FEED Valentine's Weekend Offerings

Contributed

FEED and their burgeoning new satellite pop-ups have your Valentine's weekend covered- come by for a show from local artist Brad Ford, an installation from Anthony Carson, a vinyl night at cafeGIANT, and more at Erie's only media art center.

BEGINNING FRIDAY, FEB. 14

If you are looking for an all-encompassing art experience for this Valentines Day, then Erie's most cutting-edge artspace FEED is the place to be. The weekend will kick off with shows by local far-flung artists and the debut of cafeGIANT, a cozy storefront coffee shop with a small stage. Along with various visual art exhibits, there will be a DJ spinning ambient dance music to get you in the right headspace, all curated by FEED founder Benton Bainbridge.

Bainbridge states that cafeGIANT "will be a hub of conversation and culture that will offer coffee and tea, but be more about the 'cafe culture,' providing an intimate listening space for sharing ideas." At the cafe performers are invited to play a short set of songs to a small crowd within the storefront. FEED plans on livestreaming the performances online to reach more people.

While getting caffeinated, visitors will be able to enjoy the latest show from mixed media artist Brad Ford titled Broken Sculptures, described as "a line between plastic and ethereal art." For this exhibit Ford has repurposed a large collection of donated flat screen TVs as bas-relief digital paintings in a salon hanging, which goes beyond the screens. Accompanying his latest work will be earlier selections from his catalog. The exhibit is open from 5 to 7 p.m.

Following the opening of Ford's exhibit, cafeGIANT will transform into a rave as DJ Aman Sardana and Yeshuwa Myers will spin some wax for those in attendance. Sardana tells us that after their first official Wax Night, they made some slight changes. Now, the first hour will focus on the ambient, ultra-minimal techno music of Basic Channel, followed by Yeshuwa Myers, who will be spinning the smooth sounds of Free Nationals, who many know as the band that brought us Anderson.Paak. After the professionals take their turn at the tables, there will be an open deck, where patrons can bring their own records to play, but are encouraged to sign up online ahead of time.

Inside of FEED proper, attendees can also experience Pulp! Video Lab, featuring the installation "The Hideout." This is an overgrown rec-room entertainment center with dozens of TVs framing the stage where VJs come from across the country to mix visuals for the FEED Sessions. Artist Anthony Carson/Ant's Art House (cartoonist for this publication) will also be opening Ants Art Pop-Up: The Womb of Creation and Communication. Anthony mentions that this installation/ pop-up will feature his "newest works, ambient music, projections, a vibrating sound bed, and mood lighting — all to give a womb-like place for visitors to reflect, relax, and commune with one another." Anthony also welcomes visitors to bring their own drawing supplies and hand drums to help enjoy a relaxing evening. He will also be creating on-the-spot Valentine's Day portrait doodles. This exhibit runs from Feb. 14 through March 20.

5 to 11 p.m. // FEED Media Art Center and extensions, 1301/1307/1311 State St. // $5 to $10 suggested donation // For more info: feed.art or tickets.eriereader.com