Edwina Tries... Erie African Arts Gallery

Contributed

This month, contributor Edwina Capozziello visits the newest gallery on the Erie art scene, Erie African Arts. She meets with proprietor Emile Lokole and his sister Francine, and picks up some handmade jewelry while taking in the beauty of the original art.

Here's a not-so-secret thing about me: I love earrings. And what I love even more is popping into a locally owned business and making new friends. I got all of that and more when I visited Erie African Arts Gallery at 13 E. 13th St. recently. I was warmly greeted the moment I walked through the door by proprietor Emile Lokole and his sister Francine.

The shop is small but well-appointed and tidy. There are vibrant pieces of handmade jewelry, sculptures, clothing and art covering every wall and table. Displays are well-tended, organized, and a feast for the eyes. I beelined for a rack of stunning beaded earrings, each pair more detailed and colorful than the next. On the wall to my left hung necklaces and collars. Some were of the same bead type as the earrings, others made of different media, and many were so large, impressive, and well-made that one can tell they took hours for loving hands to create.

I picked out a beautiful pair of beaded earrings and a matching multi-colored bracelet and went up front to talk with Emile and Francine. Emile told me about how he looks forward to hosting future events this spring and summer featuring the shop's wares (and African cuisine prepared by his sister) where he can continue to welcome the community as he has at pop-ups in the past. Emile said that when the shop opened, Benton Bainbridge and FEED Media Art Center helped spread the word and he hopes to keep the buzz going.

Before I left, Emile and I pulled out our phones at the same time, asking one another if we could snap pictures. I left with a smile thinking that we both had selfies of one another, together with Francine, who was wearing a gorgeous African dress. On my way out I promised to return soon and to tell all of my friends to stop by as well.

Celebrate the beautiful diversity Erie has to offer, this month and every month. Stop into the shop and tell them I sent you!

You can find Erie African Arts on Instagram @erieafricanarts or on Facebook.

Edwina is Erie's self-proclaimed biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com