On Saturday February 6th, Akron’s Downtown and Northside neighborhoods will come alive with the unique and enjoyable monthly Artwalk just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Participating artists and galleries feature one-of-a-kind art and collectibles available for purchase as well as art openings, gallery shows, demonstrations and interactive art. “The Artwalk is a truly accessible experience; it’s a perfect night for families with small children or teens, a fabulous romantic night out, a great time with friends or a wonderful adventure alone. The artists and galleries are welcoming to people of all ages and all levels of artistic knowledge and experience,” said Suzie Graham, coordinator of Arts and Children’s Programs for the City of Akron.
Making up the Monthly Artwalk route are more than 20 creative spaces that span the Northside district and carry over into the heart of Downtown Akron. The term “walk” is used loosely as “artwalkers” can enjoy riding from destination to destination on a trolley provided by the City of Akron.
Akron Glassworks
The Northside area includes not-to-be missed destinations like the Akron Glassworks and Millworks Gallery. Glassworks offers amazing glassblowing demonstrations throughout the night and this Saturday presents a unique hands-on opportunity earlier in the day. Akron Glass Works holds glass blowing workshops February through April, including one on the 6th with limited space still available. You can make your own ornaments, Valentine paperweights, birds, eggs, marbles, and Mother’s Day flowers for $45 per person. No experience is necessary, but children 15 years or older must be accompanied by an adult. Registration and payment are required to reserve your spot,” says Sandy Holata of Akron Glassworks. Contact Sandy at Akron Glassworks or go to http://www.akronglassworks.com.
Red Light Galleries
The Northside also houses the Red Light Galleries that will host make-and-take art during the artwalk. A favorite stop at the Northside area is the 43 Furnace Street complex which encompasses Kathleen Lucas-Walls studio, a “re-designer” of vintage jewelry and accessories, painter Chris Klassen, and the fabulous Zeber-Martell Ceramic Art Studio.
Occasionally, the Artwalk artists spice up the evening festivities by offering a piece of art that may be won by collecting stamps at various artwalk locations. For February, artists Michael Martell and Claudia Zeber-Martell have donated “Red Hot for Valentine’s Day” an eight-inch, handmade, earthenware, square plate that comes with a large, red, scented pillar candle. To enter to win, artwalkers collect stamps on their trolley/artwalk map as they visit the various locations. Maps are turned in to the trolley driver, and a drawing is held at the end of the evening to award the prize. Stop in to Zeber-Martell studio to see the art and meet the artists themselves.
“Red Hot for Valentine’s Day” by Michael Martell and Claudia Zeber-Martell. Paired with the beautiful art will be a set of two tickets to an Akron Symphony Concert courtesy of Jessie Raynor at the Akron Area Arts Alliance. The Alliance’s gallery space, Summit Artspace currently holds the Collage X 12 exhibition which can be viewed during the artwalk and through February 27. Upstairs in the Artspace building are studio spaces of Artists of Rubber City, the Akron Society of Artists, and Carolyn Lewis. Lewis will also hold a separate drawing for her book, Land & Light Workshop, Painting Mood & Atmosphere in Oils. The Icehouse complex situated between the Northside and Artspace stops is the literal home of textile artist Troy Myers as well as an additional exhibition space.
Akron’s arts district extends to High Street with purveyors of the best Akronite Attire, Rubber City Clothing and the We Gallery which include a fine art photography exhibition by artist J.W. Cooper as well as showcasing an interactive community art installation project with artist Emily Vigil. The We Gallery’s exhibition space blends into Uncorked Wine Bar, and adventuresome and curious artwalkers can wind their way through a stairwell or two and find themselves at Mocha Maiden, Musica and NOTO – an edgy, chic fashion boutique.
With so much to see and do, it is no surprise that the monthly artwalk is becoming one of the coolest nights out in Akron.
To best enjoy your artwalk experience, we recommend parking at Northside (Near Luigi’s), in the lot across from Summit Artspace, or in the High Street Parking Deck. Hop aboard the Red Trolley that circulates the route. Spaces are open 5-10 pm with hours fluctuating at each gallery. Visit the Downtown Akron Partnership’s website for additional information at www.downtownakron.com/artwalk.
