Since the Akron Area Arts Alliance established the Arts Alive! Awards in 2001, talented area artists been making unique, decorative and functional boxes for the Out-of-the-Box Auction held at this biennial fundraising event. These one-of-a-kind creations – constructed with everything from cloth, clay, metal, glass and wood -- have become highly collectible in the community. The public can view the boxes and start the auction bidding in a special Summit Artspace gallery show that opens with a meet-the-artists reception on Wednesday, October 26 from 5 to 7 pm.
Over 50 artistic interpretations of “what is a box” will be on display for only two weekends. Hours are noon to 5 pm October 27, 28, 29 and November 3 and 4. On November 5 the exhibition will be open noon to 9 pm for the Downtown Artwalk and November 6 from noon to 5 pm for the Sunday Sampler Artwalk.
“This is always one of our most popular gallery shows,” said gallery coordinator Joan Colbert. “As an artist, I love the challenge of creating something new and just a bit out there for this event.”
Located at 140 East Market Street, Summit Artspace Gallery is also showing the Akron Society of Artists’ 80th Anniversary Members Show through November 6. Admission and parking are free.
The Arts Alive! Awards will be held Sunday, November 20 at the Stage Door of The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall. Thirteen individuals and organizations will be honored for their outstanding work in the arts. They are:
Lifetime Achievement - P.J. Rogers
Outstanding Artist in Dance - Mia Klinger
Outstanding Artist in Music - Amy Barlowe
Outstanding Visual Artist - Barbara Gillette
Outstanding Artist in Theatre - James Slowiak
Rising Young Star/ Artist - Josh Rzepka
Rising Young Star/Leadership - Ben Rexroad
Volunteer Award - James Horvath
Patron Award - Roe Green
Outreach Award - Tuesday Musical Association
Business Award - PNC Bank Akron
Arts Educator Award - Patty Wyman, Old Trail School
Collaboration Award - County of Summit 9/11 Remembrance Art Project
Event sponsors are Brennan Family Foundation, Summa Foundation, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, FirstEnergy Foundation and EJ Thomas Hall.
People interested in attending Arts Alive! can receive an invitation by calling 330-376-8480. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment, the auction and awards presentation. Reservations start at $100 ($45 tax deductible) with proceeds going to the Arts Alliance, a non-profit advocacy group promoting the value of a strong, diverse and vibrant arts and culture community to Greater Akron.
