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ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ unveils community artwork project at Greenhouse, announces Tiny Forest

Published: 05/01/2025

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ Greenhouse artwork unveiling as part of Project NePTWNE

A new splash of color is now proudly displayed in Erie’s West Bayfront as Gannon University hosts a celebration for the unveiling of community-inspired artwork that will line the fence of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ Greenhouse property. 

The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ Greenhouse Community Artwork Celebration on Thursday, May 1 showcased the results of a collaborative art project that brings together the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ community, neighbors and local artists to beautify and energize the space around the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ Greenhouse.

The vibrant fence sculpture, titled “The Streets of Our West Bayfront,” was designed and fabricated by The Looking Glass Art Project, a community-based initiative that uses public art as a platform for dialogue, connection and revitalization. The artwork reflects the unique identity and aspirations of the neighborhood, turning a simple fence into a shared canvas of community pride. 

Shaped by community input, it reflects themes of home, nature, neighborhood and sustainability — values shared by both the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ Greenhouse and Project NePTWNE, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s water quality improvement initiative. Eleven of the panels represent a north-south street in the neighborhood — Cranberry, Raspberry, Cascade, Plum, Liberty, Poplar, Cherry, Walnut, Chestnut, Myrtle and Sassafras. Like the woven strands of a basket, these streets strengthen and intertwine the fabric of the community. Many share names with native plant species, echoing ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ’s focus on environmental education and ecological stewardship. 

“This project is about so much more than art,” said Sherri Mason Ph.D., director of Project NePTWNE. “It’s about people — about what we can create when we come together with a shared vision for beauty, hope and growth. Each panel tells a story of connection, and each panel reflects the spirit of a neighborhood we are proud to call home.” 

This project was made possible thanks to the generous donations from: 

  • Gannon University Student Government Association, Class of 2025 
  • Deacon Martin P. Eisert ’62, ’85M, ’89M and Kathryn A. Eisert, CPA 
  • Frank ’61 and Marie Spaeder Haas ’73VMC 
  • Pierre ’79 and Kathryn McCormick 

The artists from are Thomas Ferraro, Edward Grout and Steve Mik. Much of the fabrication of the panels was completed by the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ Makerspace. Installation of the artwork was supported by Building Systems, Inc. 

Gannon University, in partnership with ReLEAF — a project of the — is also pleased to announce the addition of a Tiny Forest coming to the lot on the corner of West Third and Myrtle streets.  

Tiny Forests are small but mighty, densely packed, biodiverse pockets of native trees that grow quickly to help improve air quality, manage stormwater and create critical habitat for local wildlife.  

Soil preparations will begin on the property next week to prepare the site to plant the Tiny Forest this fall. 

Community members are invited to attend the celebration, view the artwork and learn more about how ÂÒÂ×ÊÓÆµ and its neighbors are working together to grow a more vibrant future.