BOOKFORGE at Erie Labor Temple
We’ve dropped the first featured-inside-the-Temple article, opening the door to one of the real working creative businesses already shaping ELT from within.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/bookforge-at-to-155439793
#ErieLaborTemple #BOOKFORGE #Patreon #Bookbinding
Smellie Video 2 drops at 6:15 PM.
This is surgery: removing failed repairs, lifting threads, & taking an 18th-century book apart so it can be restored honestly.
watch: https://www.patreon.com/posts/video-2-is-here-155441337
If the work matters to you, consider a paid tier.
What's on your workbench // desk today!? Me? Getting ready to rent out studios for artists // musicians // creatives in the Erie Labor Temple coming this May! Interested? DM me!
Erie Labor Temple is not just hosting events. It is being built as cultural infrastructure for Erie.
Our Patreon helps support the work between the headlines and the steady labor of building a real public-facing culture center.
Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ErieLaborTemple
#Patreon
ELT site build milestone:
Calendar ✅
Programs ✅
Event/Program pages ✅
Fixed the dead-link issue by driving dynamic URLs with {slug}.
Next up: building “Join // Support” (passes/sponsors/volunteers).
What should an Event page show first—what it is, what it costs, or what to expect?
CALL FOR BRAWLERS: seeking one debater for our first Lecture Brawl (Ethics of A.I.). Timed rounds + Ref + object-as-evidence + scored winner + audience verdict. Live-streamed.
Pick TRADITION or INNOVATION
Email ErieLaborTemple@gmail.com (Subject: LECTURE BRAWL DEBATER – AI)
Soft opening behind us. The work continues.
Erie Labor Temple is closed to the public this week while I finish the structural business: website, insurance, banking, internet, and the other necessary systems work.
Open full-time starting next week.
The signal is live. Now comes the wiring.
TEHYA’s “the patriot” is now streaming on Amazon Music.
What I love about this track is the contrast: playful, soulful pop on the outside, but socially charged at the center. Strongest work yet.
https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0GR5DR6SJ
Proud of my daughter TEHYA. Her new track “the patriot” is out now on YouTube.
It’s playful, soulful pop with a real social and political edge underneath it. Easily her most musically advanced release so far.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/o6TvBxXIZt0
Soft launch ⚡️ SWITCHCRAFT LAB
Circuit-bent studio/lab sessions are coming to Erie Labor Temple this fall.
Bring broken toys + thrift electronics.
Leave with stranger sound.
Dates soon. ⚡️
#EriePA #CircuitBending #SoundArt #DIYMusic #GlitchArt
The Erie Labor Temple Soft Opening is this Friday. Starts at 7 PM.
Commonwealth Reading Room BOOKFORGE Sharon Smith Metal Arts Brødur PH’KAKI Creative Works
A new cultural center is being built in real time. Come see the beginning.
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1625706855514437/
The Commonwealth Reading Room at Erie Labor Temple is looking like a bookstore more and more every day. Lots of work to be done. Inventory will start today
CALL FOR BRAWLERS (ELT): Lecture Brawl — Tradition vs Innovation. First case: Ethical Use of A.I. Timed rounds + object-as-evidence + scored winner + audience awards. Live-streamed.
Want in on Tradition or Innovation? DM me or email ErieLaborTemple@gmail.com
#EriePA #LectureBrawl #EthicalAI
A special thanks to the folks at Erie News Now for allowing me to introduce the new Erie Labor Temple to Erie and the world! Watch the video. Let me know what you think!
www.erienewsnow.com/watch/video/first-at-4-e...
I'm lucky to have two lovely people working with me at BOOKFORGE as apprentices/assistants. Leslie is just starting, and Sharon has been with me for nearly two years now. I am grateful for the company in the bindery studio.
I'm a little excited. Today, I'll be interviewed (live in studio) on WICU Erie's News Now's First at 4 today regarding the work we are doing at Erie Labor Temple! "…we would like the opportunity to discuss your mission and plans for this new venture."
Unorthodox Washes: WALNUT INK STUDIES 🌰
Sepia authority. Precision + weathering. Line + wash magic.
Dates/times TBA
#InkWash #ArtWorkshop #EriePA #AnalogArt
Sharon Smith Metal Arts is officially moving into Studio 106 next to BOOKFORGE at Erie Labor Temple.
This video is the sped-up proof that building an arts space is equal parts labor, logistics, and delightful chaos.
Another corner of the Temple is coming to life.
Progress report from Erie Labor Temple: Bill Driver and I are building bookshelves for the Commonwealth Reading Room ahead of the April 3 first-floor soft opening.
Slow work. Real work. Worth it.
#ErieLaborTemple #EriePA #CommonwealthReadingRoom #BookCulture
Bookshelves in progress for the Commonwealth Reading Room at Erie Labor Temple. Bill Driver and I are pushing toward the April 3 soft opening of the first floor.
Also: a little necessary nonsense in the middle of the workday.
#ErieLaborTemple #EriePA #CommonwealthReadingRoom #BehindTheScenes
🕯️Haunted Erie Labor Temple Halloween Party
Oct 31, 2026 • 7 PM–1 AM
📍 Erie Labor Temple — Haunted Basement
Costumes encouraged.
Details soon.
#EriePA #HalloweenParty #ErieEvents #HauntedBasement #HauntedByHistory
Just a little bit more sanding in the Commonwealth Reading Room at the Erie Labor Temple, new home to BOOKFOREGE and PH'KAKi Creative Works!
Eurovision 2026, live on the big screen at Erie Labor Temple
Free community viewing event (donations welcome).
RSVP: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/eurovision2026
May 12 / 14 / 16 — 3:00 PM ET Which night are you claiming?
#Eurovision #EriePA #ErieEvents #WatchParty
PALME D’OR NIGHT (Cannes Viewing) @ Erie Labor Temple.
Shorts Open (local + cleared/public-domain) → Winner Reveal → salon discussion.
Downtown Erie
Not affiliated with Festival de Cannes.
#Film #Cinephile #EriePA
Scraping complete. Now, it's time to spackle the little holes, indents, and blemishes. Let's heal the Commonwealth Reading Room (CRR 814) at the Erie Labor Temple!
Work on the Commonwealth Reading Room (CRR 814) has begun. First, the previous paint must go; it had a seriously flawed texture. Scraping is a must!
BOOKFORGE (ECPL HistERIE Week 2023): traditional bindery + restoration, research-driven, historically accurate, teaching-forward.
Union bookbinders once met at the Erie Labor Temple, part of a wider labor network shaping apprenticeship standards. The Temple’s new life as a creative venue is built on that legacy, spotlighting hand trades.
Poster promoting ‘Eurovision Song Contest Viewing Event 2026’ at Erie Labor Temple with dates for both semi-finals and the grand final.
EUROVISION. BIG SCREEN. THREE NIGHTS.
Erie Labor Temple is hosting a Eurovision Song Contest Viewing Event for the Semi-Finals + Grand Final in May 2026.
#Eurovision #Eurovision2026 #EriePA #ErieEvents #WatchParty
Erie: historic building at 17th & State, we’re activating into Erie Labor Temple. BOOKFORGE, PH’KAKI, Sharon Smith Metal Arts, Bróður + the Commonwealth Reading Room (used hardcovers/first editions). Next: studios + UNION gallery. Follow @ErieLaborWorks ⚡️
