebrate some unique and inspiring creativity.

Peter’s Reception is Friday, August 7, 5-7:00 p.m., with an artist talk at 6:00.
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. 
cazenoviaartisans.com   315-655-2225.  39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035

A Day of Caring is an opportunity for volunteers to sign up and tackle projects at nonprofits serving Cayuga County residents. Projects range from painting and stair repair to administrative work and gardening.

To learn more or to volunteer, please visit the United Way of Cayuga County Day of Caring registration page.

The C.A.S.E. (Culture, Art, Science, and Environment) Camp at the Cayuga Museum of History & Art is a youth camp that connects campers ages 12-14 with their community through the historical, natural, and cultural significance of the City of Auburn. Each day of camp will feature a different theme to explore, with partnering organizations joining on various days to dive into assorted topics.

Admission is $100 per camper. Scholarships are available*