Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio is working around our socially distanced school year by “BREAK” Dancing for students. The nonprofit has launched a free virtual program that’s available to area grade-school classrooms, and the acronym BREAK stands for Breaks Reset Engagement Attention and Knowledge. The series offers a mental break for students while also providing movement … [Read more...]
Rom-com film short will showcase Akron-area locations
The Akron area will play a pivotal role in an upcoming short film. “Escaping Ohio” is a rom-com that hearkens back to movies like “Clueless” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” while attempting to break the formulaic mold of typical movies in this genre. The film focuses on two 18-year-olds facing adulthood: while Sam intends to leave their small town for California, JJ … [Read more...]
UA School of Art exhibit offers photographic response to current events
In solidarity with recent world and domestic issues, the Emily Davis Gallery’s new exhibit, “Bearing Witness: A Response to Current Events by Regional Photographers,” investigates the topics of social justice, pride, police brutality and a world pandemic impacting lives of essential workers and those at home. “Bearing Witness” is available for viewing through Oct. 9 at the … [Read more...]
Social service, education, arts organizations launch free digital class series
Service and cultural organizations have banded together to produce a digital workshop series, taught by professional artists, to residents in Summit County. Running weekly starting in August, two separate digital classes will launch, including Aging is an Art Form, hosted by Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, and Live From the Living Room: … [Read more...]
Nichole Epps of INKtricate Art Originals
What first caught my attention was the use of black and white voids that are filled in and oozing with bold, bright, vibrant color. Nichole Epps is an Artist and Owner of INKtricate Art Originals in Akron, took some time out of her busy schedule to interview for a segment on Around Akron with Blue Green on PBS Western Reserve. Since each segment on the show is only … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train discussion examines burdens, weight of words
Akron Soul Train will host an interactive discussion derived from the residency work of Akron artist Shani Richards, Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m. on Akron Soul Train’s Facebook page. Her exhibit, “United,” opened March 5 and subsequently the show closed a week later due to COVID-19. Richards, a trained metalsmith, created 100 pendant necklaces of racial and ethnic … [Read more...]
Diamond Kites announce new EP, livestream release show May 23
Akron band Diamond Kites announces a new EP, titled “Working Life,” featuring three songs recorded before the pandemic and finished during the quarantine. The EP will be released Friday, May 22 on all digital platforms, with a livestream release show Saturday, May 23, at 8 p.m., on the group’s Facebook page (facebook.com/diamondkites). The show is sponsored by Central … [Read more...]
ArtsNow, Social Dept. launch campaign to help local arts and culture
ArtsNow has announced a partnership with Summit County business The Social Dept. to show support and solidarity for local arts and culture. The duo has launched a T-shirt series, designed by local artist and entrepreneur Andy Taray (owner of The Social Dept. & OADC / Ohioboy Art & Design Co.), in collaboration with ArtsNow. The shirt highlights the … [Read more...]
A legendary actress from Akron: The story of Wendy Duke
Editor’s note: Tessa Gaffney is a graduate assistant in the Arts Admin program at the University of Akron. This is the second in a series of interviews with notable UA alumni. Wendy Duke is the coolest person I’ve ever met and my new role model. She views theatre the same way I do: as a tool for building community and a platform to talk about important … [Read more...]
Heinz Poll, UA’s Dance Program helped create destination for dance in Akron
Editor’s note: Tessa Gaffney is a graduate assistant in the Arts Admin program at the University of Akron. This is the first in a series of interviews with notable UA alumni. The Dance Program at The University of Akron would not exist without Jane Startzman. First, some background: Heinz Poll, principal dancer with the Berlin State Opera Ballet, ballet master of the … [Read more...]
