SouthWorks Ithaca

08/19/2026

We were so thrilled to host a book launch for Factory Stories, a new photography book by SouthWorks Artist in Residence Harry Littell featuring contemporary photos of the historic buildings and interviews with former factory employees. Thank you to everyone who joined us to support local art, share your stories of working at Morse Chain and Emerson Power Transmission, and celebrate the history of this site!

Interested in purchasing a copy of the book? You can find them for sale in person at both Found in Ithaca: antiques, vintage and unusual objects and the State of the Art Gallery.

📸: Howell Liberatore & Associates, Inc.

07/30/2026

Announcement! 🎉 We’re looking for fun, creative muralists to be part of Ithaca’s 2nd annual MURAL JAM! 💕 3 or more artists will be selected to be funded $2,000 to paint murals at & participate in the 2026 MURAL JAM weekend October 3-4th! 🫟 Full info: http://bit.ly/4wGWXzV

07/10/2026

The site is open every day when Found in Ithaca: antiques, vintage and unusual objects is open, Wed-Sun 10am-6pm!

07/06/2026

So excited to welcome these trapeze artists to SouthWorks!

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

In 1917, Ithaca’s Wharton, Inc. Studio released its fifteen-part wartime serial Patria, starring world-famous dancer and actress Irene Castle, and shot many scenes on location at the Morse Chain Factory on South Hill, where roller chains, bike chains, and WWI aircraft were produced.

A hundred and ten years later, this former factory site is being transformed into SouthWorks, an exciting adaptive reuse that will include retail, housing, workforce development, hiking trails, and food & drink; the antiques mart, Found, has already moved in!

Wharton Studio Museum’s a big fan of this project and its ties to the moviemaking Wharton brothers’ enterprise. We’re grateful to the folks at SouthWorks for collaborating with us and bringing a small photo installation to their office headquarters.

There were many fascinating connections between the industries flourishing in Ithaca in the early part of the 20th century: from the motion picture industry (Wharton Studio) to the Morse Chain factory, to the aviation industry (Thomas Aviation).

WSM looks forward to future collaborations with SouthWorks!

Photo: Irene Castle with her co-star Milton Sills on location during the filming of “Patria” in 1916.

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Last week we launched the project newsletter! Take a peek for stories about our Artist in Residence, our first phase of housing with Beacon Communities, and an interview with Found in Ithaca!

https://mailchi.mp/shiftcapital/southworks-may-2026-newsletter

Didn't get it in your inbox? Sign up to receive future issues here: https://southworksithaca.com/news

04/25/2026

This group asked great questions! We love hosting curious minds.

04/25/2026

I think that can wait until Monday
Be sure to check out the premiere issue of !!

Talent .drag
Photographer .rose.photography
Creative Director
Producer
Production Assistant
Set Designrose.photography