Give yourself and your business a jump start in the New Year with a new location!  SUMMIT ARTSPACE, 140 E. Market Street, Akron, is leasing affordable collaborative office space on its 2nd floor.  Targeted for creative professionals, features include elegant conference rooms in the historic Knight Conference Suite, kitchenette & break room, copier, work room, free parking and event space on the same floor.  Be inspired and energized by working alongside others who are involved with creative endeavors including artists and non-profit arts organizations.  If you or someone you know is looking to take their business to the next stage – have them contact dwatt@akronareaarts.org for a tour and more information!

We are seeking professionals in the Creative sector, including but not limited to:

• Advertising agencies
• Graphic designers
• Video & film production
• Website design & videos
• Fashion industry
• Interior design firms
• Architects
• Writers
• Musicians & ensembles
• Artist/Performer representation/Agencies
• Non-profit arts and cultural organizations
• Landscape architects
• Photography

Arts Alliance Director Announces Retirement

(Akron) – Jessie Raynor, director of the Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA), announced today that she plans to retire from her post by June 30, 2012.

“I’ve been at the helm of the arts alliance for the past 12 years, and I’m very proud of its growth and accomplishments,” Raynor said.  “But, first and foremost, the alliance is and will continue to be a collaboration with shared credit for our significant impact and progress.”

AAAA celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this month. The organization was established in 1991 by 12 organizations to encourage cooperation and understanding among the area’s arts and culture groups.

A resident of Silver Lake, Raynor became AAAA director in September 1999 when the non-profit advocacy group opened its first office on Bowery Street and had a membership of 20 organizations and 8 individuals.

Today AAAA members include 160 people representing 48 organizations, artists and arts supporters.  Its offices are housed in Summit Artspace, a project of AAAA in partnership with Summit County government, which is located in a historic downtown Akron building at 140 E. Market Street.  Summit Artspace features three floors of arts activities including two galleries, six artist studios, classrooms, performance/event space and the Creative Business Center, an affordable, shared office environment for emerging arts businesses.

“Jessie Raynor has done an incredible job, and we will miss her excellent leadership,” said AAAA President Margo Snider. “She has worked tirelessly and effectively to help AAAA promote the value of a strong, diverse and vibrant arts and culture community to the economic well-being and quality of life in our area.”

According to Snider, AAAA will begin a national search in January for its next director.

Jazz pianist Joe Augustine, artist-in-residence at The University of Akron School of Music, has released a new CD in time for holiday gift giving.

“Remembering You” was written entirely by Augustine, and many of the 13 songs are dedicated to friends of the UA School of Music. For example, “Sassy Sally” is dedicated to Sally and Bob Syme and “Inspired” is dedicated to Guy and Renee Pipitone. “Reminisce” is dedicated to the late UA President Emeritus Dominic Guzzetta and “License to Groove” is dedicated to Ed and Fran Bittle. “Zip It” celebrates Zippy, the UA mascot.

In addition to teaching and performing at the UA School of Music, Augustine has a key role in the school’s All-Steinway Piano Campaign. Achieving an All-Steinway designation — meaning that all of its 83 pianos are manufactured by Steinway — is a major fundraising initiative for the UA School of Music. The school has produced “Remembering You” to help generate support for the campaign. To learn more about the All-Steinway Campaign, visit www.uakron.edu/steinway.

Augustine is also a Steinway Artist, which means that he is a member of the renowned piano company’s worldwide roster. Members of that elite group include such music legends as Irving Berlin, Harry Connick Jr., Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Vladimir Horowitz, Diana Krall, and Igor Stravinsky.

“Remembering You” is $15 plus shipping. To order, call 330-972-8301 or e-mail concerts@uakron.edu.

Discover Downtown Akron Passports are on sale now through Downtown Akron Partnership. For only $15, sample a variety of arts, culture and entertainment in Downtown Akron through May 2012. To purchase or for more information on the Downtown Akron Passport visit www.downtownakron.com/passport or call Downtown Akron Partnership at 330-374-7676.