'Credible threats' force Erie's Barber National Institute to move art show online
The Barber National Institute has moved an art show online after it received what it described as "credible threats made against the organization," whose clients have intellectual disabilities, behavioral health issues or autism.
"We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution, and appreciate the support from the artists, donors and sponsors for this event,” John Barber, CEO of the Barber National Institute, said in a statement on Thursday evening.
A spokesman for the institute, Mary Cuneo, said the institute had reported the threats to the police. No other information on the threats was immediately available.
Erie police are looking into the reported threat, Deputy Chief Rick Lorah said Friday morning. Police are also aware of an individual, and are following up on that information, Lorah said.
The institute's Jay & Mona Kang Art Show & Sale was to be held in person at the institute's complex at 136 East Ave. starting with a donor event and an awards celebration on Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The show was scheduled to run in person from Friday through Monday.
On display: Art Museum, Barber Institute, others to showcase Erie-area artists' work
The show will continue to be held online as planned and include more than 440 pieces from adult and youth artists, according to the Barber National Institute.
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. Some of the artwork is done by the adult and youth clients of the institute.
For updates, the institute said to check its website and social media platforms.
Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNpalattella.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 'Credible threats' force Erie's Barber National Institute to move art show online
