Arts, Culture & History

Ellicottville is looking forward to a weekend full of the best blues bands in the region! Come down and shake those winter blues with them as they fill their village with music. 

Join us for the 12th annual W.I.L.M.A. (We Invite Local Manufacturers & Artisans) event, happening at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds on October 19th and 20th, 2024.

What is WILMA Woolly Bear Weekend?

It's not your average craft show! All vendors at this event are local business owners, manufacturers, artisans, or crafters from Cattaraugus County.

Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean.

Kids day at the Fannie Bartlett house is on December 7th from noon -3pm. Kids will have the opportunity to visit with Santa from 1pm -3pm.

This Queen Anne-style house was originally built in 1881 by George Foreman, and purchased in 1891 by Frank and Fannie Bartlett for $15,000, a hefty sum for that time, he said. The house features nine rooms decorated in turn-of-the-century Victoriana and seven fireplaces, each different in design and composition.

Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch the Santa Claus Lane Parade before or after touring this beautifully restored mansion built in 1881 with 15 rooms, including a third-floor ballroom.

The historic house will be adorned with Christmas decorations during its annual open house on Friday from 6-9pm. There will be refreshments and raffle baskets, proceeds to benefit the Bartlett House. 

Laugh for the holidays with 'Vickie & Nikie's Holiday Sleigh Ride'

During this celebration of the holiday season, Minnesota style, the duo entertains with sidesplitting interpretations of favorite holiday songs and pop tunes, wacky originals, fun family stories, social commentary, improvisation and audience participation.

As Christmas approaches, join Jessica Borchert on December 7th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a magical painting session. Learn to create a beautiful Christmas tree, making a heartfelt gift perfect for your loved ones.

Cost:

$30 - Artisan Members & Above

$40 - Basic/Family Members & Non-Members

Join renowned artist and TV personality Eric Jones on January 16th, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for an exciting snow sculpting workshop. Learn the techniques and secrets of creating stunning snow sculptures from a master in the field. Ages 12 and up are welcome. 

Cost:

$50 - Artisan Members & Above

$60 - Basic/Family Members & Non-Members

Join Jessica Borchert on November 2nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a delightful painting class that will bring back the whimsical joy of a rubber duck. In this session, you’ll create a vibrant masterpiece on a 14" x 11" canvas.

Cost:

• $30 for Artisan Members and above
• $40 for Basic/Family Members and Non-Members

For more details and to reserve your spot, visit http://www.tricountyartscouncil.org 

Join Jessica Borchert on October 1st from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Tri-County Arts Council in Olean to celebrate Fall by painting a still life of pumpkins and create an original art piece to add to your fall decor. 

Cost: 

$30 - Artisan Members & Above

$40 - Basic/Family Members & Non-members

The Tri-County Arts Council is hosting a Pumpkin Carving workshop with the renowned artist and TV personality, Eric Jones! Join Eric on October 8th and October 22nd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and learn the intricacies of pumpkin carving from a master. Ages 12 and up are welcome.

Join Jessica Borchert on November 19th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a vibrant workshop where you’ll use bright colors and a grid technique to create a stunning portrait of your pet. The class will use a 14" x 11" canvas. While we’d love to meet your pet in person, please bring a photo reference of your furry friend instead.

Cost:

$30 - Artisan Members & Above

$40 - Basic/Family Members & Non-Members

Join the Tri-County Arts Council for a live drawing session featuring a costumed model on November 19th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The session will begin with gesture drawing and progress to a longer pose. Please note that this is a practice session without an instructor. Ages 12 and up are welcome. 

Cost:

$10 - Artisan Members & Above 

$15 - Basic/Family Members & Non-Members

Join "The Scarlet Lily", Ashlie DeArmitt, on November 14th from 6:00-7:00pm for a Fall Floral Arrangement Workshop.

Discover your inner florist this fall by joining this floral arrangement class! Whether you’re just starting out or already have a green thumb, this class provides hands-on instruction to help you create breathtaking floral designs. Master the art of balancing colors, textures, and shapes to make stunning arrangements that will add a touch of beauty to any room.

Cost:

Join Merry Ryding on October 26th from 11am-2pm for an Encaustic workshop at the Tri-County Arts Council in Olean.

Explore the art of Encaustic, a hot wax medium perfect for transforming paper scraps and other lightweight materials into beautiful creations. Participants can bring small copies of photos, poems, or quotes printed on lightweight paper, though various papers will be provided.

The Tri-County Arts Council invites you to a Ceramic Village Workshop on October 12th and October 26th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Join Violet Nolder for this beginner-friendly hand-building class where you’ll create a charming village house. You can choose to make it Fall or Christmas themed! In the first session on October 12th, you’ll construct the house, and in the second session on October 26th, you'll decorate it. Ages 14 and up are welcome. 

Cost:

The Tri-County Arts Council is hosting a Bread Basket Workshop on October 19th from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Tri-County Arts Council will be hosting an Acrylic Painting Workshop on October 5th and 12th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Ages 12+.

Immerse yourself in the art of acrylic painting with this beginner-friendly class. You'll paint a picturesque scene featuring boats docked by a lush forest and majestic mountains, all under the expert guidance of Barbara Boser who will lead you through each step of the process. 

Cost: