Market at the Mansion

May 2nd 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM & May 3rd Noon - 4:00 PM

Imagine walking through a vestibule with a Tiffany-style lamp accenting intricate mosaics of gold, turquoise and rose-colored tiles. Imagine walking through this vestibule and entering a marketplace representative of Erie…a marketplace which combines the artistry and creativity of Erie craftsmen with the grandeur of the Victorian era to offer a unique shopping experience.

Conceived by interior decorator and Society volunteer Sandy Blazek, the Market at the Mansion is a three-day shopping experience located within the elegant Watson-Curtze Mansion. Painters, photographers, designers, jewelers and other artisans of the area will be well-represented under one roof. Vendors include Accents by the Bay, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Apres, Arbonne International, At Waters Edge, The Bead Attitudes, The Blue Cupboard, Carrie T. Garden Club, Classy Lady Jewelry, Finneys Chocolate Shoppe, French Creek Valley Trading Post, Karens Angels, Marketplace Grill, Natures Impressions by Stan, Nickel Plate Mills, Inc., Joyce Perowicz, Pillowcasegram, Lesley Rackowski, Studio 916, Traditions Unlimited, Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe, and others.

The artisan market concept has been implemented in several other cities, which is what generated the interest to host one in Erie. The coordinating committee collected ideas from magazine and newspaper articles, as well as places they visited. While in the planning stage, the group discussed the “design” of the weekend, designated artisan areas within the Mansion, and committed proceeds to the restoration and maintenance of the museum. (Three of the Mansion’s twenty-four rooms have been fully restored. Additional furnishings, window treatments, area rugs, lighting fixtures, wall treatments, and others are needed to complete restoration in the remaining rooms.)

Proceeds generated from the event will be used to restore and maintain the Watson-Curtze Mansion. One of Erie’s historical gems, the Mansion stands as a symbol of the upper class lifestyle of the 1890’s in Erie. This was a time when Erie was nearing the peak of its industrial development. The businessmen and industrialists who took advantage of this era to accumulate their fortunes enjoyed the privileges of an elegant lifestyle.