Release Date: August 27,2026
Akron History Center Hosts Akron Society of Artists 95th Anniversary Exhibit
August 26, 2026, Akron, Ohio — The Akron History Center will celebrate almost a century of accomplishments by Akron artists, with a special exhibit September 2 - 30.
The Akron Society of Artists (ASA) is celebrating 95 years of artistic heritage during the month of September with a display that salutes notable ASA members. Since 1931, local artists have gathered to learn, create and grow. The Akron Society of Artists is one of Ohio’s oldest art organizations and serves artists of all ages and stages of development – from novice to professional. A reception for ASA members will be held Thursday, September 10th from 5 pm - 7 pm.
Among the early leaders of ASA is Russell Colley, a talented watercolorist, silversmith who served as president of the organization. A mechanical engineer, Colley designed the first high-altitude space suit for aviator Wiley Post in 1934. He designed and BF Goodrich produced for Project Mercury the aluminized nylon and rubber suits that would inflate in an emergency to provide astronauts with an artificial environment. The custom-tailored suit was worn by Alan Shepard on his 1962 sub orbital flight, and John Glenn wore it on his orbital mission later that year. On display at the History Center is a miniaturized model wearing the space suit created for Mercury 7 astronauts in 1958.It is on loan from the University of Akron Archives.
The Akron History Center, at 172 S. Main Street, is adjacent to the Akron Civic Theatre and is operated by the Akron-Summit County Public Library with assistance from the Summit County Historical Society. The museum opened in 2025 for the city’s Bicentennial and has hosted more than 8,500 visitors.
The Center is open to the public Wednesday - Saturday, 11 am – 2 pm and Sunday, September 13, 1 pm – 4 pm. Admission is always free.
For more information, go to www.akronhistorycenter.org.
Contact the ASA at: Akronsocietyofartists@gmail.com