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Once the fresh-water fishing capital of the world, Erie still has many natural and cultural attractions that make it an ideal conference location. Perched on the edge of Lake Erie, the downtown district is safe, easy to navigate, and offers a wide selection of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining and other amenities. All conference activities are at the conference hotel or within easy walking distance, and our lovely Bay front isn’t much further. October is one of the best months to visit Erie as the lake keeps temperatures slightly above average and the foliage is at its peak. There is plenty to do in the area outside of the conference. Downtown holds several fine community theaters, a comedy club, the Erie History Center, and the Erie Art Museum. The region's biggest attraction is Presque Isle State Park and the new Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center.
There are many attractions to see while you are in Erie. Use this guide (PDF) to inspire your exploration.
The Avalon Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Erie is the site for the 2006 conference. The Avalon has reserved a block of rooms for us at the rate of $89/night until September 26 or that block of rooms is completely reserved. Mention this conference to get this preferred rate. The Avalon is a few blocks walk to Gannon's Schuster Gallery, the Warner Theater, the Erie Art Museum, and many shops and restaurants. The Avalon also provides guests with free ground transportation to and from the Erie Airport.
The Erie Art Museum will host several conference workshops and the Friday night costume gala. The Museum warmly welcomes all conference attendees and will happily grant free admission Thursday, October 26 through Sunday, October 29 to all who present their conference name badge. Exhibits at the Museum during the conference are:
Eva Zeisel: The Shape of Life
A selection of glass, china, metal and wood objects designed by Eva Zeisel (b.1906). Zeisel’s elegant, biomorphic, colorful and playful designs won her commissions with Sears Roebuck, Hall China, Red Wing China, Federal Glass and planted her firmly as one of the 20th century's most innovative and beloved designers. Audio tours of this exhibit are now available.
Outside the Centers/On the Edge
An exhibition celebrating the strength and innovation of Pennsylvania artists living and working outside the state’s major metropolitan areas highlighting cutting edge and non-traditional artwork.
Boundaries: Book Arts Between the Traditional and the Experimental
This exhibit of artists’ books in various media challenges the viewer’s pre-conceived notions of what a book is supposed to look like, and what it is supposed to contain within its covers.
Narratives by John Lysak
Recent monotypes by the distinguished printmaker, the founder and director of Egress Press.
Presque Isle is Pennsylvania’s most popular state park and attracts as many people as Yellowstone, almost 4 million visitors annually. The park offers seven miles of beaches, 15 miles of bike/hike trails, and inland waterways home to wildlife and great for canoeing. The Park is also home of the newly built Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center. Located on the bluff at the entrance of the park, this $31 million, 65,000 square foot facility has no equal anywhere in the country. The center is a perfect starting point for the parks many visitors and is a research station for the over 30 members of the Regional Science Consortium, including PA colleges and universities. The “Green” construction of the building, infused with museum-quality art, educates, inspires, and informs, and a beautifully produced interpretive video virtually transports visitors to the beach. The 75 ft. observation tower provides a view, on a clear day, of the shore of Canada, 26 miles away. A ticketed workshop on Friday will transport conference attendees to the Center where they will enjoy a guided tour. The Center is also open everyday for anyone. During your 2006 Erie conference experience a visit to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center should be high on your list.
www.visiteriepa.com Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Warner Theater site of the Saturday night Awards Gala
2006 PAEA Conference Erie, PA
The Pennsylvania Art Education Association, www.paea.org, actively supports and promotes visual art education through professional development, leadership, and service.