Akron Soul Train will host an open mic, featuring poet Damien McClendon, Saturday, Feb. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Akron Soul Train gallery, 191 King James Way, in downtown Akron. McClendon is a Kent State alum and award-winning Cleveland-based poet. He was a semi-finalist in three consecutive National Poetry Slams and placed 7th in the World Slam. McClendon was … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train artist-in-residence debuts new film Jan. 30
Akron Soul Train, in partnership with the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art, will premiere “Disconnected,” a short film by Jonathan Chiarle, Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. The event takes place at the Myers School of Art auditorium, 150 E. Exchange St. Chiarle was Akron Soul Train’s 2019 LGBTQ artist-in-residence. As part of his residency, he conducted workshops, … [Read more...]
Blackout poetry, music, fiction inform Akron Soul Train fellowship
Writer Gabe Gott, a current artist fellow for Akron Soul Train, will compile a chapbook as part of his residency. The book’s expected to be released at an event in May and will likely feature a number of different types of writing styles, from blackout poetry to flash fiction. The fellowship, he said, has helped him take his work more seriously. Gott’s poetry and writing also … [Read more...]
View Akron Soul Train artists’ work at Winter Soulstice Dec. 9
Akron Soul Train is offering community members a look at the work of its current artist fellows at the Inaugural Winter Soulstice exhibition and event Dec. 9 at Summit Artspace, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will showcase work by the organization’s 2017 fall fellows including Stephen Tomasko, Jenniffer Omaitz, Michelle Droll and Danny Volk. The art to be on display was created … [Read more...]
Artist explores ‘Other Geometries’ as part of Akron Soul Train fellowship
Painter and assemblage artist Jenniffer Omaitz enjoys making connections with other artists. Her fall Akron Soul Train fellowship will follow the thinking of “Other Geometries,” a meeting point for people, and an invisible layer of knowledge that’s gifted between fellow artists. “So this idea of Other Geometries is a way to get out of the studio and a way for me to interact … [Read more...]
Landscape artist creates ‘archaeology of the future’ using discarded materials
Artist Michelle Droll is a recycler and collector, and within the vernacular of recycling, she finds a wealth of materials. Her landscapes comprise discarded items like styrofoam, chicken wire and packing materials, contributing to what she calls the “Archaeology of the Future.” “I don’t think the world needs more art, it needs good artists, and I think that good artists can … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train adds artists to 2017-2018 fellowship lineup
Leadership team shares plans for completion of village, putting artists to work -- For local artists, leveraging their life’s work and passion into a sustainable career can often be difficult. Enter Akron Soul Train, which is building a village that offers artists a place to work, a stipend and eventually, a place to stay, in downtown Akron’s Northside District. Shortly … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train announces three artistic fellowships for 2017-18 season
Akron Soul Train (AST) has awarded three fellowships for the 2017-18 program year. Photographer Stephen Tomasko, painter and installation artist Jenniffer Omaitz and collage and installation artist Michelle Droll will join the AST family for a month each between August and October. The Akron Soul Train Fellowship Selection Committee chose these fellows out of more than 20 … [Read more...]
Akron Soul Train lays down tracks in downtown Akron’s Northside District
Construction is expected to begin this summer on Akron Soul Train, a residential artists' village in downtown Akron's Northside District, using shipping containers, rail cars and other structures. The program will recruit artists in residence, who will be paid to create art and conduct educational workshops, culminating in an exhibit or performance. "We will give … [Read more...]
Akron Community Foundation awards more than $3 million in grants
Akron Community Foundation’s board of directors has approved grants totaling $3,020,645, including $2,508,645 in grants from 129 designated, donor-advised, agency endowment and scholarship funds, and $512,000 in competitive arts and culture grants chosen by the organization’s Community Investment Committee. In addition, the community foundation welcomed eight new charitable … [Read more...]
