The 33^rd annual Akron Arts Expo weekend kicks off at Hardesty Park on Thursday, July 26, 2012 with the 7^th annual Taste of Akron from 6:00 – 10:00 pm.  On Friday, July 27 join us for the 14^th annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.  The Akron Arts Expo runs Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday, July 29 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Friday and Saturday there will be a free ballet performance at 8:45 pm and Sunday the Akron Symphony Orchestra will perform at 7:30 pm. Admission is free to all events except the Wine Tasting fundraiser.  Please visit www.AkronArtsExpo.org for additional information.

Feedback from the 2011 participants leads me to believe that organizations would rather have individual spaces.  This is what several of you did last year, including Stan Hywet and Ballet Theatre of Ohio.  We were able to have all the arts and culture booths positioned together.

The cost of a booth for a non-profit organization is $55 for a 10X10 space with a clothed and skirted 8-foot table and chairs.  A Booth Information/Reservation Form and more information is available at www.summitforkids.net

It is always good public relations for the arts community to support events such as Summit for Kids that are sponsored by county government.  Depending on member interest, AAAA will reserve up to two booths for members to share.  Three organizations can comfortably share a booth.  Participating organizations would be responsible for their own set-up, take-down and providing volunteers to man the booth.  Dropping off materials, but not being there on the day of the event is not an option.

Please let the Akron Area Arts Alliance at 330-376-8480 know by March 1^st if you are interested in sharing a booth with other AAAA organizations.

During these years the museum has contributed significantly to the culture of the city, region and its visitors. Offerings include workshops and classes that have inspired many remarkable artists, concerts to rejoice the summer season and a cultural center to hold the history and future of Akron.

The upcoming months will be full of events, exhibitions and activities to inspire and engage the city and people of Akron throughout the year and into the future. We look forward to visitors joining us during this exciting time to learn about our past and how to add to our destiny.

For events and exhibitions visit www.akronartmuseum.org or call the Akron Art Museum at 330-376-9185.

“We are proud to be among a very small group of museums in this country that are accredited by AAM,” notes Linda Conrad, President and Executive Director. “It is an acknowledgement of all the hard work by the board, staff and volunteers and shows that our commitment to excellence is unwavering.”

Being an accredited museum is a select group. Of the nation’s estimated 17,500 museums, 776 are currently accredited. Stan Hywet is one of only 25 museums accredited in the state of Ohio.

Stan Hywet was initially accredited in 2000. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.  “By achieving re-accreditation, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has again demonstrated that it not only meets, but far exceeds the highest standards for U.S. museums,” said AAM president Ford W. Bell. “This museum embodies excellence, in all that it does, and is a jewel in the crown of Akron’s museum community.”

For more information visit www.stanhywet.org or call Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens at 330-315-3294.

By Chrissy Coe Lopossy

Most would not associate the words “temporary” and “light” with visual arts and landscape. Unmonumental Landscape, an exhibit at Summit Artspace January 20–February 25, does just this.  Coe Lapossy, Sommer Tolan, Chelsea Blackerby and Debra DeGregorio offer their unique perspectives on ethereal landscape art through three-dimensional installations, drawings and paintings.

The overriding theme of the exhibition is understanding one’s place in the contemporary world.  The artists were brought together by Debra DeGregorio, a Kent State University BFA graduate who recently returned to Akron from attending graduate school in New York.  She said the show also illustrates a current trend in art world of creating works that are more ethereal or temporary. The show runs until February 25, 2012. For information call the Akron Area Arts Alliance at 330-376-8480.

The upcoming months will be full of events, exhibitions and activities to inspire and engage the city and people of Akron throughout the year and into the future. Don’t miss out on taking part in this celebration. Visit www.akronartmuseum.org for events and exhibitions or call the Akron Art Museum at 330-376-9185.

Wednesday, January 25 11:30 am  The University of Akron Martin Center — 105 Fir Hill Street

Guest Speaker

Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson

Executive Director of University Park Alliance

“The Role of Creative Arts and Organic Culture as a Driver in Creating

a Competitive 21st Century Community”

Under the leadership of Eric Anthony Johnson, University Park Alliance has developed a master plan to redevelop a 50-block area that will essentially create a new center for Akron.  City leaders have joined the effort to dramatically reshape downtown near The University of Akron.  The plans extend much further than what is currently called the University Park neighborhood.  The project aims to revive the 50-blocks into a mixed-use and vibrant area, leveraging the university and other major institutional employers to revitalize the heart of downtown.  The development is aimed to start next spring and run up to 2030.

Although we have seen several articles and maps in the Beacon Journal describing these ambitious plans, we have not heard where our arts and cultural assets fit in.  This is our opportunity to learn more about the project and how Dr. Johnson views our role.  This would be an excellent program to invite board members and guests to attend.  You can learn more about the UPA project at http://video.westernreservepublicmedia.org/video/2048032269/

Make lunch reservations today by sending a check for $18 to:

AAAA

140 East Market Street

Akron, Ohio 44308

For credit card reservations, call AAAA Assistant to the Director

Rachael Hinton at 330-376-8480

Lunch reservation and payment deadline is Thursday, January 19. 

For seating purposes, people attending but not eating lunch should also respond

by this date by emailing rhinton@akronareaarts.org or calling 330-376-8480.

We cannot take money at the door on the day of the luncheon.

We are seeking professionals in the Creative sector, including but not limited to:

• Advertising agencies
• Graphic designers
• Video & film production
• Website design & videos
• Fashion industry
• Interior design firms
• Architects
• Writers
• Musicians & ensembles
• Artist/Performer representation/Agencies
• Non-profit arts and cultural organizations
• Landscape architects
• Photography