Frequently Asked Questions

How many artists are in the show?

The 2024 show includes the work of 170 adult artists and 147 youth artists. Most artists are from northwestern Pennsylvania, western New York and northeastern Ohio.

Is some of the work from children and adults at Barber National Institute?

Yes, the work of students from the Elizabeth Lee Black School (ELBS) is included in the youth category, and the work of adults in our various programs is in the adult category. Information about the artwork is included in the description of these pieces. You can view all of these works in one place by searching for “Barber Artwork” in the search bar.

I purchased artwork. When can I pick it up?

Thank you! There are two options for getting your artwork:

  • Art Pick-Up will be held at the Barber National Institute North Lobby on:

    • Friday, April 26 from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. – for buyers and artists

    • Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – for buyers and artists

See Shipping/Art Pick-Up for more details.

  • Shipping:

    • During checkout to purchase your artwork, select “Shipping - Buyer to contact Pony Express Erie and pay directly.” Please note shipping is priced separately from this transaction. Complete purchase.

    • You must then contact Pony Express Erie directly with the dimensions and weight listed in the piece description and the location where it will be shipped to arrange for shipping and pay shipping costs. The contact is 814-456-6245 or ponyexpresserie.com.

    • After shipping is settled with Pony Express, please fill out our Contact Form. Select “Shipping Artwork” in the drop-down and include the title of the piece purchased that you would like shipped and confirmation that Pony Express Erie expects your piece(s) to be dropped off by our team.

    • All arrangements and payments for shipping become the responsibility of the purchaser and Barber National Institute does not accept any liability relating to shipping.

    • Product dimensions and weight are included with every piece.

I’m an artist. If my artwork doesn’t sell, when can I pick it up?

First, we’re sure your work is wonderful and hope that it sells! Please monitor your artwork online to check the sale status of your artwork. We also will follow up the week of pick-up with a reminder.

Art Pick-Up will be held at the Barber National Institute North Lobby. Pick-up times are:

  • Friday, April 26 from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. - 1 pm.

See Important Dates for more details. 

Artwork remaining after this is considered abandoned and becomes the property of Barber National Institute.

What if my artwork is sold?

Artists will receive a check in the mail within 3-4 weeks after the online show closes on April 15 made out to the name and address submitted with entry.

Does Barber national Institute receive a commission from the sale?

The Barber National Institute receives a 30% commission of the sale and the remainder is given to the artist. Some artists choose to donate a larger percentage. For example, some artists give 50% or even 100% of their sales to Barber National Institute. This is noted in the description of each piece.

How long have you had the Art Show?

We began the Show in 2007 as a way to celebrate the creative achievements of all persons and bring artists with disabilities or mental health challenges together with other artists in the region.  It has grown every year and is truly “Celebrating the Possibilities” within each person – whether artist or art appreciator.

How is the show judged?

Each year our committee invites a panel of judges from the community to confer awards. Judges for the 2024 show are:

  • Anne O’Dell, executive director, Erie Arts & Culture

  • Richard Holmgren, artist, retired vice president creative services, Erie Insurance Group

  • Marquis Wallace, artist, founder Anansi Collaborations

The judges selected artwork for the following awards that will be presented in both the Youth and Adult Categories:

  • Best of Show

  • Honorable Mention (up to three awarded in Adult and Youth categories)

  • Best of Show Photography

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the Show?

You can reach our Event Coordinator, Catherine Barczyk, at (814) 881-3156, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST or complete the Contact Form.