Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) introduces its new event series, Downtown Art Works, in conjunction with the monthly Artwalk, this Saturday, May 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. The free event will feature Film & Fashion, a collaboration between DAP, Akron Film+Pixel and NOTO boutique. Event highlights include short films, a fashion show, an interactive public text to vote competition, and added performers and activity throughout the footprint.

Downtown Art Works event venues are the regular Artwalk venues, including galleries located in the Northside District, North High Street, East & West Market Street and Main Street. Akron Film+Pixel has collected 15 films from budding and established filmmakers, all 60 seconds or less, to compete in the Short Attention Span Film Festival. Films will be projected inside and outside of five Artwalk venues for viewing. NOTO, Downtown's premiere women's fashion boutique, will host the NOTO Northside Fashion Show in the retail space of the Northside Lofts, followed by a public Featured Designer Challenge that opens at 8:45 p.m., featuring looks by six local fashion designers.

Downtown Art Works invites the public to participate in the arts in Downtown Akron in a new and exciting way! Guests 16 and over may register to text to vote for their favorite film and fashion designer, with the winners announced from the runway at Northside Lofts at the conclusion of the event at 10 p.m. The winning filmmaker will receive film editing software donated by the Akron Digital Media Center/Akronist.com, and the winning fashion designer will have their line featured and available for purchase this summer at NOTO.

Voting will take place during a limited timeframe and will only be allowed within Downtown Akron, encouraging guests to attend and experience the event. Guests may register to vote in three different ways:

•    The easiest method is for smartphone users to register on their phone on May 5 when they arrive at the event by texting "AKRON" to 25827 and following the prompts;
•    On-site registration for non-smart phone users will be available on May 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Akron Glass Works, We Gallery and on the second floor of Summit Artspace, as well as at the Northside Fashion Show from 8:45 to 9:30 p.m.; or
•    Pre-registration for non-smartphone users is now open at www.downtownakron.com/artworks. Guests may fill out the pre-registration form at any time before the event, but must also check in at one of the above registration locations to activate their mobile device for voting.  

Downtown Art Works attendees will also enjoy person to person meetings with musicians and performers who will stroll the footprint. These intimate encounters are staged in the style of street performances to engage the public with established and up-and-coming artists. Guest will enjoy musical performances by guitarists Brian Feltner, Major Lee and James Marron, flutists Jane Berkner and George Pope and the String Trio, Steel Drum Ensemble and Jazz Fusion ensemble of the University of Akron. Electronica artists Travelogue will set the tone for the Northside Fashion Show and Featured Designers Competition. Bill Roddy and Circus Mobius will amaze with fire juggling and stilt walking. Neos Dance Theatre will usher in the spring season with impromptu dance performances. The Akron Zoo will also make an appearance during the Artwalk.

For more information, visit www.downtownakron.com/artworks.

Pop-up food locations May 5 will include the Northside Wine Bar, open 5 to 9 p.m., and the Sassy Dog food cart, which will be parked at The Icehouse. Both will provide a quick and inexpensive options for food and drinks during Downtown Art Works. For a full list of weekend dining options in downtown Akron, visit www.downtownakron.com/enjoy/dining/weekends.

The May Downtown Art Works is the first of a series of events, each of which will enhance the Downtown Akron Artwalk. The next Downtown Art Works event will occur in September, highlighting the Akron Art Prize, sponsored by The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. The Downtown Akron Artwalk occurs on the first Saturday of every month except for January.

Artwalk map, trolley and parking information
An Artwalk Map is available on the Trolley and at participating Artwalk locations. The Artwalk Map and additional information can also be found at www.downtownakron.com/artwalk.  

Guests can hop aboard the red trolleys that circulate the route at any of the Artwalk venues, or just give a friendly wave and the driver will stop. Gallery spaces are open between 5 to 11 p.m. with opening and closing hours fluctuating at each gallery.   

To best enjoy the Artwalk experience, free parking is available at Northside (near Luigi's), in the lot across from Summit Artspace between Broadway and Summit streets, and in the High/Market Street Parking Deck.

Downtown Art Works is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership and is generously supported by the City of Akron, County of Summit, GAR Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation.

For more information, visit www.downtownakron.com.

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