Works by eight artists who have been honored over the past decade by the Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA) with Outstanding Visual Artist or Lifetime Achievement awards are on display at Summit Artspace Gallery from April 27 through June 2.
The exhibition, titled "Why Art’s Alive in Akron," features the distinguished talents of metal sculptor Don Drumm, abstract painter Craig Lucas, mixed media artist Mark Soppeland, printmaker Joan Colbert, pastel portraitist Judith Carducci, electrostatic collage artist Miller Horns, pastel landscape painter Barbara Gillette and digital printmaker PJ Rogers.
The public is invited to meet the artists at a free gallery reception on April 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Summit Artspace.
“These people won awards not only for their inspiring creativity, but also for significant contributions to their discipline and community,” said Jessie Raynor, Arts Alliance director. “Seeing their artwork together is a testament to the quality of our area’s visual arts.”
This special exhibition celebrates the 10th year anniversary of Summit Artspace Gallery, which opened in 2002 to showcase local artists. The gallery was a first step by AAAA in partnership with Summit County government to establish a downtown Akron arts center. Today, Summit Artspace houses two galleries, six artist studios, a historic conference suite, performance area and the Creative Business Center offering affordable office space for non-profit arts groups and arts entrepreneurs.
“Since partnering with the Alliance to initiate arts activities in our building at 140 E. Market St. in 2002, we have seen the neighborhood become vibrant and attract new business and renovation,” said Summit County Executive Russell Pry.
Summit Artspace will also present free Saturday workshops taught by three exhibiting artists. These hands-on experiences are designed for beginners and seasoned artists. They are appropriate for adults and older teens. Participants should register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
May 5 One at a Time: Monoprints with New Materials with Barbara Gillette
May 19 Another Look: Hinterglas Maleri Collage with Mark Soppeland
June 2 Accordions, Concertinas and Venetian Blinds: Folding an Artful Book with Joan Colbert
Regular gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The exhibition will be open May 5 from noon to 9 p.m. for the Downtown Akron artwalk. It will also be open, along with the Akron Art Museum and main downtown library, for the Sunday Sampler artwalk on May 6 from noon to 5 p.m. All events are free.
Summit Artspace is located one block east of the Akron Art Museum in a historic, art deco building built in 1927 by Charles and John Knight as the first home the Beacon Journal newspaper. The gallery is supported by the Akron Community Foundation and Ohio Arts Council.
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