Jim Moore / July 14, 2026
HAMMONDSPORT — The scenic shores of Keuka Lake have officially transformed into a massive, open-air gallery, blending public art with a localized boost for small businesses. Organizers have pulled back the curtain on the landmark 20th annual Palettes of Keuka Art Show and Auction, kicking off a multi-week regional celebration.
The interactive art trail brings 28 oversized, custom-painted artist palettes directly into the storefronts of local Chamber of Commerce businesses. Far from standard street decorations, every single piece in the collection was created by a vetted, juried artist, ensuring a professional and entirely diverse showcase. The trail serves as a major economic driver, drawing curious foot traffic and sparking conversations inside local establishments that are participating in the event for the very first time.
“These are real deal, folks,” said Kenneth Corey, the chair of the Palettes of Keuka Committee, noting the high quality and distinct flavor of the collection. “They’re all very unique, and there are no two alike.”
Art enthusiasts and local families looking to take part in the mid-summer tour can expect a packed mix of scavenger hunts, geographical exploration, and student support:
- An Expansive Lake Footprint: While the highest concentration of artwork is clustered right in Hammondsport, the expansive art trail loops entirely around the water, stretching as far north as Penn Yan and Branchport.
- Diverse Creative Themes: The individual canvases capture a wide spectrum of regional imagery, showcasing custom paintings of everything from local wildlife and ducks to historic area churches.
- The Art Trail Interactive Puzzle: To keep things engaging, visitors can complete a dedicated puzzle as they hunt down the pieces, earning an entry to win one of three separate $50 gift cards.
- A Dedicated Artist Payout: When the public display concludes, the pieces will head to Pulteney Square for a live auction on September 5, with 65% of all auction proceeds going directly back into the pockets of the creators.
- Funding the Next Generation: The remaining auction proceeds will be funneled into Chamber events and the funding of two separate $2,000 academic scholarships for local high school students pursuing higher education in the broad field of the arts.
The vibrant wooden masterpieces will remain on public display through September 3. Residents looking to plan their route can pick up physical trail maps at any participating palette location or by stopping by the Hammondsport Area Chamber of Commerce office at 47 Shethar Street.
