It took an act of vandalism to rally some community members around Akron artist Woodrow Nash. His studio was tagged in a crude attempt to create a memorial or tribute to someone identified as Cheeto. The vandals are unknown, and the damage to the outdoor stucco walls will cost somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000 to eradicate. Nash is a world renowned sculptor who sells … [Read more...]
Hundreds gather for Akron March for our Lives event
Akron-area residents from a range of generations turned out to support students at Saturday’s March for our Lives - Akron, Ohio, a student-led effort that coincided with events around the country, with the message that student safety become a priority in the wake of gun violence and school shootings. The group started in Highland Square and marched to downtown Akron. Check out … [Read more...]
Building a nervous dog: sense of community drives business for local coffee chain owner
A coffee shop. There seems to be one on every corner, unless you are looking for the perfect one. Coffee drinkers know too well that finding the right combination of good coffee, an inviting atmosphere and community can be difficult. Once you find your perfect spot, you stay loyal to it for as long as it is possible. Such was the case for Michael Litt, who used to stop in … [Read more...]
Skateboard accessories are unique canvas for artist, pro skateboarder
There is something exciting about the diminutive human standing in the parking lot of Summit Artspace. Jordan Serpentini has a broad smile that radiates warmth and eyes that seem to catch everything and is a person vibrating with life. And life has been anything but predictable for the professional skateboarder, trained reiki master, muralist, miniature painter and … [Read more...]
Residents learn to make rain collection barrels at Sustainable Saturday workshop
Using rain barrels to catch water that normally falls off your roof and funnels through rain gutters can save a house dweller a significant amount of money. The Akron Sustainer, in conjunction with Let's Grow Akron, recently offered a free class about making rain barrels as part of the Sustainable Saturday series. The two organizations have turned the second Saturday of the … [Read more...]
‘Devil’s Milk’ theatre trilogy excavates dark side of Akron’s rubber industry
Part 3 of the series, ‘Industrial Valley,’ opens May 11 -- The Devil’s Milk trilogy is the industrial story of Akron, circa 1910s to 1930s. This is Akron’s story as much as it is the story of the particular neighborhoods outlined therein. It might as well be the story of Akron today, right down to the constant destruction and construction. If only today’s orange cones could … [Read more...]
‘Intersections’ at Akron Art Museum challenges sense of space, boundaries
The new exhibit at the Akron Art Museum, "Intersections: Artists Master Line and Space," is a lot like the giant, red, vinyl-coated polyester fabric sculpture by Jimmy Kuehnle that inflates and deflates in the lobby. Although quite static, it breathes and moves through your eyes. It is strangely familiar and comforting, and leaves you feeling happy, light-hearted, and smiling … [Read more...]
Bakery owner cooks up sweet success from downtown Akron location
When you walk into Sweet Mary’s on Mill Street in downtown Akron, you are immediately greeted with a blast of warm, fragrant air. The smells of flour, sugar and spices sometimes reach you before the heady aroma of freshly brewed coffee can make its way to you. The room, full of wood and brightly colored paintings, feels a lot like what your grandmother’s kitchen might have … [Read more...]
Whiskey Painters featured in ‘spirited’ reception at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
There was no lack of talent at the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center’s Whiskey Painters of America opening reception, as the group recently celebrated its 34th annual show on the Front Street promenade with all featured artists on hand to answer questions. Visitors and artists alike studied the miniature watercolors and were allowed to vote for their favorite renditions of … [Read more...]
Akron photographer frames up successful career
Shane Wynn captures unique angles of Akron -- At first you don’t notice that she is there, but she is definitely aware of you. Her camera has already shot five, maybe six frames of you as you study the new exhibit at the Akron Art Museum, or as you check out the latest speaker at a Creative Cog event. Shane Wynn is one of Akron’s best-known photographers. You might have seen … [Read more...]
