Carol Culhane has created a painting to honor the Orleans County bicentennial and pay tribute to the county’s first pioneers. Though not a native of Orleans County, Culhane has embraced it as her own, capturing its rich history and charm through her artwork.

In 2017, Al Capurso, former president of the Orleans County Historical Association, shared his idea with Culhane to create a painting featuring both the courthouse and the Clerks’ Building alongside a log cabin to honor the pioneers. Before the courthouse (built in 1858) and Clerks’ Building (constructed in 1888) were built on Courthouse Square, a log cabin stood in their place. A historical marker on the courthouse lawn commemorates the first settlers of Albion, who built the cabin in 1811, where the Clerks’ Building now stands. The late Capurso had the marker placed in 2013 to honor pioneers William McAllister and his wife.

Culhane, a member of the Bicentennial Committee, had been reflecting on Capurso’s idea and wanted to bring it to life. Her painting portrays a Main Street, capturing the small-town charm of Orleans County. It features a log cabin with livestock (including some oxen), along with illustrations of the County Courthouse and the Clerks’ Building. She recently unveiled the finished piece to the Bicentennial Committee and intends to produce prints.

In addition to the bicentennial project, Culhane has created numerous artworks and remains dedicated to giving back to the community through her art. She will be painting an ox for Friends of Orleans County Marine Parks and Orleans County. 

Culhane has produced 500 prints, each measuring 18 inches by 24 inches. The bicentennial posters are numbered from 1 to 500, and Culhane will sign each one. Posters are available for purchase for $10. To obtain a poster, contact Culhane at (585) 738-3016 or via email at cecjcculhane@gmail.com.