The inspiring local painter shines prolifically after imprisonment
by Nick Warren
LifeThruMusic
Antonio Howard is a busy guy. A rapidly rising painter of note, he's also a spoken word artist and has written and published three books. In 2020, the now 44-year-old Erieite completed two public art projects, one that beautified the exterior of the Whole Foods Co-op, and one mural that adorns the wall next to Luther Manus' 12th Street Sunoco station. He was recently selected to provide the art for two City of Erie bandwagons, , which are regularly deployed at more than 40 events each year. After being awarded Erie Arts & Culture's Emerging Artist Fellowship in 2019, he is now an artist in residence with the organization, helping to re-envision bikeways and public spaces around the city. He's a member of this year's Jefferson Leadership Academy, and his artwork is currently being exhibited at Gannon's Waldron Campus Center, including a piece that was part of the Erie Art Museum's 2019 Spring Show.