Arts and Drafts Comes Pouring Back Again

Contributed

The Brewerie at Union Station will soon be taken over by local art for the annual Arts and Drafts celebration – spotlighting the work of featured artist Amy Gone alongside a packed slate of local music.

BEGINNING THURSDAY, SEPT. 10

Erie's favorite art event returns to the Brewerie at Union Station for the second weekend of September. Combining craft beer, food, live music, and visual arts in one three-day event is a sure-fire way to keep people happy, and that is why this festival has been going strong since 2008.

Another reason for its longevity is the dedication of organizer Amanda Ferguson, who goes out of her way to give emerging artists a forum to show off their talent. This year's featured artist is Amy Gone (Gaughan), whose whimsical yet emotionally layered portraiture has become instantly recognizable for its distinctive style. Working primarily in oil paints and chalk pastels, Amy creates characters who inhabit familiar spaces, inviting viewers to discover new emotional layers the longer they engage with each piece. Amy will be filling three large panels with her playful and melancholy creations.

Dozens of other new and returning artists will fill the historic rotunda with brilliant art available for purchase. Matt Boland is the musical organizer and has put together a terrific slate of entertainers for patrons to enjoy at the Trackside Beer Garden. There are four acts each night, so everyone can find an earworm to take home along with their masterpiece. Local band lineups include Coldsnap, Tommy Link, Eastern Recluse, Bootjack, and more.

Come out and support some local artists and musicians while you enjoy a finely crafted beer or cocktail. 

Exhibits open daily at noon, music from 6 to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday // Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. // Free // For more info and full music schedule: facebook.com/artsanddraftsfestival