Jay Croft is a multifaceted artist who represents the hard-working creative Akron spirit. The self-taught artist led the Art Bomb Brigade’s recent efforts on its second mural of the season, this time at the Chill artisan ice cream shop in downtown Akron, founded by three Northeast Ohio brothers.
Croft, a native Akronite and longtime zine creator, blogger, painter and designer, is also the visual merchandiser and promotional sales representative for Vans “Off the Wall.” His paintings and characters have been viewed in regional, national and international venues; in solo exhibitions, private collections and on skateboards worldwide. His art draws heavily from his background in skateboarding.
When he’s not on a Vans tour, Croft designs original boardwork and shoes for skate companies, runs his on-line Street Canoe art forum, and spends quiet time with his wife and two young children.
The Brigade will host an unveiling party Sunday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. during the Akron Farm and Flea Market (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at 51 E. Market and Maiden Lane.
The Art Bomb Brigade is a community arts program run by the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron and chosen out of over 500 entries by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge.
Situated at 21 Maiden Lane in Downtown Akron, Chill is a newly renovated facility that is also home to Nightlight Cinema, Akron Coffee Roasters, Musica, and Urban Eats, and is the sixth client of the Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) pop-up retail program.
Those who would like to support the Art Bomb Brigade may make a charitable donation by texting “Art Bomb” to 71-777. Every dollar goes toward helping local artist and students create high impact murals in the region. Find the Art Bomb Brigade on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artbombbrigade.
Is this Jay Croft from Norton?
Yes!