Log Out of Amazon and Log Into December's Gallery Night

Erie Art Museum (Chuck Close exhibit)

The Erie Art Museum is just one of over 20 locations participating in the latest edition of Gallery Night, which has become one of the more anticipated events in Erie's cultural milieu.

Friday, Dec. 6

The mood as we shift into December always gets a little anxious.

Between holiday pageants, plays, parties, and gatherings, decorating and cooking, one might almost forget that this is also the High Season of Gift Giving, and while gift cards and cash are always appreciated, sometimes you really want to wow the recipient.

Good news: the Erie Art Museum's December Gallery Night combines quality time among friends and loved ones with ample opportunities to pick up one-of-a-kind non-Amazon gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Actually, it's a triple-play: you'll also be supporting local, independently owned Erie businesses. Take that, Bezos.

Here are some highlights (but make sure to check out the URL below for the full listing of events):

Erie Art Museum // 20 E. Fifth St.

Ground zero for all things creative in Erie, the Art Museum is just steps away from all the hubbub at Perry Square's Downtown D'Lights event, and they are going to keep the festivities flowing with the 20-piece Gem City Jazz Ensemble, beers for just $2 and free admission to the museum for members (with discounted $3 admission for non-members).

BLOOM Collaborative // 138 E. 26th St.

Art-as-healing nonprofit BLOOM Collaborative is opening their doors to the public (just days after their more exclusive VIP event) for their Holiday Show and Sale, featuring locally made art to purchase, plus wine and snacks while you browse.

Attic Rehab // 1501 State Street

Works by Rachel Berlin will be displayed at Attic Rehab, with a series of paintings by Jamie Borowicz very close by at Gallery 1503 – one wall of the gallery is adorned by dozens of small paintings by Borowicz, textural sections older works brought together as a small installation. Both artists will be on hand for the event as well. 

Ember + Forge // 401 State St.

Celebrating their second year in operation, Erie's premier downtown coffee shop doesn't see why thirsty patrons should have to choose between caffeinated and boozy beverages; Erie Ale Works will be on hand with their Death Over Decaf coffee stout collab. Sweet vegan treats from Sundae round out the refreshments, while guests can peruse the high-flying photography of Samone.

 Erie Art Gallery // 24 W. 8 St. 

Brad Ford and Francis T. Schanz present Me & Him, a collaborative exhibit running throughout December. The two Erie artists have created abstract works to unite a vision despite the decades that separate them. Minerva's Herbal Blends will also provide tea at the event in addition to other refreshments. 

419 Artifacts // 419 State Street

True to its name, 419 Artifacts will have pieces of Erie's history for sale and display. Along with refreshments and music, bits from The Boston Store, The Metropolitan Dance Club, and more will be part of the more than 30 downtown businesses represented.

First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant // 250 W. Seventh St.

In addition to hosting the otherworldly Messiah program later in the month, First Presbyterian Church will display exquisite, hand-crafted Christmas nativity scenes, the work of Dr. Michael DeSanctis, during Gallery Night. Enjoy seasonal music and light refreshments as you marvel at the painstaking artistry.

Mosaic Erie // 3205 W. 26th St.

Nothing says "Christmas" like the classic Nutcracker ballet, so Mosaic Erie is bringing some of the cast from the community Nutcracker performance of the Ft. Wayne Ballet to its premises, then adding in live music by Jonathan Nolan, tasty appetizers, a gift basket silent auction, and some fantastic Nutcracker-themed shopping.

Pointe Foure Boutique // 2508 Peach Street

Get ready, get set, and pour as artist Cathleen Riggle presents her fluid acrylic pieces. Ranging from jewelry and home decor, Riggle's Pour'd works will be showcased alongside food and drink from Europa Delicatessen and 6 Mile Cellars. Tony Grey and Ian Maciak's Galactic Duo will pour on some exploratory tunes of their own.

Tipsy Bean // 2425 Peach St + Pointe Foure Boutique // 2508 Peach St.

Handcrafted coffees and cocktails + vintage gems + local artisans + live music + tasty charcuterie — these are a few of our favorite things, and just a few of the wonderful things available at the Tipsy Bean and Pointe Foure Boutique, both located at the Shops on the Hill, making it an accessible and exciting twofer. Check out the dreamily vivid fluid acrylic paint pieces by Cathleen Riggle (Pour'd) at Pointe Foure, and the display of "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" by Suzie Littrell at the Tipsy Bean.

Sammi's Heartfelt Treasures // 25 W. Ninth St.

It's their first time as part of Gallery Night, so guests can head over to Sammi's Heartfelt Treasures and make them feel welcome. The work of Connor Rickgaer, an acrylic pour and spray paint artist, will be on display, as well as the many gifts items featured in this new shop, including art, jewelry, bath and beauty supplies, beach art, and even antiques.

PACA // 1505 State St.

PACA is teaming up with Maggie Knox Western, a nonprofit contemporary arts center, to throw the doors of 1505 State wide open and invite guests in for a building-wide group art show. Visit one of Erie's coolest buildings (in a city that's bursting with them) and take in the live entertainment, demos, and refreshments.  — Cara Suppa

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. // See URL for full event listing // Free and open to the public // erieartmuseum.org/events-gallery-night