A new show at Summit Artspace will look at artful approaches to function and form, resulting in art that enhances living spaces and satisfies a human need for beautiful surroundings.
“Function and Form, Artful Approaches to Everyday Living Juried Art Exhibition,” opens with a free reception with the artists and juror on Friday, Sept. 13, 5 to 8 p.m., in the main gallery at Summit Artspace on East Market, 140 East Market St. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m.
The first-of-its-kind exhibition boasts designs in multiple mediums that combine creative approaches to the intersection of art and function. The show, which runs until Oct. 5, is free and open to the public and features 45 pieces by 36 local artists.
The exhibit is juried by local interior designer and community activist Karen Starr, co-owner of Hazel Tree Design Studio in downtown Akron.
Starr is known throughout Akron as a fierce advocate for local artists and is a patron, collaborator and talented designer and artist.
Hazel Tree Design Studio was established in 2010 by Starr and her husband, Jon Haidet, combining Starr’s interior design business with her husband’s picture framing company for a one-stop shop of creative ideas for transforming spaces through art and design.
Starr, who has a clear passion for community, is a co-founder of GAINS: The Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability, Free Akron Outdoor Movies and the Highland Square PorchRokr Festival. She works within her home and work neighborhood of West Hill, doing projects whenever possible with West Hill CDC and neighborhood businesses, groups and residents.
Because of her civic activism, Starr and the Hazel Tree team were recently asked by Akron Civic Commons to redesign and lead the Lock2 project, turning an underutilized outdoor park into an intimate place for conversations and gathering. In 2018 and this year, the Hazel Tree team re-imagined the park spaces at Park East, another Akron Civic Commons project along the Towpath/Ohio and Erie Canal, and the new home of Bounce Innovation Hub in the 150-year-old former BF Goodrich tire plant, transforming it into a modern, exciting and functional facility for entrepreneurs and the community.
Summit Artspace is open weekly on Thursday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., for visitors to check out galleries and artist studios. Additional hours include 3rd Thursday, Sept. 19, 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5 for Artwalk, 5 to 9 p.m.
For info, visit www.summitartspace.org.
