I Heart My City

Yesterday, November 19th, was one of those days I felt so fulfilled and energetic. I had an overwhelming sense of pride and love for my city. Even under a foot of snow, my girlfriends and I made the best of the winter weather.

My day started with a stop at Pressed for their delicious Snickerdoodle latte. It was my second time ordering this drink in one week.  Don't judge me! It is THAT good! I grabbed a coffee for myself and a friend before heading to my friend's house to meet up for a day of adventure!

A few art galleries in Erie were hosting the first-ever Art Brunch. Art + brunch = I am there! The 10/20 Collective was our first stop. I was very excited to see the Jungle Pop show by Ana Balcazar. This collection was a very vibrant and colorful jungle-themed paintings.

From 1020, we drove a few blocks up to City Gallery. It was everyone's first time at this gallery so we did not know what to expect, but we were excited to check it out! As soon as we walked in, we were very pleasantly surprised. This space is incredible! The gallery has two levels. The upper level has a balcony that overlooks the lower. There is a small area called the Crows Nest that is so cozy and has the best views.

When we walked in, we were cheerfully greeted and encouraged to look around and enjoy donuts and mimosas. As we made our way through the first-floor galleries to the refreshments, a lovely woman introduced herself and offered to show us around. The lovely woman was Lena Logvina, an artist and one of the owners of City Gallery. My favorite area in the gallery was Lena's studio upstairs. It was a very cozy and cool room with art covering the walls from floor to ceiling. It had unique furniture, music playing, and art projects in the works. It was like the hangout spot of my dreams! We spent so much time in this gallery taking in every inch of art on every wall. 

Not only was Art Brunch taking place on Saturday, but so was the Western PA Maker Market at FEED Media Center. This event was hosted by Erie Arts & Culture with over 30 vendors in attendance. Local vendors I was familiar with, such as Flagship City Press, Erie Ale Works, Broken Egg Clay, and Grounded Print Shop, all had tables. I also discovered new local makers like The Oily Knot, Calie Mee, Jessie Simmons Ceramics, Ants Art House, and many more! 

I ended up purchasing a beautiful clay wave ornament from Jessie Simmons Ceramics that is already hanging on the Christmas tree, as well as an art print from Calie Mee & Ants Art House I am excited to add to the Erie art wall in my new office. 

I think I took three laps around the market. There was just so much to see! After an hour or so, we worked up quite the appetite, and food was calling. Just a few blocks away was the Flagship City Food Hall.  We grabbed seats at the bar of Perry's Tavern for a drink and shared the Honey Bear pizza. It was divine.

It was my version of a perfect Saturday. Any opportunity to engage with the community, spend time with friends, and eat good food is a great day in my books! I am so excited to do it all over again next weekend for Small Business Saturday.