Paint CHQ Bemus Point mural unveiled
Paint CHQ Bemus Point mural unveiled
The I-86 Bridge is depicted on the Bemus Point Village Hall and Volunteer Firefighting Company building at 320 North Main St. on Oct. 15. The Bridge is just one of many historically based pictures that make up a mural that was painted by Michael Ferrarell as part of a joint initiative by the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD). Submitted photo
Bemus Point Village Mayor Jeff Molnar and other government officials, residents, and business owners cut a ceremonial ribbon for a large, historically based mural painted on the Village Hall and Volunteer Firefighting Company building at 320 North Main St. on Oct. 15. Submitted photo
The I-86 Bridge is depicted on the Bemus Point Village Hall and Volunteer Firefighting Company building at 320 North Main St. on Oct. 15. The Bridge is just one of many historically based pictures that make up a mural that was painted by Michael Ferrarell as part of a joint initiative by the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD). Submitted photo
Bemus Point Village Mayor Jeff Molnar and other government officials, residents, and business owners cut a ceremonial ribbon for a large, historically based mural painted on the Village Hall and Volunteer Firefighting Company building at 320 North Main St. on Oct. 15. Submitted photo
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BEMUS POINT – A new mural was recently unveiled in Bemus Point as part of a joint initiative by the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth and the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development.
"This is fantastic," said Bemus Point Mayor Jeff Molnar of the mural. "Michael Ferrarell (the artist) really studied and spent time here in Bemus Point learning about our history and historical sites and incorporated that into his painting."
"’Meet Us in the Middle!’ is a celebration of all things Bemus Point and life on Chautauqua Lake,” said Michael Ferrarell, the artist behind the mural. “I’m honored to have had Bemus Point’s trust in my visual storytelling and forever grateful knowing this mural will be the first significant piece of public art in the village.”
Ferrarell’s mural showcases several significant architectural landmarks, village icons, and historically relevant items and scenes in and around Bemus Point. These include the I-86 Chautauqua Lake Veterans Memorial Bridge; a depiction of a fireman wearing a vintage firefighter’s helmet; a large Musky fish; a woman planting flowers (a nod to the renowned Bemus Point Flower Squad); a chart displaying the rates for the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry, dated June 1, 1944; a building-sized, lifesaver throwing ring, which frames an entrance door into the building and many other items which is located on the side of the Village Hall and Volunteer Fire Department building at 13 Alburtus Ave.
Molnar also thanked the organizations, volunteers, and community members who helped make the project possible.
“The village of Bemus Point is deeply grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our rich history through this remarkable gift of cultural expression,” said Molnar. “This mural belongs to our community because it reflects its heart and soul. Michael’s talents as an artist -- and, even more importantly, as a storyteller -- are evident throughout the work. We hope residents, visitors, and neighbors from across the region will enjoy this outstanding example of public art for years to come as it joins the many wonderful murals throughout our county.”
Ferrarell, a Chicago-based artist who works for Anytown Mural & Sign Co., will begin work at the mural site on Thursday, Sept. 24, as part of the 2026 Paint CHQ mural program. The Bemus Point mural is the fifth completed through the Paint CHQ program, joining murals in Dunkirk, Falconer, Sherman and Westfield.
"Art and murals are important to our area; they help drive business and add character,” said Daniel Heitzenrater, president and chief executive officer of the Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce, regarding a mural that was just unveiled for Lifted, Jamestown’s first cannabis dispensary, which held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new mural on the exterior of its building located at 320 North Main St on Oct. 15. "Art, like this mural, can help make the city a destination of choice – just for the sake of coming to see the artwork alone."