Akron Arts
Through the arts, people are able to transcend their closed mindedness and develop a deeper appreciation for creativity and for life. My cousin, Will Petit, and I are immersing ourselves into Akron's art world for our independent study. We are educating ourselves on the various opportunities available in Akron to learn more about the arts, the many talented Akron artists, and the unique expos, fairs, and the programs integrated by the Akron Art Museum into our community. Through research, we will illustrate how the arts attract and retain talent, and improve Akron.
What We Have Taken Away from Our Research
Throughout our research, a reoccurring theme has been prevalent: in order to attract and retain talent to Akron through the arts, Akron must welcome the younger generations of artists, culture their talents, and involve the community. During our interviewing process, Mr. Kraus, Mrs. Troutman, and Roza all touched on these same points. This past Summer, I developed a newfound love and appreciation for the arts, and I was very excited to have the arts as my topic for our independent study. I felt that the community was not exposed to much of the arts. However, I was proved wrong in conducting my independent study, and I came to learn that Akron is a powerhouse for artists. For example, in Highland Square, it's hard to travel more than a block without spying some painting or other form of art, whether it be a piece from InsideOut, a product of Mr. Kraus and Mr. Horringer's company 'Retread Akron', or a project completed by the students of the Myers School of Art. With these the brilliant ideas to involve the community through InsideOut, ProchRockr, and Square Fest, young artists and students being granted opportunities to showcase their talents in the Akron community, and schools with art programs passionate about cultivating the talents of artists, Akron can transform itself into an art-loving/appreciating hub. Roza said something that has really resonated with me: art is for everyone; art can teach us many things about life. I truly believe that art touches our lives in a variety of ways. By welcoming new artists, showcasing expos as we currently do, continuing to involve the community, and continuing to cultivate the talents of young artists in local schools such as Miller South, Firestone, along with many other non-performing arts schools, Akron will attract new faces and retain the old.
Independent Study Comic
Pictured below is my independent study comic. The humor of it touches on the fact that not many people are educated about the Akron Art Museum and the role the arts play here in Akron.
Interviews:
Interview #1: With Mr. Kraus
Interview with Mr. Kraus-a local artist and entrepreneur of Akron Arts, and an art teacher here at Hoban.
Interview with Mrs. Troutman
A Hoban mother of sophomore, Bella Troutman, and professor at the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron, interviewing Janice provided us with great insight. She has taught in the Myers School of Art at The University of Akron since l989, and currently holds the rank of professor there. She is newly the director of the Graphic Designs department, and gave us a totally awesome tour of the school. Although I am not a very good artist, I feel impelled to look into their programs-it's a beautiful school.
Interview with Roza
We were fortunate enough to be able to interview Roza Maille, one of the creative minds in executing Akron's InsideOut. Roza told us that the program for Akron was derived from a similar idea in Detroit, which both meet an end goal of allowing the community to appreciate the arts and to not feel afraid or intimidated to walk into an art museum: they bring the art out into the community! The arts intertwine the diverse communities and ethnicities of Akron into one, and allow us to appreciate the diverse backgrounds from which we come.
We were also fortunate enough to interview with the Art Museum's educational director. She shared with us the programs such as Art babes, children's art classes, family art classes and more which help develop young minds in the appreciation of art. Art Babes works as a stepping stone in developing the senses of babies, and exposing them to colors, and shapes. The children's art programs provide hands on activities for the children to partake in, and the family programs invite
We were also fortunate enough to interview with the Art Museum's educational director. She shared with us the programs such as Art babes, children's art classes, family art classes and more which help develop young minds in the appreciation of art. Art Babes works as a stepping stone in developing the senses of babies, and exposing them to colors, and shapes. The children's art programs provide hands on activities for the children to partake in, and the family programs invite
Articles and Resources:
InsideOut Akron
InsideOut is a program which integrates replicas of famous paintings/pieces of art and displays them throughout the community.
ArtsNow
'ArtsNow' is a new organization that works to connect arts, culture, and community in Summit County. The organization will help build our local arts and culture sector, making connections among residents, the local arts industry, nonprofits and businesses, among others. The organization is a product of the 2014 Summit County Arts & Culture Initiative which resulted from a study by GAR and Knight foundations, and has hired Nicole Mullet as its executive Director. The organization's first major project is a countrywide, interactive website which will feature arts and cultural happenings occurring throughout Summit County, from art shows and concerts to dance recitals and church choir programs. The website will include a directory of artists living and working in Summit County.
Nicole Mullet: A New Face to ArtsNow
Mullet is a longtime Akronite who began her career as a middle school teacher. She comes to ArtsNow from the University of Akron, where she has worked most recently as director of tech prep for the College of Applied Science and Technology. She involves herself in several civic groups, including Torchbearers, Better Block Akron, the Greater Akron Chamber's committee for the YP Summit and Project Learn of Summit County. She received bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Akron.
The Creation of ArtsNow
The comprehensive study that brought about the creation of 'ArtsNow'
Highland Square: Square Fest and PorchRockr
Each year Highland Square hosts Square Fest, a family friendly festival that celebrates and showcases the diverse neighborhood of Highland Square, featuring visual artists, live performances, interactive children's activities, street performers, community booths and area business interaction. Admission is free!
PorchRockr- A fest inviting bystanders to enjoy music and artists to perform and showcase their talents and abilities to the community. Music, a form of art, provides the community with sounds and tunes to bond over.