(Chautauqua County and Bemus Point Village officials gathered on Saturday, Oct. 3 to celebrate the completion of the county’s fifth Paint CHQ mural. “Meet Us in the Middle!” was created by professional muralist Michael Ferrarell, based in Chicago.)
Article by the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth:
BEMUS POINT, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD), and village of Bemus Point recently celebrated the completion of the fifth mural in the Paint CHQ Mural Program, now in its second year. The newest installation celebrates the history and character of Bemus Point while adding to Chautauqua County's growing collection of public art.
The Paint CHQ Mural Program supports community revitalization, tourism, and placemaking by partnering with municipalities, artists, and community stakeholders to transform vacant walls into public art. The initiative aims to strengthen community pride, create engaging destinations, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors.
The Bemus Point mural, titled "Meet Us in the Middle!," celebrates the village's history and its connection to Chautauqua Lake, featuring imagery of the historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry, summer activities on the water, and nostalgic elements reflecting the community's heritage. Located on the wall of Village Hall at 13 Alburtus Ave., the installation is the fifth mural completed through the Paint CHQ program, joining murals in Dunkirk, Falconer, Sherman, and Westfield.
"'Meet Us in the Middle!' is a celebration of all things Bemus Point and life on Chautauqua Lake," said Michael Ferrarell, the artist behind the mural. "I'm honored to have had Bemus Point's trust in my visual storytelling and forever grateful knowing this mural will be the first significant piece of public art in the village."
"The village of Bemus Point is deeply grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our rich history through this remarkable gift of cultural expression," said Bemus Point Mayor Jeff Molnar. "This mural belongs to our community because it reflects its heart and soul. Michael's talents as an artist — and, even more importantly, as a storyteller — are evident throughout the work. We hope residents, visitors, and neighbors from across the region will enjoy this outstanding example of public art for years to come as it joins the many wonderful murals throughout our county."
Molnar also thanked the organizations, volunteers, and community members who helped make the project possible.
"On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, I extend our sincere thanks to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, Chautauqua County Planning Coordinator Rebecca Wurster and her entire team, our apprentices, and, last but certainly not least, Michael and his assistant, Drew York," Molnar said. "This project would not have been possible without the guidance of our steering committee, the efforts of our wall-preparation and painting crew, and the generosity of community members who provided housing, event spaces, food, and refreshments. Thank you for allowing us to be part of such a meaningful project — one that truly engaged our community."
The project highlights the importance of partnerships among municipal leaders, artists, funding organizations, and community stakeholders in advancing local revitalization efforts.
"Each mural represents an opportunity to build on the unique identity of our communities and make public spaces more welcoming and engaging," Wurster said. "The Bemus Point mural celebrates the village's past, present, and future. We hope it brings people to Village Hall and increases foot traffic to businesses on Alburtus Avenue. Reaching the fifth completed mural demonstrates how continued investment in public art can support community pride, placemaking, and quality of life throughout Chautauqua County."
The Paint CHQ Mural Program is made possible in part through grant support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and CCPEG. With five murals now completed, CCPEG and CCDPD continue to expand public art opportunities across Chautauqua County, helping communities celebrate their heritage while creating distinctive places to live, work, and visit.
For more information about the Paint CHQ Mural Program and participating communities, visit www.choosechq.com/paintchq.
About CCPEG – The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for improving the quality of life in our communities, thereby attracting people and businesses to Chautauqua County to live, work, recreate, and invest. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.
