PLACEMAKING- ARCHWAY PROJECT
Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) is developing a new public art project entitled the Archway at Prentice Lane, which features the installation of a freestanding decorative archway on Main Street in downtown Canton. The piece will be made by professional artist James Gonzalez, a metalworker who creates large-scale works which feature distinctive attributes of the areas he serves.
ARTIST RENDERING - JAMES GONZALEZ
The pictorial images in the archway represent important symbols of the history and stories of the Village of Canton and North Country, highlighting the distinct features of our local geography, habitats and traditions. The twenty-foot high free standing columns and fifteen-foot arch will frame the entrance and welcome pedestrians and those driving on Main Street to Prentice Lane.
Painted Archway - being fabricated
A permanent public art fixture of this caliber will endure and inspire imagination and pride in the traditions, practices, and heritage of our community. Funding will also go to build out the space by adding fixed bistro tables and chairs in Prentice Lane and in front of TAUNY in correlation with its newly developed Newberry Café and in support of local businesses in the downtown. At Left: Actual Archway being constructed at James Gonzalez’s Farmhouse Forge in Potsdam.
Bike Rack
This deocrative bike rack was created by Mr. Gonzalez and the organization is working to have it placed seasonally in front of The TAUNY Center on Main St. in downtown Canton.
Mr. Gonzalez & CRNY
Mr Gonzalez, was an artist who was employed full-time with TAUNY for two years (from 2023-2024) under a grant from The Tides Foundation entitled Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY). During his time, he developed a full exhibiton, many pieces for the Folkstore, the Archway, and the bike rack.