Erica Chambers for Berea City Council

10/30/2024

I don't know much about planning infrastructure, but I know you don't got to the Derby to watch a car race- Berea is famous for our arts and crafts industry. The city needs an arts advocate on council. (Pssstt.. that's me)

In our town hall meeting last night, this was a 1 of 3 part question asked that I rambled on about, but here are the facts✨

I'll get to the other two and more later..I have to go work my creative job 📸

10/21/2024

Hey Berea! Please attend this event to learn more about the candidates running for city council- and PLEASE SHARE!
Berea City Council Forum

10/01/2024

Hey Hey Berea College students✨ I wanna hear from YOU! Come over to Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge this Sunday, October 6th from 6:30-8:30 PM. Free to attend, Free Food! Please Share and tell your friends 🍕🎤🗳️⚡️

08/31/2024

Hey hey Berea College students! YOU can vote in Berea this November! Help me get elected so I can work to make you feel more home here and find your place in this community. You can register to vote TODAY on Center Street! Kentuckians For The Commonwealth has a booth and ready to sign ya up!

08/21/2024

For those of you who already wanted to donate to the campaign, the donation button is up and verified :) Thank you so much for supporting this campaign and our vision for Berea!

Working Artist. Small Business Owner. Community Arts Advocate.

08/13/2024

Bridging the Gap + Networking

A common challenge with arts organizations and our community is engaging young members. For young artists and fresh graduates a common challenge is lacking a local network or the professional experience off campus that leads to work.

I graduated from EKU School of Art & Design in 2013 when I was 34 years old. I had already been working in sales, owned a vintage clothing + art store and barely started my photography business. I had a strong network already established compared to my much younger colleagues.

When I became the Chair of Gallery on Main Richmond, KY, I organized the Mentor | Mentee Exhibit. We invited studio professors from EKU and Berea College to submit a piece of work while also nominating a student to exhibit theirs. Creating an event that offered the opportunity to feature their work in their first off-campus experience, bridged the gap between our two colleges, our towns, and united our professional artists with emerging ones. Opening these doors and introducing students to arts organizations, welcomed new opportunities to get involved, learn and collaborate.

Also! We invited our neighbors in the EKU School of Music to also nominate a student and perform as a duo. (Always hire musicians, scrap the playlist!)

The last photo is a painting by student Jill Contratto that was purchased from Community Trust Bank as a result of this exhibit.

I look forward to continue working with our local arts organizations, local businesses, Berea College students and emerging artists to keep strengthening our creative economy.

I was beyond thrilled to watch Dr. Nixon speak at city council about future partnerships with and our town. I have high hopes for artist incubator programs that will foster our next generation of artists. ✨

08/10/2024

For the last ten years as a photographer here, I have been on foot in this community capturing magical moments and having conversations.
From watching kids experience our artists at work, to working with artists in their studios. You've invited me into your homes and businesses. I've watched new kids in town find new friends. I've watched you walk your grandchildren through Brushy Fork. I've met you and your pup at Tillie's Dog Park and caught the sunrise on top of the The Pinnacles, Berea, Ky with my own. Whether it's our neighbors having a fireside chat in town or talking to tourists who drove from states away to HomeGrown HideAways- I'm always excited to talk about our Berea experience. I want to help take care of that- for everyone. I believe in Berea because I have documented proof of what it has to offer 💓