A&E

Mercyhurst faculty featured in NPAA Biennial Juried Arts

By Emma Coppolo A&E editor

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Art Association’s (NPAA) Seventh Biennial juried art show is now open and available for viewing at the Erie Art Museum.

This is the second time the prestigious display has been stationed at this particular location.

The show, open Oct. 1- Dec. 22, features 40 different artists and 53 works total.

Mercyhurst faculty represents the university well with incredible displays featured in the show.

Of the six “Juror’s Awards,” four were earned by Mercyhurst professors and adjuncts.

Deborah Sementelli-Hoenes, an adjunct instructor in Art, was awarded Best in Show for “Gesture in Thread” and Best in Mixed Media for the same piece.

“I was shocked to receive the Mixed Media award and Best in Show,” said Sementelli-Hoenes. “The piece ‘Gesture in Thread’ combines my love of fiber and drawing the figure. It was an experiment and something I will continue to explore.”

Gary Cardot, assistant professor of Photography, won Best in Photo for “Lower Parade Street;” Bryan Toy, adjunct professor, was an honorable mention for “Make Peace.”

Also included was Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, professor and chair of Mercyhurst’s Art Department.

“Art is one of the great joys in life. To be in the throes of creativity is a rare opportunity. To view the results of any creatives’ work can be truly impressive,” said Staniunas-Hopper, “this show features the wide variety of skilled Artists Erie has to offer illustrating how blessed we are with artistic talent in this region.”

Retired professor of Fine Arts, Daniel Burke was able to make the school proud even though he no longer teaches.

“I retired from teaching art at Mercyhurst after 51 years (in 2020). Retirement doesn’t change a lifetime of practicing and exhibiting studio art,” said Burke.

Even though art is no longer Burke’s profession, it is still his passion. This is clear in his piece featured in the show.

After the opportunities for viewing art in person have diminished in the past year and a half, the NPAA show has been a breath of fresh air.

Artists appreciating and supporting artists is always amazing to see, and the fact that so many Mercyhurst professors could share this experience is truly special.

The NPAA exhibit is still on display at the Erie Art Museum.

Be sure to stop by and take a look at the amazing pieces that the Mercyhurst faculty have created.

The Erie Art Museum is located in downtown Erie on E. 5th Street.

Admission for adults is $10, senior citizens and student tickets are $8, and those who are 16 years and under are free.

For a sneak peek of the show, visit the Northwestern Pennsylvania Art Association’s website at https://www.npaaonline.org/.

Art is one of the great joys in life To be in the throes of creativity is a rare opportunity.”

Jodi StaniunasHopper, as Chair, Department of Art

Hurst Hot Take: “Gals on the Go” Podcast

By Annie Markel Staff Writer

Podcasts have taken the world by storm in the past five years.

Before 2018, no one really knew what podcasts were, they were seen as boring and niche.

Only a few years later did everyone from the popular celebrity to the common person have a podcast.

Through podcasting, people ranging from Hollywood celebrities, social media influencers and regular people were able to find their voice in the world.

For those unaware of what a podcast is, a podcast is an audio piece uploaded to the internet of people talking about one or multiple subjects.

In short, it is like a radio segment – only talking with no visuals.

They can be found on multiple apps and websites. Spotify, Apple Music and Apple podcasts are just a few places one can look.

A podcast can have one or multiple hosts.

Sometimes people will have a podcast with only themselves talking. Other times they are able to find a group of friends who then start one together.

The subjects of these addicting audios can range in many directions and genres.

For example, crime, lifestyle, sports and drama are only a few of endless categories that are listed on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Podcasts flourished during the pandemic.

With everyone at home sitting around, many thought that maybe their conversations, no matter how insignificant, could be recorded and put online to entertain others.

Everyone became obsessed with podcasting during quarantine because it was an at-home activity that had a lot of potential.

Podcasts have given a voice to so many people.

Celebrities now have an outlet to let people more into their personal lives and thoughts.

Influencers can talk about deeper subjects and become closer to their followers.

And regular people can finally share their ideas, stories and emotions with people who might relate on a global scale.

One podcast I love that really built an empire over quarantine is hosted by two powerful women.

In August of 2018, Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio started the podcast called “Gals on the Go”.

These two ladies met in college and made this podcast together.

Fast forward three years later, the two have graduated from the University of Georgia and are experiencing post-grad adventures together.

Many YouTubers have started podcasts as another avenue to talk to their fans, and Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan are no exception.

They have both been on social media for over five years, each with their own successful YouTube channels with over 200,000 subscribers.

These ladies know their way around the internet, but they felt as though YouTube was just not enough for them anymore.

Carolan is a fresh graduate from the University of Georgia who just moved to New York City this summer.

This Florida “gal” is a bright and bubbly blonde that always brings the fun.

Carolan is a certified Spin Instructor that graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising with an emphasis in brand management.

She is an amazing woman who brings such great energy to the podcast.

Miccio graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019 and has lived in the city since then.

Miccio is older and wiser than Carolan, and she has a fantastic perspective on life. She is like a big sister to Carolan, she guided her through graduation and her big move from the deep south to the Big Apple [New York City].

This dynamic duo is a great pair with an amazing “older-sisteryou-never-had” vibe.

The girls always have something new to talk about. Whether it be traveling, girl talk or just catching up about their week, this pair is certain to keep you entertained.

Personally, I have gained so much advice and wisdom from Miccio and Carolan.

The podcast “Gals on the Go” is an incredible lifestyle and advice podcast that I think can benefit everyone.

Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio have become some of my greatest role models over the years. Getting to listen and hear them grow is so touching.

These are two powerful women who took an idea and made it an empire and I think that is why you should listen to the “Gals on the Go” podcast.

With new episodes published every Wednesday, it is certainly something to look forward to in the middle of the week.

Some people like to listen to podcasts as they get ready in the morning to give them motivation and a good outlook on the day. And even if you do not want to listen to a podcast in the morning, I definitively recommend listening to at least one as they all have something new for you to learn about.

To listen to “Gals on the Go,” search for the title in Spotify or Apple Podcasts. In addition, check out their Instagram under the handle @galsonthegopodcast.

Advertisement cover art for Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan’s “Gals On the Go” podcast.

Contributed photo

The storefront of Lavery Brewing Company stamped with their emblem.

Contributed photo

The 814: Lavery Brewing Co.

By Lauren Reesman Staff Writer

Lavery Brewing Co. portrays the inviting atmosphere of a local restaurant mixed with your classic sports bar, making it perfect for a casual night out.

This micro-brewery located at 128 W. 12th St catches the eyes of passers-by with the appealing outdoor hanging lights aesthetic.

Open Monday-Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., the brewery offers a variety of lunch and dinner options.

The fall menu was released just last week and offers a selection of pub-style appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and pizzas.

I visited Lavery Brewing Co. when the summer menu was out and was impressed with the wide range of flavors and dishes they offered.

The pizzas are especially unique because the crust is more like fluffy pita bread than traditional pizza crust.

President and Founding Brewer Jason Lavery said the “Pickled Rick” pizza is one of his favorites with miso ranch sauce, mozzarella cheese, dill pickles and everything bagel spices.

In terms of drinks for those who are 21 and older, they offer both mixed drinks and a variety of beers to choose from.

The fall season brings ingredient and flavor inspirations like pumpkin, cinnamon, apple and caramel.

Lavery said they accomplished their original goal to offer products exclusively in Erie County.

He said any restaurant or bar with a “good beer selection” in Erie has Lavery on tap.

IPAs and lagers dominate the draft menu and are personal favorites of Lavery, who uses travel experiences from Belgium and Germany to influence his creations.

Lavery especially enjoys his Oktoberfest Lager, which can be described as malty and toasty.

These IPA experiments lead to some unusual combinations like the “Calypso Calypso IPA”, with pear, wild berry and vanilla, or the “Double Dulachan IPA”, with ripe papaya, raspberry and pineapple. Luckily, you can ask for samples to get a taste of as many items as you’d like.

Lavery’s local focus goes beyond his own sales.

He purchases from local meat vendors and sources malt to make the beer from CNC, located in Pennsylvania.

Apart from contributing to the community as a local business owner, Lavery and his family volunteer for L’Arche Agency, which works with disabled individuals.

Lavery’s wife Nikki is currently the Board Chair for the organization.

Lavery Brewing Co. is the ideal small business story—a family interested in making a difference in their community.

Anyone passionate about supporting these ideals and hungry for some delicious food and drinks should stop by.

No matter what kind of drinks and snacks you like, Lavery has something that you are bound to love.

I will definitely return to try the fall menu selection and some autumn-inspired beers.

And I definitely recommend the Lavery Brewing Co. for anyone who is looking to try a new local restaurant.

Sisters of Mercy video contest open

By Hannah Brooks Staff Writer

The Sisters of Mercy are now accepting entries for their Annual Social Justice Video Contest.

This year’s contest is aimed at evaluating social changes with values that the Sisters of Mercy prioritize.

The contest is designed for participants to have an engaging experience with the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns.

The Critical Concerns include racism, immigration, earth, nonviolence and women.

The videos will hopefully also help educate others on the Sisters’ values.

Anybody involved with a Mercy-affiliated ministry has the opportunity to enter the contest.

The Sisters are asking participants to create videos sharing the stories of the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy applied to current events that have been especially relevant in the past year..

The winner of the contest will win $500 and videos may also be featured on the Sisters of Mercy’s website.

As listed on the Sisters of Mercy’s webpage, video entries for this year are encouraged to address events of the past year.

Prompts include “What racial inequities have been made clearer to society at large since the killing of George Floyd? In the suffering of the pandemic?”; “How are we practicing nonviolence as we practice social distancing?”; “How are more intense natural disasters, a consequence of climate change, affecting the lives of vulnerable people?”; “What does it mean to be an immigrant or a refugee in a time of escalating violence, border walls and denied asylum?”; and “How has your understanding of one or more of the Critical Concerns deepened in light of the pandemic? How have you been able to respond?”

Please note that while participants are encouraged to reflect on these recent events, this list is not exhaustive and they are not required to focus strictly on these issues.

Any videos submitted which highlight the Critical Concerns will be accepted, and creativity is absolutely appreciated.

Videos recorded in both English and Spanish will be accepted.

Videos may not be any longer than five minutes in length and also need to include a title screen and credit screen, though it is to be noted that the title and credits will not count against the length of the video.

To read the rules and requirements in their entirety, students can visit the Sisters of Mercy website.

Mike Poulin, Justice Resource manager for the Sisters of Mercy, says, “The best videos tell a good story, use original video footage, focus on a specific topic, make a distinct connection (though not necessarily an explicit one) to a Critical Concern and aren’t any longer than they need to be. Sometimes a 3-minute video can be better than a 5-minute video on the same topic.”

Poulin also adds, “We want students to have an experience engaging one or more of the Mercy Critical Concerns. The contest also generates short videos that we can use as resources to educate people about the Critical Concerns.”

Poulin says that the contest typically does not receive many entries from colleges or universities, and they would like to receive more.

He strongly encourages Mercyhurst students to take part in the contest this year.

All entries for the contest must be submitted by April 1, 2022.

As Poulin says, this contest is more about quality than quantity.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the Sisters of Mercy, do something creative and maybe even win the grand prize.

This is an excellent time to reflect on the work that the Sisters have done, especially since our school would not exist without their determination and passion for helping others.

Interested students can visit the Sisters of Mercy webpage and fill out the form to receive information, updates and reminders about the contest.

Students can also visit the web page to view the videos of past winners and receive tips for entry.

After the 2020 contest was canceled due to COVID, Tristen Hasson, Melanie McGill and Sydney Pasceri won the 2021 award.

The deadline is April 1, 2022, so there is plenty of time left to make videos and take your spot as the champion of 2022.

Visit the website at https:// www.sistersofmercy.org/social-justice-video-contest/ to get started.

Bring your A-game; good luck!