The Akron Art Prize truly represents the voice of the community, as it’s one of the only area art contest that’s not determined by juried votes. This year’s Art Prize runs through Oct. 1 and for the first year, all of the entries will be in one building: Summit Artspace.
“Akron Art Prize is an exciting arts experience that provides artists the opportunity to display their work over the course of a month,” says Akron Art Prize Coordinator Courtney Cable. “It provides an entryway into the Downtown arts district and public eye through a competition with winners decided by popular vote.”
The public will determine the winner by using the Akron Art Prize app, available through the App Store and Google Play. The app can be used to get to know the artists, view their artwork, select your favorites and cast your vote. The app will be open for voting for the entire duration of the event, which runs through Oct. 1.
The event started Saturday, Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. “This is the first time we are utilizing all three floors of Summit Artspace,” says Cable. “We are throwing a party in the parking lot in between Summit Artspace and Akron Art Museum with live music by The Dreemers starting at 6 p.m. Thirsty Dog will be there, along with many food trucks outside. Everyone can check out the artwork, maybe take a break, and travel between the many different spaces. It is nice to liven up the city in the evening.”
This year, 205 artists will showcase paintings, collage, photography and graphic design, among other media. This event enables Akron artists to meet other local artists while the public comes together to admire their portfolios, engaging residents in a way that other art events are unable to.
For info about this year’s entries, visit http://www.akronartprize.org/entries/.