For the first time, GAR Foundation is sponsoring and hosting a community art show, featuring the work of Akron artists. The selection process for this year’s show sought to demonstrate the impressive range of talent possessed by local artists whose work embodies the theme of community. The launch of this show is to not only increase public awareness of Akron’s fine art professionals, both in the city and in the state of Ohio, but also to reveal the art that lives in the city—from your local baker, mother, nurse, teacher, or banker—all the time.
The inaugural GAR Foundation Community Art Show is a survey of artwork from East Ave Market & Gallery and features 29 pieces of work from Akron artists who are as diverse as the media they use to express themselves. These talented artists use an array of materials in their work, ranging from acrylic paint to reclaimed maple flooring to plaster. These 16 artists will have their work on display at the Andrew Jackson House until the close of the show on November 11, 2022.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Charlee Harris is the Creative Director of the East Ave Market & Gallery. Her passion for the arts led her to work behind the scenes in the art world. She has worked in the education department at the Cleveland Museum of Art and has served as a studio assistant to local artists, helping them operationalize the business of their art. Her expertise led her to launch the East Ave Market & Gallery that not only brings diverse art to the Kenmore neighborhood but also provides local artists an opportunity to exhibit their work and local artisans a place to sell their products. Charlee serves the community through advocacy and helping others build their own table outside of the status quo. She works to showcase artists, businesses, entrepreneurs, and natural environments as a writer for The Kenmore Connection and CAN Journal publications. She most looks forward to diversifying arts by being a core member of the Akron Black Artist Guild, continuing to mentor local artists and artisans, and by collaborating with other organizations that could help further advance the skill sets and visibility of local artists and artisans.
CURATOR REFLECTIONS
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with GAR Foundation to present this newly structured community art show, giving artists the opportunity to show their work in the beautiful Andrew Jackson House. In early talks, we decided the theme of the show would be community. Community can be defined as a unified body of individuals, and as I met with different artists about the show, I asked them what community means to them, more specifically the community of Akron. The responses were just as diverse as the artists selected to present. Some talked about the feelings of home and family, while others spoke about community leaders and issues within Akron. The common thread that unites the artists selected is that they have, in some way, contributed to the Akron community. It was also important to me to select artists at different stages in their careers because I believe a community thrives when established veterans can teach new ones, and there is great value in what new artists can teach the veterans. When I started this journey, I had a list of about 50 artists. From that list, 16 were selected. I’m truly proud of the body of work chosen, and I hope the staff and visitors enjoy viewing it as they work to make the Akron community a better place.
Digital representation of the art displayed at Andrew Jackson House will be displayed here. To inquire about the availability of an artist’s work, email kwentz@garfdn.org or call (330) 576-2916.
https://garfoundation.org/engage/annual-art-show/