08/01/2024
Story and photos by Lauren Chamberlain
I am a proud Keuka College alumnus and one amazing impact I watched my peers make was the new Penn Yan Mural in downtown Penn Yan.
This was a collaborative project over the course of twelve months that included brainstorming, designing, painting and installation. Between two Alumni, two faculty advisors, eight design students and the support of the Village of Penn Yan, this team worked together to create a vibrant and lasting impact on Penn Yan.
One major goal for the college and the town of Penn Yan is to continue to bridge the divide between the two cultures and create more unity and support for both. This mural is just one example of this.
Standing tall and proud at 118 Elm Street, the mural depicts life and culture of Penn Yan, including the village’s rich history and shared aspirations for those who call it home.
Student artists Cassian Allport ‘26, Mykaela Fuller ‘25, Morgan Farewell ‘26, Matthew Gosper ‘26, Deanna Haflett ‘24, Jayden Lannon ‘25, Brynna Schultz ‘26 and Cori Smith ‘24, as well as alumni supervisors Sydnie Brown ‘22 and Sarah Tower ‘22, all worked with Keuka College professors Carrie Kehoe and Melissa Newcomb. This team of bright and talented individuals could not have succeeded as much as they did without the help of Penn Yan.
The 2023-2024 Penn Yan Public Arts Project embarked on this grand journey with them to celebrate the spirit and talent that our region has. The artists and college give great thanks to many generous donors and volunteers like Knapp & Schlappi Lumber Company Inc, Pinckney Ace Hardware, artist Sam Castner and numerous other volunteers. Last but not least, with great support from Mayor Dan Condella and the Community Art Committee and their members Rich Stewart, Bob Gillespie and Teresa Hoban.
Alumni Sydnie and Sarah helped current students with this endeavor after their experience completing their on-campus mural. They were the perfect choice to help guide and support this group.
In a reflection video made by Cori Smith, the artists shared their overwhelming sentiment that they are beyond happy with the end result and would take this opportunity again in a heartbeat.
The beginning of this project began over a year ago. Each of these students and advisors collaborated remotely over email and Zoom calls during the summer to ensure the design would be ready to paint come fall.
From hand drawn sketches to digital vectors to painting it on the 4×4 feet squares, for most students, this was the first time they had ever taken on something of this magnitude. But each of them were dedicated and motivated to this project, knowing it’s completion would bring joy to the people of Penn Yan.
Class of 2024 student Deanna Haflett said, “I love the idea of creating art and making a town beautiful through various art works and I think that it is a great way to spread even the smallest amount of happiness.” This mural will be proudly displayed for years to come to spread happiness and welcome locals and visitors to downtown Penn Yan.
To learn more about the wonders of Penn Yan living, keep an eye out for our September/October 2024 edition of the print magazine detailing all the wonders that the Downtown Business Council has in store for us.
Lauren Chamberlain, originally from Irondequoit, NY, is a recent graduate of Keuka College. Lauren is a long time lover of reading and writing. At Keuka College she created two publications including Who is Penn Yan? Volume 8 and the school’s literary magazine, Crooked Lake Collections.
