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Release Date: December 18,2023

Akron Soul Train Unveils its 2024 Artists in Residence

December 17, 2023, Akron, OH – Akron Soul Train is thrilled to reveal the talented cohort of artists selected for its 2024 Artist Residency program. Now in its eighth year, the residency program will take place at the Akron Soul Train Gallery, situated at 191 S. Main Street, Akron, OH 44308, spanning from January to December 2024.

The 14 chosen artists represent a diverse range of disciplines and hail from various regions:

  • Davon Brantley: Painting (Cleveland)
  • Katie Butler: Painting (Akron)
  • Debora Totti Cranendonk: Theatre/Playwright (Akron)
  • Nico Cacho Flores: Poetry (Kent)
  • Earl O. James: Sculpture (Cleveland)
  • Matthew B. Kurtz: Performance/Video Artist (Akron)
  • Durrell LeGrair: Musician (Akron)
  • Melih Meric: Printmaking (Akron)
  • Crystal Miller: Painting (Cleveland)
  • Elyse Morckel and Denzel Washington: Dance/Film (Akron/Cleveland)
  • Sarah Paul: Video/Sound + Textile (Felting) (Cleveland)
  • Michael Boyd Roman: Painting (Oberlin)
  • Meagan Smith: Textiles (Cleveland)
  • Kayla Weinman: Ceramics (Akron)

The Akron Soul Train Selection Committee meticulously evaluated artists based on the innovativeness of their work proposals, the originality of their community engagement components, and the quality of their past work. This rigorous process ensures a rich cultural experience spanning a wide spectrum of the arts.

As part of their residency, artists will lead community engagement programs, facilitating meaningful discussions on topics such as black and cultural identity, mental health, humanity, politics, environmental issues, and storytelling. Both in-person and virtual programs are in the works to engage a broader audience.

In addition to the 14 residency proposals, Akron Soul Train has also selected two Emerging Artists for featured exhibitions in the upcoming year:

  • Alyssa Lizzini: Drawing (Cleveland)
  • Thomas Smith: Sculpture (Cleveland)

About Akron Soul Train:

Akron Soul Train is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Akron, Ohio. Through artist residencies, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives, Akron Soul Train provides resources and opportunities for artists to explore their creativity and contribute to the cultural fabric of our region.

For detailed information about Akron Soul Train's 2024 artists, please visitwww.akronsoultrain.org/air2024.

The Akron Soul Train Gallery, located at 191 King James Way, Akron, OH, welcomes visitors during exhibitions from Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For more information please contact Pita Brooks, Executive Director at pita@akronsoultrain.org.