From June 19 through August 1, Summit Artspace Gallery will present Figuratively Speaking, an exhibition of paintings, sculpture and textiles that explore elements of the human form. Featured artists are Rachel Gentner, Bonnie Stipe, Charles Szabla and Ron White.
The public is invited to a free meet-the-artists reception on Friday, June 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Wadsworth artist Rachel Gentner graduated this spring from the University of Akron with a MS in art education. She also has a BFA in painting and drawing. For her exploration of the human figure, Gentner uses latex, acrylic, oil, paper, felt, gold leaf, electrical tape and wax. Another UA graduate, Bonnie Stipe has degrees in painting, drawing and art education. Her work is concerned with beauty beyond the idealistic human body. Her interest is in the imperfections - the folds, wrinkles and weight that can cause uneasiness. She will be debuting new wall hangings that allude to body and flesh through twists of fabric and form. Bath artist Charles Szabla graduated from Cleveland Institute of Art in 1981. His pastel drawings, which often take on an abstract quality, are based on small details of the nude figure. They encourage the viewer to look at things in a more focused and unconventional manner. West Akron artist Ron White, who works in clay and on paper, considers his more classic human figures as depictions of moments in time that mark events or personal space.
During the show, there will be three free Saturday workshops from 1 to 3 pm. Designed for beginners and experienced participants, these hands-on events give people a chance to explore their personal creativity. Registration is by emailing psargent@neo.rr.com.
June 19 - Portrait Sculpting with Ron White
June 26 - Mixed Media Painting with Rachel Gentner
July 10 – Drawing with Thread with Bonnie Stipe
A project of the Akron Area Arts Alliance in cooperation with Summit County government, Summit Artspace is located at 140 E. Market Street, one block east of the Akron Art Museum. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m. Figuratively Speaking will also be open August 1 from noon to 5 p.m. for Sunday Sampler, an art walk with the Akron Art Museum and Akron-Summit Public Library. Admission and parking are free.
The Arts Alliance is a non-profit advocacy group that promotes the value of a strong, diverse and vibrant arts and culture community for Greater Akron. Its membership includes 49 organizations plus 70 artists and arts supporters. It is supported by the Akron Community Foundation, Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, Welty Family Foundation, Corbin Foundation and Ohio Arts Council.
