Release Date: October 9,2025
Staple Art Exhibition Returns for Akron’s Bicentennial
Guild marks its fourth annual exhibition with awards, new works, and a film premiere.
AKRON, OH (October 8, 2025) — The Akron Black Artist Guild (ABAG) will launch its fourth annual Outlined in Black Exhibition with an opening reception on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Akron Soul Train, 191 South Main Street. The event marks the start of Exhibition Weekend, a two-day celebration of artistry and community presented in partnership with Akron200 and The Nightlight Cinema as part of the city’s Bicentennial.
Since its debut in 2021, Outlined in Black has become ABAG’s signature program, uplifting Black artistry across Akron and Northeast Ohio. The exhibition features bold, soulful works spanning visual art, performance, and storytelling—offering the community a chance to gather, connect, and celebrate creative excellence.
This year’s program will also honor outstanding contributions to Akron’s creative ecosystem with ABAG Artist Awards:
- Mark Greer, Executive Director, Akron200 — Artist Advocate Award
- Justin Chenault, Executive Director, North Hill CDC — Creative Placemaking Award
- Michael Boyd Roman, Artist — Visual Artist Award
“This exhibition has become a staple and highlight within our artist community, and we’re proud to expand it into a full weekend,” said Dara Harper, ABAG Co-Founder and President. “Both the exhibition and the film premiere show the power of artistry in Akron—rooted in culture, vulnerability, and joy.”
Day Two: Film Premiere at The Nightlight
Exhibition Weekend continues with the premiere of Our Eyes See the Sun on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 4:15 PM at The Nightlight Cinema, 30 North High Street. Directed by ABAG President Dara Harper, the original documentary profiles BIPOC artists as they create work anchored in story, culture, and triumph.
Following the screening, audience members are invited to join a live talk-back moderated by Justin Chenault, featuring artists highlighted in the film.
Registration
Both events are free and open to the public.
Reserve tickets here: Exhibition Weekend Registration
About ABAG
The Akron Black Artist Guild (ABAG) is a 501(c)(3) network of Black artists across disciplines. Founded in 2021, ABAG builds community by connecting artists to opportunities, resources, and education. Its signature programs include the Outlined in Black Exhibition, Creative Exchange Summit, Write Strong, and the Art + Park Collective. Through mentorship, visibility, and collaboration, ABAG champions equity, excellence, and belonging in Akron’s creative ecosystem.