The Creative Crowd

Networking event free and open to creative and cultural professionals. Rotating host locations each month to allow for fresh experiences and connections.

November Description

Please join us for the 10th gathering of the Creative Crowd, a new Erie Arts & Culture program. The gathering will be held at Whitethorn Games (11 East 12th St, Erie)! Gather with other creative and cultural professionals and the EAC team for an evening of networking. These monthly meet-ups are designed to provide a friendly and casual space to foster stronger personal and professional connections within the creative and cultural sector. The recurring program takes place the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 - 7:30. Host sites rotate from month to month to allow for new experiences and connections. This event is hosted by Rylee Louisa (photographer), Niecey Nicole (writer, humorist, and activist), and André Jones (freelance graphic and apparel designer). Funding for the Creative Crowd was provided by Brian and Linda Graff and sponsorship by PNC.

Highlights

Free and open to creative and cultural professionals. No seminars or any specific programming - just show up with a desire to connect! The goal is to create stronger connections and bonds, especially between disciplines and roles, to improve the breadth and strength of our sector. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided. About Whitethorn Games: "We're an indie game publisher focusing on pleasant, cozy games that can be played in pieces, that require no special skills or knowledge, and that anyone can pick up and play. We're believers in accessibility, inclusion, and widening the audience that gets to play. We like to consider ourselves the defenders of easy games. While our games might challenge you, they'll respect your time, they'll make sure you can play, and most importantly, they'll never punish you." https://whitethorngames.com

About the hosts:
André Jones
André Jones is a freelance graphic designer turned apparel designer. His athletic lifestyle is carefully counterbalanced by his lax demeanor. Such contrast is made evident through André's creative process. He believes the creative process is a boundless journey, but he pursued that journey with the objective of finding a practical solution to complex challenges. André is the owner of Rabbit 3, a streetwear brand. Pieces from his collection have been worn by high-profile celebrities, including Lizzo, Young Dolph, Maliibu Miitch, Lil' Nas X, and celebrity stylist Shelby Swain. R3's style is a uniquely poetic and adventurous, exploring the limits between artistry, design, and activism. The brand draws from the still of nature as well as the hustle and bustle of the inner city, vibrant with color, texture, and messaging.

Rylee Louisa
Rylee Louisa is among the youngest creative-oriented entrepreneurs in Erie, PA. Rylee first started her self-taught journey on her 3-month stay in Central America. The trip was an invaluable experience as it taught her communication with, and, without the camera. Rylee Louisa manages to capture the subtleties others miss. After Central America, Rylee traveled back to start a successful career in Erie, PA. Rylee first became a full-fledged photography business in Erie in November of 2019, with clients ranging from Erie's community members to weddings and even boudoir. With her intense passion and love for photography, Rylee has developed her style and a tagline that compliments. "Capturing the Authentic, Raw and Brave." Most recently, her photography has inspired many in the state and has begun to travel.

Niecey Nicole

Niecey Nicole is a published writer, humorist and activist living and working in Erie County. She is a mother of two, college graduate, and retired civil servant. Outside of Niecey's artistic practice, she work with youth in social services and grassroots politics. In 2021, she was one of four finalists for the Erie County Poet Laureate program. Niecey is a member of the Erie County Poetry Committee and is known for writing poetry and performing spoken word. Her activism is centered on issues involving Women, Youth, People of Color and the LGBTQ+community. As a black, queer mother of daughters, Niecey is passionate about equal rights and the advancement of the disenfranchised. Niecey aspires to reach out to, aid, and teach others through literature and service. She chooses to walk beside her community, leveraging her creative talents to provide motivation and positive reinforcement for others. Niecey also believes in creating spaces for people like herself to grow and lead future generations.