Art Museum, Barber Institute, others to showcase Erie-area artists' work

Editor's note: A previous version of this story contained a misspelling of Benton C Bainbridge.

The Erie Art Museum's 100th annual spring show of works by regional artists (within 250 miles) kicks off March 17 and is open through Aug. 11. Nicole & Harry Martin Spring Show's opening reception is March 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the museum, 20 E. Fifth St. Award presentations and special programming will take place at 7 p.m. The evening will also feature accompanying exhibition Selections from a Century: Spring Show Acquisitions 1924–2023, cake, a cash bar and more. The museum will open at 2 p.m.

The works are being judged in partnership with the PennWest University at Edinboro Art Department by Gaetane Verna, executive director of the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, Ohio.

Commonly known as the Spring Show, the juried exhibit originated as the Art Club of Erie’s May Show first held in 1923 with the help of the founder of the Art Club of Erie, Lovisa Card-Catlin. Throughout the first 50 years, submissions were limited to artists within a 75-mile radius. When former Director John Vanco was named to his post, he renamed the exhibition to the Spring Show and expanded the artist call to a 250-mile radius, bringing in works and ideas from Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Cleveland. He also sought out renowned jurors and worked with the former Edinboro University (now part of PennWest) and expanded the show to include art talks, workshops and critiques.

This year, 65 pieces of art by 42 artists will be on display throughout the spring and summer featuring artwork from a variety of media. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students; free for members and children ages 16 and younger.

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The Art Museum isn't the only spring show in town. Others, such as the Barber National Institute, WQLN and the Tom Ridge Center are also hosting local artists' work:

The Jay & Mona Kang Art Show & Sale

After three years of online-only shows, the Barber National Institute's Jay & Mona Kang Art Show & Sale will be viewable both in-person and online. Those wishing to see and experience the art in person can do so April 14-18 at the Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie. Images of all pieces also will be available at Barberinstitute.org/artshow from April 14 to April 27.

The show features more than 250 works of art by adult artists from throughout the tri-state region, as well as more than 135 works by youth artists. The exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, photography, works in fabric, clay, paper and other media by some of the region’s most well-known artists, as well as new and emerging talents.

A panel of judges from the community will select artwork for cash awards that will be presented in both adult and youth categories, with separate cash awards presented in photography.

All works are available for sale. A 25% commission will be made to the Barber National Institute, with some artists choosing to donate a higher amount.

Artwork will include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, mixed media and works in fiber. Cash awards will be presented in both adult and youth categories, with separate cash awards presented in photography.

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The WQLN PBS Art Show and Contest

The second student art show sponsored by WQLN is open to students in grades six through 12. The program is designed to promote creative artistic expression through painting. First-, second-, and third-place ribbons will be awarded in grade levels six through eight, nine and 10, and 11 and 12.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m. March 17. The show will take place April 20, 5 to 7 p.m., at WQLN, 8425 Peach St., Summit Township. Winners will be announced April 21. For information, visit wqln.org/wqln-pbs-art-show-and-contest, call Jennifer at 814-217-6015 or send email to jallen@wqln.org.

Wildlife of Presque Isle

The annual Natural Impressions Presque Isle Student Art competition is open daily through May 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive. All artwork by students in first grade through college will be displayed. For information, call 814-833-7424 or send email to bgula@pa.gov.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Barber Institute, Art Museum, Ridge Center showcase Erie artists' work