Experience a quarterly celebration of the arts featuring artist vendors, creative activities, music, food, and more throughout the Historic Arts District. Join us on Thursday, June 12, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. for an Akron Bicentennial themed ArtWalk! Admission is free and open to the public at participating venues.
Akron’s arts and culture scene is not merely a peripheral part of our history, but an integral component of the fabric of our community,” says Mark Greer, Executive Director of Akron200. “Local artists and creatives have always driven the spirit of innovation and creativity throughout our city, and we are excited to celebrate them in our bicentennial year through the ArtWalk this June.
Visitors to Summit Artspace will find a host of Akron Bicentennial-themed activities and more:
- Akron 200 will have an information table providing everything you’ll need to know about events happening in our city.
- The Summit County Historical Society of Akron will have information available about Akron’s rich history.
- The Akron-Summit County Public Library will be onsite with the Bookmobile and the Friends of the Main Library!
- Visitors are invited to create their own chalk masterpiece inspired by the city’s history outside on the sidewalk.
- Starfall Creative Collective will lead participants through the “What Akron Means to Me” Art Garden, a collaborative art activity where participants will decorate signs expressing their hopes and visions for Akron’s future, or memories of Akron’s past and what makes it home.
- A Quiet Room on Summit Artspace’s 2nd floor will offer a calming atmosphere and feature various Accessibility Library
- Raks BBQ, Metropolis Popcorn, Henry’s Creamery, and Happy Camper Lemonade will be onsite providing food and drinks during the evening.
As always, ArtWalk features opportunities for visitors to appreciate and purchase art and meet local artists:
- Spring exhibitions will be on view in Summit Artspace’s five galleries throughout the evening.
- Exhibiting artist Michael Marras will be stationed in the Betty and Howard Taylor Main Gallery leading a creature creation drawing activity inspired by his exhibition, The Bottom of Reality.
- Summit Artspace’s resident artists will open their studios to the public throughout the evening.
- Akron Bazaar and Summit DD artist vendors will sell handmade goods and artworks.
- Advocate Skate Works is a program that provides free skateboarding equipment and clinics across Ohio. They’ll have a pop-up skatepark with lessons, an art project led by professional artists, fun raffles, and some unique apparel. Stop by to skate, create, and learn more about their mission!
- Artists of Rubber City’s The Box Gallery located on the 3rd floor will feature the exhibition Form, Figure & Obeisance by Bradley Hart.
Nearby ArtWalk-related activities in and near the Main-Market Historic District also include:
The Green Dragon Inn, a medieval themed boardgame bar, will host an after ArtWalk party from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with delicious food, drinks, and plenty of fun games to play with friends! From their website, “Step into a welcoming haven where delectable bites meet crafted drinks—a unique bar and cafe where every visit promises a delightful blend of flavors and camaraderie.” Located at 15 E Market St. Akron, Ohio, across the street from Summit Artspace.
The Groundhog Show featuring 174 NE Ohio artists will be open to the public from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. join artists Em Tamulewicz & Celeste Stauber for a bring your own materials screen-printing activity and enjoy a performance by DJ Sissy Bunny! Located at 21 N. Main St, Akron, OH. For more info visit www.clappforart.com/ghs2025
Akron Art Museum will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during their free Thursday extended hours. The Museum is located at 1 S High St.
The Nightlight Cinema: For current movies and showtimes visit www.NightLightCinema.com. The Cinema is located at 30 N High St.
Akron Soul Train will be open and free of charge from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with exhibitions on view from artists Payton Burkhammer, Saloni Parekh, and Anna Young. During the ArtWalk they will host a FREE collage-making workshop open to all ages and skill levels. They’ll provide a wide variety of paper, magazines, and other materials to cut, shape, and glue into your own unique work of art, inspired by their artists on view. Akron Soul Train is located at 121 S. Main Street.
Curated Storefront invites the public to visit Clayton Bailey‘s World of Wonders from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Located in the Polsky Building at 225 South Main Street, admission is free. Several new exhibits are debuting as part of Curated Storefront’s rotating collection of murals, digital art, and art-filled storefronts, known as Akron’s Contemporary Arts District. View the Curated Storefront Google Map to learn more about the artists, and all 25 locations.
Northside District offers many unique places to dine, shop, and experience local art! To see everything the district has to offer, please visit their website.
