Erie Art Museum Acquires New Art in Permanent Collection

ERIE, Pa. - The Erie Art Museum has made its first art acquisition in 3 years, with the gift of a series of prints from Nicole Reinhold Martin and purchases of work by elin slavick and Ana Balcazar.

One of the primary functions of the Museum is to collect and preserve pieces of art for the community. "The collections committee and the board of the Museum are excited to add these dynamic works to our evolving collection," stated Laura Domencic, Executive Director. Among the recently acquired are: 178 original hand altered Polaroids from artist Nicole Reinhold Martin, a print of a cyanotype by elin slavick titled, Eucalyptus Leaves from an A-Bombed Tree in Hiroshima, and a painting by Ana Balcazar, Jardin 1 (Garden 1).

The process of accessioning, or adding a new acquisition to a Museum's permanent collection, is one that has a few steps. In order to add work to the EAM's collection, first the director or collections committee makes a recommendation, then that recommendation is taken to the full board for a vote of approval.

Once the board votes "yes", the donor signs a deed of gift, transferring ownership to the Erie Art Museum. In considering which pieces should be added to the Museum's collection, the committee does not only consider quality of artwork, but also takes into account the potential accession's relevance to our mission and to the Erie community, as well as how it complements the objects they already have. According to James Pearson, the EAM's Collections Manager, "These recent acquisitions are particularly relevant to the EAM because they are pieces that were recently exhibited here, so they have a history with us. Ana's in particular was created during her residency here, and was in direct response to her study of the collection."

Balcazar's painting is currently featured in her exhibition, Entre Plantas y Mujeres, through May 12, 2024. A selection of Reinhold Martin's works are on view as a part of PainterlyPolaroids, now on view in the Bacon Gallery, through September 2024.

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. It also hosts lectures, educational programs and provides artists' services including interdisciplinary and interactive school tours.

The Erie Art Museum is open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11-6 pm, Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 1-6 pm. The museum routinely posts updates on activities on social media - Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For more info on upcoming programs, visit erieartmuseum.org or call 814-459-5477.