New awards include best brew and people’s choice
— The Akron Art Museum has added new touches to the 10th edition of its annual beer tasting fundraiser, Art & Ale, scheduled for Friday, March 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.
In addition to showcasing top-rated beers from Ohio and regional breweries along with delicious offerings from local food purveyors, Art & Ale 2017 presents two new awards: a juried prize for best overall brew and a people’s choice prize—complete with museum-worthy trophies.
Akron Art Museum Director of Advancement Bryan de Boer said, “We are excited about celebrating 10 years of Art & Ale in the Akron Art Museum. The contemporary setting, the access to great art, the brews and food, the friends and more—this year’s event is shaping up to be the best ever.”
In addition to General Admission ($50) and Museum Member ($35) ticket options, the art museum has also added a Designated Driver ticket ($25) for attendees who won’t be sampling the beers, but for whom great food, non-alcoholic beverages and a chance to support the Akron Art Museum are strong draws.
“Weather permitting,” de Boer added, “We’ll be offering some fun activities in the Bud and Susie Rogers Garden as well.”
Art & Ale guests will have the opportunity to enjoy selections from a variety of brewers, including Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, Ohio Brewing Company, Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, Scenic Brewing Co., The Canton Brewing Company and Market Garden Brewery, to name just a handful. Local and regional food purveyors will add comfort food delights and decadent treats to round out the evening.
Jeneé Garlando, art museum Senior Development Officer said, “Our mission at the Akron Art Museum is to enrich lives through modern and contemporary art, which we serve by bringing quality art experiences to everyone in our community. Art & Ale, apart from being a stellar event, is the art museum’s second most important fundraiser, so the money we raise goes to support the art programs and exhibitions we offer throughout the year.”
Ohio beers will be judged by Rick Armon from the Akron Beacon Journal, and Jon Albrecht from ACME Fresh Market.
The museum galleries will be open for the first two hours of Art & Ale, so guests will have the perfect opportunity to view “Turn The Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose,” which showcases the work of 51 contemporary artists whose work has been featured in the popular art magazine Hi-Fructose, as well as “Please Touch,” “Gross Anatomies,” and “Family.”
Tickets purchased the day of the event are $50. To purchase tickets online, visit akronartmuseum.org. Art & Ale is for ages 21 and older. A state-issued form of I.D. is required. Follow the museum on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the most recent updates on this event.