NPAA Exhibit Brings Local Talent to the Foreground

Friday, Sept. 15

Too often, local artists feel their work is underappreciated. For instance, they're frequently asked to donate their work without compensation. Thus, the Northwestern Pennsylvania Artists Association (NPAA) was born, explained the group's president Kris Risto.

That was in 1974. And though Risto wasn't a part of the organization at that time, he now works to provide "as many exhibition opportunities as possible" for fellow NPAA members. One such event is the "NPAA West Erie Biennial Exhibit." Every other year, the NPAA picks a vacant venue and fills the space with art for about a month. The 2017 show features more than 180 works of art — paintings, sculptures, photographs and more — created by about 80 of the organization's 140 members. For instance, there's driftwood art created by Brian Pardini and paintings by Brad Lethaby, who Risto describes as "probably one of the best painters we have in town."

The exhibit is set up at two storefronts in the West Erie Plaza from Friday, Sept. 1 to Saturday, Sept. 30. It will typically be open Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., but there are two special evening events that you may want to mark on your calendar.

Friday, Sept. 15 is the exhibit's grand opening reception, which will be celebrated from 7 to 9 p.m. A week later, Friday, Sept. 22, is the Erie Art Museum's Gallery Night. The NPAA's West Erie Plaza exhibit will be one of the 20 featured stops at what's become a popular local event. It will include artist meet and greets.

Additionally, Risto hopes to hold a few pop-up events by collaborating with local musicians. He hopes people will take advantage of this unique opportunity to support local artists. "Erie has such a thriving art community. I think a lot of people don't realize what we have here," Risto said. — Tracy Geibel

Sept. 1 to 30, Thursday to Saturday 1 to 5 p.m. // West Erie Plaza, 1000 W. Erie Plaza // free // npaaonline.org