Arts & Photo Trail

With a diverse array of beautiful lakes, rich culture, and annual arts festivals, the Finger Lakes region is a unique canvas that draws artists and photographers from the region and beyond. This itinerary guides you through Ontario County's galleries and arts centers, where you can explore regional arts and crafts and dive into your personal creativity with different events offered throughout the year.

Duration: Full Day (2 days optional)  |  Best Season: Year-Round |  Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

1. ArtSpace36

Start your artistic journey in Canandaigua and explore ArtSpace36, a retail gallery and creative project space facilitated by the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Finger Lakes Community College. Designed with the community in mind, Art Space 36 features a wide range of fine art and design work by students, faculty, and artists from the region and beyond, with the goal of uniting communities through art and education.

2. Pat Rini-Rohrer Gallery

A three-minute walk from Art Space 36, Pat Rini-Rohrer Gallery is located in the heart of Canandaigua’s historic downtown. The gallery showcases a collection of original artworks created by artists from the Finger Lakes region, featuring a variety of styles and mediums, including oil and watercolor paintings, hand-blown glass, ceramics, sculpture, and more.

Local Tip: If you visit during the warmer months, be sure to stroll through Kershaw Park (155 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) and along the Canandaigua City Pier (Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) to enjoy the views of Canandaigua Lake while treating yourself to ice cream from Scoops Ice Cream (10 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.). If you visit during the colder months, stop by New York Kitchen (800 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) for a glass of wine and explore the unique boutiques and shops along historic Main Street.

3. Main Street Arts

Just 15 minutes from Canandaigua, Main Street Arts is a contemporary art gallery and creative center showcasing the work of emerging and established artists from across the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Through rotating exhibitions of fine art and craft—including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and fiber art—the gallery offers visitors an inspiring creative experience. Beyond the gallery walls, the space also hosts community workshops, youth programs, and other activities designed to encourage deeper exploration of the creative process.

Local Tip: Stop by the Foster Cottage Museum (9 E Main St., Clifton Springs, N.Y.) to indulge in a unique and timeless form of art with the Tiffany Mosaic masterpiece depicting The Last Supper.

4. Phelps Arts Center

About nine minutes down County Road 13 and NY-96 South, Phelps Arts Center is housed in the historic former St. John’s Episcopal Church, a Gothic Revival building dating back to 1850. The arts center offers an immersive experience that celebrates the connection between art and human creativity through exhibitions, performances, and interactive events designed to make art accessible and engaging for everyone.

Fun Fact: The former church operates entirely within a historic sanctuary listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is locally famous for transforming into a massive, spooky haunted house every October.

5. The Dove Block Project

To complete your path of art and creativity, drive 14 minutes down to vibrant Geneva and head to The Dove Block Project. Located in downtown Geneva, this community arts center features innovative exhibitions, events, and programs where visitors can both admire art and develop creative, hands-on skills. Enjoy annual events such as the Short Film Festival and the Annual Arthur Dove Celebration.

Local Tip: Finish your road trip with a stroll through Linden Street to explore the town's stores and culinary scene, and visit the Finger Lakes Welcome Center to sample local treats and enjoy a view of Seneca Lake. If you are traveling with kids or serving as the designated driver, stop by Billsboro Winery (4760 W Lake Rd, Geneva, N.Y.) for a mix of wine and grape juice flights.