New York State's only "Rails-to-Trails" Farmers' Market!
Artist Jeff Perdziak painted the “Barnyard Scene” on the Farmers’ Market Country Store in 2012, a gift to the community honoring the Market’s Tenth Anniversary season. His beautiful work has been widely praised by the community. It only made sense that the committee went to Jeff for the mural. He immediately agreed that this would be a worthwhile opportunity to promote Clarence Hollow.
Projected costs for the mural project are around $10,000, a sizable sum for a local summer farmers’ market. to raise. The project committee is undaunted by the fundraising task, and has already begun efforts to reach that goal. Anthony states that fundraising for this project is in addition to necessary funds to be raised for the Market’s daily operations as well as Market improvements. The Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market just finished its tenth summer season. Each year the team makes small improvements to help in the revitalization of the Hollow. Past projects include: new Market buildings, a tractor marquee, a pavilion, and this year, decking under the pavilion and a mural for the community.
If you would like to contribute to this exciting mural project, please mail your check to Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market, PO Box 278, Clarence. NY 14031. Download a donation coupon here. All donations will receive a receipt of acknowledgement.
West Shore Railroad returns to Clarence Hollow
In 1884, travel between Buffalo and Rochester was accomplished by stagecoach or rail. The West Shore and Buffalo Railroad, primarily a passenger rail service, cut through Clarence, NY in the hamlet known as Clarence Hollow, and provided travel service to area passengers until the 1950's.
To honor the nostalgia of that time, the Clarence Bowling Academy and the Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market are pleased to announce the return of the West Shore Railroad to the Clarence Hollow! In late Spring of 2013, local artist Jeff Perdziak will begin painting a mural, on site, depicting the locomotive and passenger cars that passed over our local rails during that era. The mural will be 16 ft high and 67 ft long and located on the exterior wall of the Clarence Bowling Academy, 10718 Main Street, adjacent to the old railroad tracks.
Farmers’ Market Manager Cheryl Anthony states that this has been a concept for several years and now the mural will become a reality. The committee, headed by Market board member and treasurer John Leamer, wants the project to capture the nostalgia that was once in the Hollow. There is a growing movement to gently transform the Hollow's past as an antique capital to a future Center for the Arts. Bowling Academy owners Jim Gsell and Cindy Elbers are the property owners of the “rails to trails” land that the Farmers’ Market utilizes in the summer months. It makes sense that the Academy and the Market partner on this exciting project.
Read the Buffalo News article regarding the West Shore Mural Project!
Follow our progress through the photo gallery below!
We are still accepting donations to help cover the costs of this project. Download a donation coupon here!
THE MURAL IS COMPLETE!!
We are excited to announce that the official Dedication Ceremony for the West Shore Railroad will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 at 11:00am!
Come celebrate the completion of this amazing mural and a wonderful addition to the Clarence Hollow area. We will have guest speakers, a viewing area located on the Clarence Hollow Farmers' Market site and a chance to speak to the artist,
Jeff Perdziak!
Bring the whole family! We have free activities for the kids, live entertainment and Kindred Kreek Alpacas will be on site with their amazing alpacas! You won't want to miss this historical event!
An invitation to the August 3rd official Mural Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony!
Download a coloring sheet of the mural - let your kids enjoy creating their own version of the railroad!
