“Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness.” – Anni Albers

If you’ve been to Erie and the surrounding area lately, you can’t help but notice a multitude of colorful murals decorating the walls of local buildings.  Murals are defined by Wikipedia as “any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces. A distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture.” We are fortunate to have OVER 80 MURALS scattered across the City of Erie and the surrounding towns of Girard, Edinboro, Union City and North East.  They range from abstract works to specific figures, historical moments, landscapes and pure whimsy.

We invite you to get out and discover them for yourself or with family and friends.  Be inspired by the creativity of our local muralists and residents.  Make a day of it or make it an overnight adventure and stay for two or three days. We challenge you to try to find them all in the pursuit of Great Art!  Scroll down to see a few of our favorite murals.

Click here to download the full list of Erie County Murals.

Click here to download the Erie County Mural Google Map.

NOTE: Most of the murals are located outside, however, there are a few located inside (see the full list of murals for specifics).  The majority of murals are not artificially lit, therefore we recommend viewing them during daylight hours. 

“Flotsam” by Artist SatOne – Location: Bicentennial Tower 2nd level observation platform.
SatOne is an international street artist living in Germany.  He has completed projects in Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, and Norway. Erie was the second city in the United States to have one of his murals on exhibit.  “Flotsam” measures approximately 12,000 square feet, making it the largest piece of public art in Erie. The definition of flotsam is people or items that have been rejected or regarded as worthless. In traditional maritime culture, this mural refers to the wreckage of a ship and what debris may eventually wash ashore. But, as people, SatOne thinks all of us, at one point in our lives, experience a momentary sensation of feeling cast aside and unvalued. Within this image, the viewer may discover abstract objects that were carried to the shoreline by the momentum of the spuming waves.

“Her Voice, Her Vote” by Edinboro University Faculty, Alumni and Local Educators –
Location: H.A.N.D.S. Building 7 East 7th Street/Downtown Erie
This mural was a public art project celebrating the centennial of the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote.  The piece features women throughout the years, including the first woman to be elected mayor of Erie and the first woman to be elected as Erie county commissioner.

“In The Jungle” by Artist Mark Weber and Local Residents – Location: St. Martin Early Learning Center 1727 State Street
The mural, designed by artist and Erie native Mark Weber, was painted by over 100 area residents who attended the 25th Annual Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival at Frontier Park in August 2017. The mural was completed in Weber’s studio in North Carolina.

“Erie Industry” by Artist Ehren Knapp – Location: 337 West 12th St., Erie PA 16501
The mural showcases business and industry on the 12th Street corridor. It was done in a Cubist style. Historic companies that are no longer in existence are showcased in the sky while thriving industries are in the foreground.

“The Pontiacs” by Artists Tom Ferraro, Ed Grout, Ron Bayuzick – Location: Bayview Park on West 2nd Street between Walnut and Cherry Sts.
Celebrating Erie’s baseball history with a focus on the Pontiacs, a team that included many great players who also played for the Negro League including Sam Jethroe. This mural is part of the “Looking Glass Art Project”, a program developed by Tom Ferraro and Ed Grout in 2012 that is based on collaborative, community public art projects. The goal of the “Looking Glass Art Project” is not only to make public art but to also help participants feel revitalized and empowered to create a legacy through public art. It also encourages ownership in the piece by a diverse group of participants.

“Rudy” by Artist Evoca1 – Location: east side of Methodist Towers 160 West 8th Street
Originally from the Dominican Republic, but now living in South Florida, Evoca1 is a self-taught artist. His work is figurative and flawlessly merges art and humanity into a single creation. As an artist, he observes human behaviors and social struggles and translates that into emotionally provocative murals and sculptures. Evoca1 has painted murals across the globe, including Abdu Dhabi, Australia, Austria, France, Guam, and Peru. For every mural he creates, Evoca1 focuses on a person local to the community where he is painting. For his 9-story Erie mural, Evoca1 selected Rudy Daniels, a resident of Methodist Towers.

“The Butterfly Effect” by Artist Lacy Brant – Location: H&S Computers 31 E. Main St. in Girard PA
The mural hopes to inspire and encourage acts of kindness and generosity.  “Be the change you want to see in the world” is written on the wings.  People are encouraged to come take pictures with the mural, which will make them look like they have wings.

“The Steel Age” by Artist George Humes – Location: 5560 Route 6N in Edinboro PA
“The Steel Age,” greets students and their families on the way to Edinboro University. The original mural centered around the Steelers’ 1970 Super Bowl Dynasty.  It recently underwent a facelift and now features the famous Steeler Hines Ward and includes the new Super Bowl championships from 2006 & 2009.  Future plans aim to highlight Erie native James Connor.

With summer in our rear-view mirror and fall on the approaching horizon, we thought we’d take a moment to clue you in on some local area activities for fall! Although Erie is known best for its beaches, there is always something to do every season, even during a pandemic. Farmers markets, fall-themed events, gorgeous fall colors, virtual activities and of course fantastic food and drink! So throw on an extra layer, head outside or cozy up at home for some fall faves in Erie PA.   As always, if you do venture out, remember to practice social distancing and wear your mask.

Here’s our Top 10 picks for fun fall activities (HINT: make it an overnight stay and do everything on this list!).

1. ZooBOO 2020 – The Erie Zoo’s annual trick-or-treat event will be a little different this year. This year’s ZooBOO will continue to be “scary, but not too scary” with fun for the whole family.  In an effort to stay safe and limit contact, the Zoo has created a Spooky Scavenger Hunt! All children 12 years and under will be able to participate with their family in a grand Halloween adventure around the zoo. At the end, each child will receive a pre-packed bag of goodies to take home and have the chance to enter to win a ZooBOO Gift Basket. But have no “fear”…Guests will still get to meet the troll who guards the Children’s Zoo Bridge, have a chat with the Talking Pumpkin, and ride the Safariland Express! All tickets must be purchased in advance online and masks are required.  Which shouldn’t be too difficult since it IS Halloween!  ZooBOO will run Thursdays/Fridays October 15,16,22,23,29 &30 from 4-9 pm and Saturdays/Sundays Oct 17,18, 24 & 25 from Noon-9 pm. Tickets are $7 for members, $10 non-members and can be reserved here.
2. Luminary Distilling & Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider – NOW OPEN! Our friends at Luminary Distilling have expanded and moved! With the recent purchase of the former Fuhrman’s Cider Mill just steps from their previous location, they are serving up high quality spirits and cocktails (using locally sourced ingredients), tasty food options and of course, Fuhrman’s famous cider; all in a bigger facility! Stop by and try their fresh baked breads, donuts and pies too!  For all you faithful pretzel roll fans, no worries!  Those are coming soon or if you’re desperate and can’t wait to sink your teeth into that soft salty goodness, they are accepting special orders. Luminary’s micro distillery experience is definitely unique and they can’t wait to welcome you to their new location…8270 Peach Street just south of the Peach Street/Robison Road interchange.
3. Lake Erie Wine Country – What better way to celebrate the season than by sipping your favorite cabernet, merlot, chardonnay or sparkling fruit juice while watching the leaves change? Lake Erie Wine Country spans 53 miles along Lake Erie’s shoreline from North East PA to parts of Western NY.  Tour America’s grape country to sample, sip and swirl endless fruits of the vine from 23 wineries.  The largest grape growing region east of the Rockies is waiting for you!
4. Lake Erie Ale Trail – If wine isn’t your thing and you’re more of a craft beer aficionado, try a flight or two from any of the 13 breweries that make up the Lake Erie Ale Trail. The history of breweries in the greater Erie region is deep and rich. The first local brewery opened its doors over 200 years ago—36 years before the city of Erie was even incorporated! Ask to take a tour and witness the sheer hoppiness first-hand! Cheers to local!
5. Take a Hike! Even with the “falling” temperatures, The Great Outdoors is always there for you to get out and explore. Our area has plenty of great trails to lead you on many adventures. Check out the trails at Frontier Park, Erie Bluffs, Presque Isle, Asbury Woods, Goodell Gardens and the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network. Plus a NEW trail has recently been unveiled at Wintergreen Gorge!  Penn State Behrend has completed phase 1 of their renovation plan for Wintergreen Gorge. The $690,000 project will improve visitor access to the gorge and will help to protect wildlife. First-phase construction included stabilizing and improving an 850-foot trail that begins at Cooper Road along with the installation of boardwalks over the protected wetland areas along the trail. Visitors can also access the  trailheads from either the Prischak Educational Building or the Ohio Hall parking lots.
6. Asbury Woods Scary Creature Feature – One of Erie’s favorite Halloween traditions, Asbury Woods’ “Scary Creature Feature”is a fall, family event many look forward to every year. Enjoy various activities, storytelling and a guided walk thro ugh the woods where guests encounter and learn about some not-so-scary, nocturnal creatures that live in the forest. It’s the perfect chance to explore the woods at night and delight in the cool, crisp air of an autumn evening. Appropriate for children 3 years and up.  October 8-10 from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Check their web site for ticket information.
7. Peek n Peak Virtual Fall Fest – It may not be the Fall Fest you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun enjoying the Peak’s virtual Fall Fest from the comfort of your own home! Throughout the month of October the Fest virtual experience will include many of your favorite Fall Fest activities, including an online vendor marketplace, a digital Kids’ Zone with print-at-home activities, a pumpkin painting content, ideas for fall adventures and more! The Peek is also planning their annual Snow Sports Equipment Swap October 10-11 & 17-18. This year, the Swap will take place on the upper level of the Main Ski Lodge. Looking for other fall activities at the Peek? Warm-weather activities are expected to be available until mid-October, including the Upper Golf Course, Aerial Adventure Course, Giant Dual Ziplines, The Soaring Eagle Zipline, Mini Golf, the Indoor/Outdoor Pool Complex and Serenity Spa.
8. Pick Your Own Produce – Getting out and traveling to local farms to pick your own fruits and vegetables is a popular fall activity. It’s not only satisfying it’s a great way to support local agriculture.  There are several farmers markets scattered throughout the county.  One of our favorites is Hulings Blueberries & Farm Market.  In addition to those plump juice blueberries (season ends soon for them!), Hulings offers tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers along with fruits and vegetables from other local farms.  For a complete list of where you pick your own produce in Northwest PA, click here.
9. Leaf Peeping – One of the best parts about living in the north is the dramatic change of the seasons. Autumn brings about a colorful palette of fiery reds, golden yellows and vibrant oranges.  It’s the perfect time to hop in the car and take a drive to view Mother Nature at her finest. There are 134 native trees in Pennsylvania, each having their own beautiful color mix. Some of our favorite spots to observe the fall foliage are Presque Isle State Park, The Great Lakes Seaway Trail (Route 5) and Historic PA Route 6.   The best time to view the Erie area in full display is mid to late October.
10. Mural Arts Driving Tour – There are over 75 murals throughout Erie County and VisitErie is in the process of compiling the most up-to-date list for you to plan a mural-seeking adventure! Make it an overnight trip and spend a few days traversing the county for murals that feature subjects ranging from Erie’s history to community fellowship, landscapes and abstract pieces. More information can be found on our website with a Google map coming soon to help you easily plot out your course.