Erie Art Museum to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Artists in Landmark New Event

'Pride in the Collection' opens June 6, shining a light on nearly 80 years of LGBTQ+ artistry - from celebrated masters to student artists at Erie's own universities.

ERIE, Pa. - May 4, 2026 - The Erie Art Museum announces Pride in the Collection, an inaugural annual evening reception celebrating LGBTQ+ artists whose work has shaped the museum's permanent collection and the broader Erie community. The event takes place Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 5-7 PM at the Erie Art Museum.

The event will showcase curated works spanning almost 80 years - from 1945 to the present day - including pieces by celebrated artists Paul Cadmus, David Hockney, and Andy Warhol. Alongside these masters, Pride in the Collection will also feature new work by LGBTQ+ student artists from Gannon University, Penn State Behrend, Allegheny College, and PennWest Edinboro, highlighting the vitality of the region's own artistic community.

Guests will enjoy live music, creative cocktails, and light bites in an evening designed to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to what organizers hope will become a beloved Erie tradition.

"LGBTQ+ artists have always been part of our story - woven into this collection, this institution, and this community. Pride in the Collection is our opportunity to celebrate that openly, and to begin a new tradition that grows with Erie."

- Laura Domencic, Executive Director, Erie Art Museum

The event reflects the museum's long-standing commitment to access and inclusion. Tickets are tiered to ensure broad community participation: $20 for students, $45 for young professionals (40 and under), and $75 for general admission.

Corporate and community leaders interested in underwriting opportunities are encouraged to contact Development Director Kristen Karrfalt at kristen.karrfalt@erieartmuseum.org.

Event Details

Pride in the Collection | Erie Art Museum

Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM Dress code: Creative cocktail

Tickets: students.erieart.org | $20 / $45 / $75 Purchase tickets: https://www.erieartmuseum.org/pride

ABOUT THE ERIE ART MUSEUM

Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Erie Art Museum holds the region's leading art collection with more than 8,000 objects spanning American ceramics, paintings, sculpture, and photography. The museum regularly hosts special exhibits bringing art and inspiration to the community, along with lectures, educational programs, and artists' services including interdisciplinary and interactive school tours.

The Erie Art Museum is open Wednesday-Friday, 11 AM-6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM; and Sunday, 1-6 PM. For more information, visit erieartmuseum.org or call 814-459-5477.