Local Opportunities For Creatives (4-12-26)

The energy from our last meeting was electric! It was incredible to see so many of you at Clifford’s, and the momentum is only growing. For our next gathering, we are heading to one of Oil City’s most unique creative spaces: The Fallen Shoppe.

This meeting is all about collaboration. We have several exciting projects on the horizon that we want to build with you, rather than just for you. Whether you are a painter, a musician, a writer, or a maker, we want your hands and your heart involved in what comes next.

Next Art Syndicate Meeting Details

At this meeting we will discuss a few amazing event ideas and some themes introduced by Kaleb that I know many of you will be excited about. This meeting will be more of a brainstorming, gathering of ideas, and next steps. Be prepared to have fun.

• When: Tuesday, April 28th
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: The Fallen Shoppe
• Address: 17 Central Avenue, Oil City, PA 16301

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Main Street Opportunities In Oil City PA: Get Your Work Out There!

During our last meeting, you heard from Stevette Rosen (the Oil City Main Street Manager) about upcoming events and opportunities in Oil City. We’ve gone through the details, and there is a lot to get excited about (Please double check deadlines):

• ARMA (Allegheny River Music and Arts) Festival: September 11–13, 2026. This three-day event takes place in Justus Park and downtown. Note for Syndicate members: If you are located within the Main Street Corridor, your vending fee is waived! (You still need to apply and submit photos for promotion).
  • Deadline: July 1, 2026.
• The Oil City Curb Market: Runs Thursdays, June 5 through September 4. This is a great weekly spot for artisan and craft items. Like ARMA fest, if you are a Main Street area artist, your fee is $0.00.
  • Deadline: May 15, 2026.
• Oil City Bridgefest: Friday, August 14, 2026. Main Street is looking for vendors who can provide interactive, family-friendly, or children’s activities. It’s a perfect way to get your organization or craft in front of a huge crowd.
  • Deadline: June 25, 2026.

Here Are The Applications:

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First Fridays are BACK in Oil City!

We are thrilled to announce that First Fridays are returning to Oil City! This is a staple of our local culture, and the Syndicate will definitely be jumping on board for these nights.

If you are a business wanting to host an artist, or an artist looking for a venue for First Friday, reach out to Jodi at jodi@corknscrewwines.com to sign up or get more information.

You can stay updated on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/p/Oil-City-First-Fridays-61575287743618/

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Open Calls & Deadlines Oil City & Girard

“Emergent Petals” at The Exchange

Our next curated show at The Exchange is almost here! The theme focuses on growth, renewal, and the vibrant colors of spring. We have room for more art, and we’d love to see your work in this awesome venue.

• Submission Deadline: April 18th
• Apply Here: https://rafiandklee.com/events/art-night/open-call/

Girard Art Walk 2026

This event transforms local businesses into pop-up galleries for one evening. Over 1,500 visitors attended last year, and it’s a massive win for artists.

• Key Perks: No entry fee and artists keep 100% of their sales.
• Event Date: June 5th, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Downtown Girard, PA)
• Application Deadline: Friday, May 15th, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
• Apply / Learn More: https://girardartwalk.com/

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UPCOMING GRANTS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP)

Erie Arts & Culture is offering $2,000 grants to support for-profit creative business growth in NW PA. This is a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs in Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.

• Application Window: April 1 – May 31, 2026
• Learn More: https://www.erieartsandculture.org/pennsylvania-council-on-the-arts-creative-entrepreneur-accelerator-program-ceap

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We are no longer just a group of people who meet once a month, we are a force of nature that supports the creative heartbeat of this area. See you on the 28th at The Fallen Shoppe!

Stay creative,

Rafi & Klee