Button Art Created by Local Artist Donald E. Peoples Showcases Fun in Downtown All Year Long
The holiday season has officially started and 2012 is just around the corner! Make plans for New Year’s Eve and join the fun in Downtown Akron! Now celebrating its 16th year, First Night Akron is a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other. This family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts includes 10 venues filled with more than 80 music, dance, theater, interactive and visual art performances and projects for all ages! On Saturday, December 31, from 6 p.m. - midnight, enjoy entertainment and fun throughout Downtown Akron at an accessible, inviting admission price. Admission buttons go on sale Friday, November 25 at a variety of locations throughout the community and online at www.firstnightakron.org.
First Night Akron 2012 Button Art
Downtown Akron Partnership is pleased to unveil the First Night Akron 2012 artwork that thousands of revelers will wear as their admission button to the event on New Year’s Eve.
The First Night Akron 2012 button artist, chosen by a committee of previous button artists, is Donald E. Peoples, a graphic designer, cartoonist and photographer. Peoples works as a graphic artist for the Akron-Summit County Public Library, is a National Cartoonists Society member, and is also a founding Board of Directors member of the ToonSeum, a museum of cartoon art in Pittsburgh, PA.
“I wanted to show a variety of people and the events they enjoy. Not only are my New Year’s Eve revelers having fun, but they also illustrate that Downtown Akron is an active district throughout the year,” Peoples stated.
Peoples also stated, “The use of bold lettering and bright colors reflects the bold visions and bright future I believe Akron has.”
Peoples counts television and motion picture animation, newspaper comic strips, editorial cartoons, and the photography of Ansel Adams and Walker Evans as artistic influences. His drawings and photographs have been displayed in exhibitions across Northeast Ohio and audiences throughout the region have enjoyed his presentations on the art of cartooning.
First Night Akron 2012 is a Celebration of Downtown Akron!
With each passing year, Downtown becomes a more valuable and vibrant destination – which is cause for celebration! This year, First Night Akron 2012 encourages the discovery of Downtown by providing visitors with meaningful experiences and that relate to Downtown year round.
Discover PNC’s Grow Up Great at the Shoppes at Akron Centre
Enjoy this child-oriented venue that highlights PNC’s national and local Grow Up Great efforts through the art of imaginative play! Make and take money jars with PNC’s For You, For Me, For Later station. Learn about making strong choices with the Illusion Factory in Huck Finn’s Story. Build and play in your own Step2 “kiddie city,” imagine what you want to be when you grow up with Let’s Face it Caricatures and add some zing to your First Night attire with Pat Catan’s Mask Making, Braids and Beads and Get Painted Temp Tattoos!
Hall of Resolution
Connect with local services and vendors to help you keep your resolution at the Hall of Resolution! Whether you want to lose weight, learn a new skill, get organized, get healthy or just explore the possibilities of getting support for a life changing goal, you’ll be able to find something to meet your needs in the Hall of Resolution!
Explore Downtown on your Mobile Phone with QR Codes!
Follow QR codes throughout the First Night footprint and in your Event Guide to connect to and discover the exciting places and happenings in your Downtown neighborhood!
Admission Button Sales Locations
First Night Akron 2012 admission buttons are $10 and children under 10 are admitted FREE when accompanied by a button-wearing adult. Buttons go on sale Friday, November 25 at the following locations: Acme Fresh Markets, participating FirstMerit Bank branches, Actors’ Summit Theater, the Akron Beacon Journal Customer Service Desk, Carolyn’s Cupboard in Wadsworth, The Library Shop on Main, Lock 3, Sage Left Boutique at the Akron Civic Theatre, online at www.firstnightakron.org. On December 31, admission buttons will be available for purchase at Stage Left Boutique at the Akron Civic Theatre and The Library Shop on Main in Downtown Akron.
Don’t Let First Night Be Your Only Night In Downtown Akron!
Add value to your First Night Button for only $5 more! Experience arts and culture in Downtown Akron through May 2012 for only $15. Events include exclusive tours, free admission to popular venues and events, train rides, ice skating and more! You’ll even get a free admission button to First Night Akron 2012 ($10 value) with the purchase of the Downtown Akron Passport! The Downtown Akron Passport has an actual value of over $180. Visit www.downtownakron.com/passport to purchase Downtown Akron Passports online or for a list of sales locations.
Let Us Be Your Guide to First Night with the Mobile Website
A new mobile-friendly version of the Downtown Akron Partnership website is available for your smart phone at m.downtownakron.com. The website is a one stop resource to connect visitors with a fun, safe and convenient visit in Downtown Akron. This New Year’s Eve the mobile website will put parking assistance, event listings, promotions, dining options and more in the palm of your hand!
First Night Akron is a program of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal & Ohio.com.
