Release Date: December 22,2025
Akron Soul Train Announces 2026 Artists in Residence as the Organization Celebrates Its 10-Year Anniversary
December 22, 2025, Akron, OH — Akron Soul Train (AST) is proud to announce its 2026 Artists in Residence, marking a milestone year as the organization celebrates a decade of empowering artists, fostering dialogue, and enriching the cultural fabric of Akron. The 2026 cohort represents a dynamic group of emerging and established artists whose work spans diverse mediums, perspectives, and creative approaches.
Founded in 2016, Akron Soul Train has grown from a visionary idea into a cornerstone of the region’s arts ecosystem. Over the past ten years, AST has supported more than 100 artists through residency opportunities, exhibitions, professional development, and community-engaged programming. The residency program remains central to AST’s mission to provide time, resources, and visibility for artists to experiment, grow, and connect with the public.
Introducing the 2026 Artists in Residence
Akron Soul Train is honored to welcome the following artists into the 2026 residency cohort:
- Óskar Þór Arngrímsson: Musician/Sound Artist/Composer (Akron, OH)
- CJ Carter: Sculpture/Ceramics (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)
- Ron Copeland: Painting/Illustration/Installation (Newton Falls, OH)
- Jeff France: Musician/Video/Performance (Akron, OH)
- Kim Kapera: Photography/Mixed Media/Writing (Kent, OH)
- Josh Maxwell: Multimedia Sculptor/Installation (Cleveland, OH)
- Kristen Mimms Scavnicky: Design/Architecture/Installation (Akron, OH)
This cohort brings together a dynamic group of artists working across disciplines including ceramics, music, installation, photography, design, and painting. Their projects explore themes of identity, heritage, environmental awareness, and shared memory. Through innovative practices and public engagement, the artists encourage meaningful dialogue around community, tradition, and contemporary culture. Grounded in both personal experience and research-driven inquiry, their work invites audiences to reflect on social issues, honor diverse histories, and engage with the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.
A Decade of Impact
As AST enters its tenth year, the organization reflects proudly on a decade of service to artists across Northeast Ohio and beyond. Alumni have expanded their creative practices, exhibited nationally, launched new community initiatives, and contributed to Akron’s arts landscape in meaningful and lasting ways.
“Reaching our ten-year anniversary is both a celebration and a renewal of purpose,” said Colleen Suich, Executive Director. “Akron Soul Train was founded to uplift artists, and every year our residents remind us why this work matters. We’re honored to support the 2026 cohort as they continue this legacy of creativity and community connection.”
Looking Ahead
The 2026 residency season will align with a year-long celebration honoring Akron Soul Train’s first decade—including special exhibitions, alumni features, community events, and opportunities for supporters to help shape the next ten years of artist-centered programming.
About Akron Soul Train:
Akron Soul Train is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Akron, Ohio. Through artist residencies, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives, Akron Soul Train provides resources and opportunities for artists to explore their creativity and contribute to the cultural richness of the region.
For more information about Akron Soul Train's Artist Residency Program, visit akronsoultrain.org or contact info@akronsoultrain.org.