What can I expect during my visit to Summit Artspace?
Our 55,000 square foot historic building is home to a mix of artist studios and galleries featuring all local artists from Summit and contiguous counties.
Our nearly 30 resident artists are permanent tenants in the building who create and sell work out of their spaces. If they are in their studios with the door open, feel free to chat with them about their artwork. Many of our studios are located on the 3rd floor–be sure to explore all floors during your visit!
Our five galleries feature solo and group exhibitions which change on a quarterly basis, so there is always something new to see. Be sure to grab an exhibition booklet to help guide your experience. Please keep in mind that four times a year, galleries may be closed while our team installs new exhibitions. You can check the exhibition dates on our website, but there are always resident artists to visit.
What are your hours?
Our new public hours are Fridays and Saturdays noon-5:00 p.m. Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter and follow us on social media for updates about extended hours and special events!
Summit Artspace is also open by appointment. Have a group that wants a tour of the exhibitions? Our staff is happy to show you around. Contact info@summitartspace.org to schedule a tour or to visit during off hours.
Go to the Artist Listing page to contact an artist for their availability in their studio.
Head to Know Before You Go for more information about your visit.
Where should I park?
Free parking is available behind the building in the lot off of Summit Street and across the street if there is overflow.
Is there a cost to visit?
No, there is not a fee to visit. Thanks to our partner Summit County, entrance to the building and all exhibitions is free during public hours.
We graciously accept donations at the door or online in lieu of an entry fee to help support our mission of resourcing local artists.
Some special events and programs may require a ticket price.
Can I purchase art?
Studio artists sell original artwork and other items out of their own studios; you can see the listing of the artists here.
Most art displayed in the exhibitions is for sale and can be purchased. To purchase, please see a volunteer at the gallery desks or contact a Summit Artspace staff member.
How do I become a resident artist?
Contact info@summitartspace.org to complete an application. Studios are typically full, but we welcome you to join our waitlist for when a studio opens up.
We also have cubicles available for rent in our Creative Business Center on the 2nd floor for arts-based organizations and business owners who need space for office work.
Leases are rented on an annual basis. Our rental rate is an affordable $10 per square foot, and a variety of studio sizes are available.
How do I show my artwork in an exhibition?
Summit Artspace galleries show a variety of juried, group, and solo shows. While a few exhibitions, like our Main Gallery solo exhibitions, are invite-only, most exhibitions are curated through calls for art. Check our Calls for Artists page, sign up for our email newsletters, and follow us on social media to stay up to date on exhibition opportunities.
Keep an eye out for these annual opportunities:
- Solo/ Group Exhibition Proposals– Call released in spring
- Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition– Call released in summer
- FRESH Call for Emerging Curators– Call released in summer
- FRESH Juried Exhibition– Call released in fall
- BIPOC+ Funded Exhibition– Call released in fall
Is Summit Artspace accessible?
Yes, all three floors of our building and entrance are accessible by wheelchairs with the use of ramps and elevators.
We have an array of mobility, assistive, and sensory devices to help make your visit more comfortable. Please request these and other accessibility needs to the greeter, or in advance of your visit by contacting info@summitspace.org, to ensure your needs are met.
On the first floor, you will find a sensory and quiet room to provide a calming environment for those who may need it during their visit.
Visit our Accessibility page for more information.
How does Summit Artspace support local artists?
Summit Artspace (SAS) is a nonprofit artist incubator that supports artists throughout every step of the creative process. Through its core programs, Summit Artspace resources artists working at all points in their careers and of all abilities. Summit Artspace's mission is focused on serving local artists living in Summit County and contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne).
Programs include:
- Affordable Studios – SAS provides low-cost studio rentals and work/event space for 30 resident artists and artist-supporting organizations.
- Exhibitions– SAS produces 25+ exhibitions annually that showcase local visual artists, which are accessible to the community in-person and virtually. SAS serves artists at all points of their careers through solo, group, and juried shows. Exhibitions rotate quarterly with 4-6 exhibitions on view at a time. Visit our Call for Artists page to learn about current exhibition opportunities.
- Professional Development Programs–SAS helps artists build sustainable careers and practices via workshops, events, and courses. SAS's 7-week Artist Launchpad provides foundational support to artists ready to use strategies and tools to gain self-sufficiency as working artists. Skill-building areas include goal setting, strategic planning, branding/marketing, and peer networking. Workshops provide artists with a deep dive into topics such as budgeting, valuing one's art, building an online presence, and writing/talking about artwork.
- Artist-Centered Public Events–SAS produces public programs that encourage robust and sustained exchange between the Northeast Ohio residents and Summit County artists. Outcomes include increased arts engagement, direct connections with local artists, and artwork sales. Events include Art After Hours, Artists Sunday, and the Arts Alive Awards.
- Fiscal Sponsorship–SAS helps independent artists and small arts groups apply for grants and solicit tax-deductible contributions through fiscal sponsorship. Most private foundations are unable to make grants directly to individuals or entities who do not have their own 501(c)(3) status, and fiscal sponsorship as a tool enables SAS to receive grants and distribute funds for the purposes of artist-based fiscally sponsored projects
Summit Artspace offers these programs for free or low cost to reduce barriers to access.
Need help in another way? Summit Artspace staff is here to help! Even if we don’t offer what you need, we may be able to help point you in the right direction. Our staff is integrated into the local artist-serving network and will try their best to help connect you to the resources you need. Contact info@summitartspace.org about what resources you’re seeking in the community.
How do I vend at Summit Artspace events?
Summit Artspace hosts vendors at some Art After Hours events and its annual Artists Sunday event. Check our Calls for Artists page, sign up for our email newsletters, and follow us on social media to stay up to date on vending opportunities.
Does Summit Artspace offer children’s classes?
No, Summit Artspace offers In-Studio, an immersive experiential learning opportunity for middle and high school students. Through this field trip, they will meet with working artists at various stages in their careers and participate in interactive dialogues with artists that encourage creative business literacy. Students will also learn about local and regional contemporary art trends by exploring our galleries and participating in fun activities along the way! Educators can learn more and book a tour at this link.
Does Summit Artspace offer event rentals?
Yes, Summit Artspace offers event rentals for mission aligned activities such as art-related events and nonprofit meetings. As a small team, we accept rentals on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to host personal events like baby showers or weddings. To inquire about rental options and rates, reach out to info@summitartspace.org.
How can I support Summit Artspace?
There are many ways to support our arts nonprofit! As grassroots community-based effort, your help is vital to ensuring we can carry out our mission of resourcing artists. Here is how you can help:
- Visit Often– Showing up for our artists is vital
- Spread the Word– Tell your network about us and share our posts on social media.
- Donate– Any amount is helpful, as we rely on your generosity to operate
- Volunteer– We need front desk greeters and event helpers
Thank you in advance for your help!
How can I stay up to date about what’s happening at Summit Artspace?
There are a few great ways to keep in touch with our news, events, exhibitions, and artist opportunities. You can check out our website often, but the best way to stay up to date is by email and social media.
Get updates straight to your inbox! Newsletters are sent out biweekly. Sign up for newsletters at this link.
You can also follow up on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn!
