Akron Art Museum

Exhibitions:the Museum promotes an awareness and interest in modern and contemporary Art by displaying, for the benefit of the community, significant objects of high artistic merit. The past year's major exhibitions included: retold: african american Art & folklore, michelangelo lovelace: Art saved my life, keith haring: against all odds, share the past, create the future: selections from the Akron Art Museum collection.retold: african american Art & folklore this exhibition features Art from the wesley and missy cochran collection and focuses on four themes: remembering: artists yearning for their ancestral homeland in africa; religion: artworks that demonstrate the complexity of african american faith-based practices from christianity to spirituality, orishas and voodoo; racialization: artworks retelling the struggles of african americans such as redlining, unemployment, mockery and lynching; and resistance: artworks depicting family connections, performing arts and "fighting the good fight." These four themes provide an extensive retelling of works by more than forty artists. This exhibition is organized by the Akron Art Museum and supported by funding from the john s. and james l. knight foundation, the Ohio arts council, the lehner family foundation, mary and dr. george l. demetros charitable trust, the john p. murphy foundation, and the kenneth calhoun charitable trust.michelangelo lovelace: Art saved my life a solo exhibition by cleveland artist michelangelo lovelace, whose works reminiscent of folk and outsider Art, offer a visual representation of life in america's inner cities. His vibrant paintings, drawings and dioramas capture the reality of urban life for poor black individuals. He depicted crime, drugs, poverty, and sin as well as community, compassion, progress and salvation. The title of the show comes from the words that lovelace used to describe the impact that creating Art had on the meaning of his life. This exhibition was made possible by the john s. and james l. knight foundation, the lehner family foundation, mary and dr. george l. demetros charitable trust, the john p. murphy foundation, and the kenneth l. calhoun charitable trust. This project was supported (in part) by the Ohio arts council, which receives support from the state of Ohio and the national endowment for the arts.keith haring: against all odds keith haring's vibrant and energetic Art has always grabbed attention. He first developed his signature style of lively linework in the early 1980's while making chalk drawings in the new york city subway. Now, more than 30 years after the artist's untimely death from aids-related complications in 1990, his unique imagery remains immediately recognizable. Keith haring: against all odds provides a sweeping overview of the height of the artist's career, with more than one hundred original objects made between 1980 and 1990. The exhibition highlights his commitments to Art and politics, as well as his relationships with artistic peers like jean-michel basquiat and andy warhol. This exhibition is organized by the rubell Museum and the Akron Art Museum and is presented by an anonymous donor, bruce and erica greer foundation, dana pulk dickinson, john p. murphy foundation, acme fresh market, Akron summit convention and visitor bureau, bo and pam mcmillen, ellen botnick in loving memory of lisa botnick and welty with support from john s. and james l. knight foundation, the lehner family foundation, mary and dr. george l. demetros charitable trust, and the kenneth l. calhoun charitable trust. Share the past, create the future: selections from the Akron Art Museum collection in celebration of the Akron Art Museum's centennial, the sandra l. and dennis b. haslinger family foundation gallery has been fully reinstalled for the first time since 2007. Each room in this section of the Museum is organized around a theme strongly represented in the collection. Some of the artworks have been shown frequently throughout the Museum's history, while others are being displayed for the very first time. Through this presentation, we aim to offer a more inclusive look at the embedded diversities within the history of Art. In organizing the collection by theme and not by historical period, we invite viewers to experience Art in a way that reflects the present day, a moment that is both troubled yet expansive. Other new exhibitions from this past year include the following:reflections bahareh and farzaneh safarani, together known as the safarani sisters, are twins who began painting at the age of thirteen in iran. The safarani sisters incorporate painting with video and performance Art. Their hybrid works are thought-provoking and transformative experiences that weave loose but striking narratives. Reflections is a 7-by-22-foot canvas with a projected video element displayed in the bud and susie rogers garden.a mirror within the depicted scene is brought to life by a video montage of a diverse group of akronites. The work celebrates the community's uniqueness, charm and beauty. Reflections was made possible by the john s. and james l. knight foundation with support from the Ohio arts council.locusts this exhibition is an interpretation of loss. Photographer, amanda d. king, used photography as a way to allow her family share in her experience as the sole visitor with her grandfather while he was in the hospital battling covid-19. In february 2021, her grandfather lost this fight. In this exhibition, spirituality plays a key part. The name of the show is taken from biblical scripture: "i will restore to you the years that the swarming locust hath eaten" (joel 2:25). King uses the connection of locusts as a biblical plague to the pandemic. Locusts was supported by the john s. and james l. knight foundation, the Ohio arts council, and mary and dr. george l. demetros charitable trust. Spirit & matter barbara stanczak's sculptures are born from an essential combination: the artist's creative vision and the natural qualities of her materials. This two-sided collaboration remains in effect throughout stanczak's entire process of conceiving and creating an artwork. A piece of wood or stone presents initial possibilities that help to set a direction, but invariably the course will change the substance may be so hard as to resist carving, or it may contain internal structures that must be accommodated. As the artists explains, "the material becomes a partner who needs my patience, respect, thoughtfulness, cooperation, skill and persistence." Marilyn stafford: a life in photography this exhibition offers visitors a view across several decades of the twentieth century as well as depictions of a wide range of people: celebrities, politicians, fashion models, artists, children playing on city streets, and war refugees. Stafford's photographic philosophy, "i understood there and then how photography could make a difference," is evident throughout the exhibition. This exhibition was the u.s. Debut of this artist's body of work. This exhibition was made possible by the john s. and james l. knight foundation, the lehner family foundation, mary and dr. george l. demetros charitable trust, the john p. murphy foundation, and the kenneth l. calhoun charitable trust. This project was supported (in part) by the Ohio arts council, which receives support from the state of Ohio and the national endowment for the arts.100 years of change as part of our continuing celebration of the Akron Art Museum's centennial, we have installed the isroff gallery with a distinct division down its center. One side features some of the first works to enter the Museum's collection, while the other side displays some of our most recent acquisitions. In the century that has unfolded since the Museum was founded in 1922, artistic trends, culture, and indeed the entire world have changed dramatically. 100 years of change offers a chance to take stock of where we have been and where we are now, as well as an opportunity to imagine where we might be in another hundred years. Land jam: two Ohio artists transform a Museum gallery into an immersive, colorful, sensory experience. Natalie lanese and andrea myers team up, each harnessing their dramatic use of color and scale to turn ordinary walls and floors into an unforgettable environment. While myers typically works in fabric and lanese in paint, they combine techniques and materials in this exhibition. Exhibitons and programming in the mary s. and david c. corbin foundation gallery are made possible with support from the mary s. and david c. corbin foundation with additional funding from the lehner family foundation, john p. murphy foundation, mary and dr. george demetros charitable trust, and the kenneth l. calhoun charitable trust.

Community outreach:museums for all: the Akron Art Museum is participating in the national museums for all program, an initiative of the institute of Museum and library services, and we offer a reduced admission rate to the galleries to any guest who presents their state-issued electronic benefits transfer (ebt) care upon arrival. At the Akron Art Museum, we believe that Art is for everyone. Because our mission is to enrich lives through modern and contemporary Art, we think everyone should have access to a creative life. We're continually working to make meaningful Art experiences available to everyone we engage with. By joining the national museums for all program, we hope to offer expanded access to Art experiences and better serve underrepresented members of our community.akron Art library:celebrating its fifth birthday in october, five new artworks have been added to the collection of original artworks in a variety of mediums created by local, regional and international artists. Any Ohio resident with a library card is eligible to check out artworks from the akron-summit county public library and participating branches. Presented in partnership with the akron-summit county public library and the generous support from the huntington-akron foundation. This year, the Museum celebrate's the program's fifth anniversary and has added five new artworks.art connects: an off-site/on-site multi-modal community engagement program. Attending fairs, festivals, farmer's markets and other events displaying large-scale reproductions of artworks on loan to the Museum thanks to the Art bridges collection loan partnership. During events, educators l interviewed community members about artworks and the audio has been installed in the galleries for guests to hear.coffee with the curator 1. Retold: african american Art and folklore: guest curator, dr. tameka ellington provides a sneak preview and behind-the-scenes details of the exhibition. 2. Keith haring: against all odds: curator dr. jeff katzin leads a conversation about the exhibition with additional focus on jean-michel basquiat, jenny holzer, andy warhol, and the other artists of 1980's new york featured in the show.3. Keith haring: against all odds: curator dr. jeff katzin leads a conversation about this exhibition with special attention given to the chalk drawings that haring created in new york city's subway stations during the 1980's.coffee with the artists -_1. Artist ron copeland and the Museum design team takes visitors through the process behind re-creating keith haring's famous pop shop as an education and reflection space.2. Coffee and conversation with artist barbara stanczak led by curator, dr. jeff katzin followed by a gallery visit to view the artist's work. 3. Marilyn stafford: a life in photography: lina clerke, daughter of the late artist marilyn stafford travels from england to present a deeper look into her cleveland-born mother's work. Coffee with the author 1. Kay haring, sister of keith haring, shares a picture book biography of her book, keith haring: the boy who just kept drawing, with young readers. Cocktails/coffee with the collection - 1. Keith haring: against all odds: curator dr. jeff katzin leads a happy hour and lively conversation about keith haring and the works currently on view.2. Marilyn stafford: a life in photography: join curator wendy earle for a closer look at this exhibition. 3. Michelangelo lovelace: Art saved my life: cocktails and a preview of the exhibition with senior curator dr. jeff katzin.4. Michelangelo lovelace: Art saved my life: senior curator dr. jeff katzin talks about the work of michelangelo lovelace, his practice and his legacy.5. Caring for your treasures: stephanie petcavage and benjamin lindner discuss about caring for your own collection at home plus what to look for when purchasing new Art for your own collection.art walk:every three months, artwalk is held in the historic arts district on friday nights from 5 9 p.m. community members are invited to the quarterly celebration to enjoy food, music, Art, and more. Each artwalk will have a specific theme that engages visitors with the arts in new ways. The Museum participates in each event and provides entertainment, art-making, and other participatory experiences.creative aging institute: a series of six (eight-session) Art making workshops for adults 55+. Workshops will all culminate in a public Art show event. The Museum will also develop and participate in anti-ageism professional development for Museum staff and local partners.the Akron Art Museum's workshop series will focus on materials and themes represented in the collection and special exhibitions. In each series, participants will explore the Museum's galleries and then put the themes into practice with studio sessions led by regional artists. Each series will culminate with a creative aging Art show and reception in the Museum's lobby, to which the participants can invite family and friends.exhibition related programming: designed for general audiences (primarily adults), these events aim at providing entertaining, educational, or enriching experiences tied to the artists, themes, and media of exhibitions on view. The frequency of these events is based on the exhibition calendar, but each large-scale exhibition will have several related events throughout the run of the show. Offerings range from art-making classes, demonstrations, gallery talks, panels, films, and more. Additional exhibition related events may be scheduled specifically for school or family audiences, led by staff who oversee those initiatives.north american first people's day celebration: the Museum's annual celebration to learn more about indigenous artists in the collection, participate in arts and crafts and learning about native plants in our garden.special performances:midwinter blues & other tunes this free, one-day celebration of music and community in Akron features musical acts, visual artists, and community partners all hailing from northeast Ohio. This year's one-day celebration will be hosted throughout the Museum for an evening of happenings right downtown. Add spark to the wintry skies outside. The day will include sand performances from poets, dancers, and artists alongside community partners such as elizabeth's bookshop and writing centre, the nightlight cinema and akron-summit county public library. This year will also feature california-based artist joanna keane lopez leading a performance alongside her work in state of the Art constructs. This event is made possible with support from acme fresh market, audio-technica u.s. inc. and clear gold audio & lighting. Media sponsorship is provided by 91.3 the summit.downtown at dusk in its 39th year, this series prides itself on featuring musicians with connections to northeast Ohio. This year's lineup hails from Akron, nashville, tn, kent and youngstown. There were four events performing jazz, rock, blues, storytelling and reggae music.

Education:the Museum has an active and engaged education department that offers activities throughout the year for children, families, and fellow educators. The education department aims to provide unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that bring participants joy, connection, and are relevant to their lives. For families:open studio and Art bar: a space designed for children and their grown-ups, this is the place to explore, discover, play and get messy. Open studio is open during all Museum open hours and is included with admission so visitors may use the resource on their own time. Inside you will find a treasure trove of materials and tools to create whatever your heart desires. Made possible by pnc with additional support from the kathy moses salem philanthropic fund of the Akron community foundation, mary s. and david c. corbin foundation, charles e. and mabel m. ritchie foundation, samuel reese willis foundation and the henry v. and frances w. christenson foundation.mess makers: learn, play and explore in creation stations designed with the messiest kids in mind. Each session is a new adventure with freedom to investigate various materials, techniques and textures. Registration required. Family days: six total drop-in style, free events for children of all ages (and their grown-ups). These large-scale events are generally organized in a way that invites families to move around and participate at their own pace. They take place primarily on sunday afternoons. Camp creative: camp creative is the Museum's offering for children in their families in the summer months. Camp creative offers themed Art exploration days at the Museum that focus on summer fun. Visitors enjoy guided artistic experiences as they create and play outdoors alongside an Art educator. Every two weeks, there are new materials and techniques to discover as guests sharpen their creative skills by making messes and working together to solve artistic problems.after school open studio: leave your backpack at the door and hop into the studio for some creative fun. This monthly drop-in event for school-age students features a guided art-making experience based on different techniques or materials. For schools: in-person Museum tours: schools are invited to visit the Museum for free tours, during which students will explore the galleries and make connections with Art, artists, their communities, and themselves. Aam tours are engaging, participatory, shared experiences that compliment and reach beyond what students are learning in the classroom. Digital, pre-recorded tours: four different, thematic tours are offered for use by teachers or families. There are separate tours of each topic for elementary, middle, and high school age groups. Each tour lasts approximately 15 minutes and covers three to four artworks. Four per grade. Live virtual tours: for teachers/schools who are able and interested, a limited number of time slots for live, virtual tours will be offered. During these events, an educator will lead a tour of the galleries and answer questions from participants in real time. Night at the Museum student Art shows: the Museum will host student Art shows for the 2023 2024 school year. Student Art shows take place during select thursday community nights from 5 8 pm, when admission is free and open to the public.essential experiences collaboration with aps and gar: through this initiative, all (1,700+) Akron public school fourth grade students will visit the Akron Art Museum to participate in an experience designed to meet their specific academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs. The program's theme is "artist as inventor". Students will visit the collection and special exhibition galleries, investigating three ways in which artists act as inventors. They will search for how artists invent: new ways of seeing the world new ways of using materials new ways of solving problemsthey will then become artists/inventors themselves through a guided studio experience in which they solve a problem through creating. This approach prioritizes fostering the development of 21st century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through viewing and creating artwork in a community setting.for teachers: educator resources: in addition to their own resources, the Museum's education department has curated a quality selection of offerings from other museums, artists, illustrators, and organizations, which educators can access as links and send to students' families. Teacher professional development: for the 2023-24 school year, the Museum will continue to offer on-site and online resources for teachers. The updated educator page of the Museum's website is a one-stop resource for all digital offerings such as lesson plans, digital tours, and video content. 2023-2024 school year teacher events will include a teacher resource fair, the annual teach talk storytelling/sharing event, and a teacher exhibition and event in the Museum's lobby, artists who teach.studio lesson plans: a variety of art-making lessons with included instructions, supply lists, and photos are available for all age groups. Each lesson connects to a work or works in the Museum's collection.