CAZENOVIA — Local writer and artist Caitlin Clonan recently self-published a new book about her hometown called “This is Cazenovia.”
The 75-page book is an illustrated guidebook for the local area that aims to promote the town and its local establishments.
“This is Cazenovia” explores everything from where to eat and shop, ways to enjoy the natural surroundings — including the lake — and humorous stories about the town’s history, all through the lens of a Cazenovia native.
Clonan, 23, is a 2017 graduate of Cazenovia High School. While still in high school, she penned a cartoon series called “Teen Tales” for the Cazenovia Republican.
She went on to attend the State University of New York at Fredonia and Cazenovia College, graduating from the latter in 2021 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications.
Since graduating, she has written short stories, created short films, and painted scenes of Cazenovia.
Clonan said she worked on her new guidebook as a side project while in college for about two years.
“I’ve always thought Cazenovia was a unique town, and I wanted other people to know about it and also learn more about it myself,” she said. “Since I am an illustrator, I thought it would be a cool idea to draw some of the landmarks around town, write about them, and put it all together as a guidebook.”
When researching the community, Clonan turned to “Cazenovia: The story of an upland community,” by Russell A Grills, as a resource for her history chapter.
“Russell Grills was the town’s historian and also my next-door neighbor,” she said.
According to Clonan, her book highlights pretty much all the local establishments in Cazenovia.
“I tried not to leave any out because I want them all to be recognized,” she said.
“This is Cazenovia” was published on Nov. 1, 2022.
Clonan plans to publish an updated version of the guide each year. She also plans to start offering yearly memberships to businesses to have advertisements featured in the book.
She explained that business owners will have the option of purchasing 1/4, 1/2, or full-page advertisements either underneath the illustration of their business in the book or in the back of the book.
“The current version of the book lists all the businesses in the village along with illustrations on the first few pages,” she said. “In the next edition, only businesses that purchase the membership will be listed along with their information/ads. The businesses mentioned in the business chapter will remain regardless.”
Clonan said she hopes her book about Cazenovia will be the first in a series on small towns.
For her next subject, she is considering Saranac Lake, where she currently resides.
“In order to write my next small-town guidebook, I need to experience and get to know the town as a local,” she said.
“This is Cazenovia” can be found at 20|EAST at 85 Albany St. in Cazenovia.
“I was so intrigued when approached about carrying the “This is Cazenovia” book by Caitlin Clonan,” said McKenzie Houseman, owner of 20|EAST. “I love all things Cazenovia, and the book Caitlin created was so creative and well thought out. I am always trying to support budding entrepreneurs that offer a quality product to our shop and customers. Caitlin has created a keepsake book [that is] wonderful to give as a gift to others or [keep for yourself].”
The book, along with Clonan’s Cazenovia-themed paintings, is also available for purchase at cazoncanvas.weebly.com.
To view Clonan’s other illustrations, animations, and video work, visit her website at caitlinclonanart.weebly.com.
