Artist Open House: Mix & Meet
Local artists working in all disciplines are invited to join us for Artist Open House: Mix & Meet on Saturday, October 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Meet fellow artists, business professionals, and organizations towards advancing their practice with information tables, private mentorship opportunities, and community building. Due to renovations happening throughout the Summit Artspace building, this event will take place at the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art located at 150 E Exchange St, Akron, OH 44325.
Registration is required to attend, and it operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. If the registration fee poses a barrier to your participation, please reach out to Anna Young by emailing her at anna@summitartspace.org.
Light refreshments will be available!
MIX & MEET 2025 Agenda
Take part in a Visual Art Critique led by Abby Cipar (they/them)! The critique’s informal format asks participants to center generosity and curiosity while providing insightful feedback to their peers. While the critique is in-session, movement and enthusiasm will be encouraged as we tend to one another’s practices and open new dialogues. We will begin by discussing what is directly in front of us, then see where the conversation carries us. The amount of time spent on each piece will be determined by the total number of attendees, and our time will be divided equally. All forms of visual art, in-progress or completed, are welcome, and easels and pedestals will be made available for displaying your work. A computer and projector will be present in the room for viewing digital media or images. So that we may be mindful and equitable, please limit yourself to offering a singular piece of art for discussion.
Local artist Nova Stewart will lead an interactive workshop, Mapping Your Art Ecosystem. Unlock hidden artist opportunities in Northeast Ohio! See the bigger picture of your artistic practice and tap into resources other artists are already using to succeed! Participants will chart a personal map of resources and opportunities, then collaborate in a collective resource swap to discover tools, organizations, and spaces around NE Ohio. Create an insider’s guide and leave inspired, connected, and ready to grow your practice.
2025 Speed Coaching Line-Up!
Established Artist
Althea Jones is a multidisciplinary artist based in Northeast Ohio, whose work centers on self-reflection and community building. Utilizing a diverse range of media, including painting, photography, and performance art, Althea creates narratives that encourage introspection and foster collective engagement.
Althea holds a BA in Justice Studies from Kent State University and is currently working towards receiving a BFA at the University of Akron. Her academic background in justice studies deeply informs her artistic practice, imbuing her work with a strong commitment to social justice and community empowerment. Through her art, Althea aims to bridge personal exploration with broader societal dialogues, creating spaces for connection and meaningful discourse.
Established Artist
Michael Marras is a sculpture artist who has been full time for 13 years. He has 9 public sculptures in north east Ohio and has been showing work at solo and group exhibitions since 2009 in Ohio, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami and New Orleans. He is currently working on small projects and getting back to his personal sculpture and experimenting with video work.
Arts Professional: Exhibitions
Arnold Tunstall is Director, University Art Galleries, Myers School of Art, at The University of Akron. Previously, Tunstall worked for the Akron Art Museum in various curatorial positions since 1985 and served as the Collections Manager and Registrar from 1994 – 2016. Tunstall has also been an active volunteer within the arts community for many years. His volunteer work includes projects with Waterloo Arts Center, Ohio Arts Council, ArtsNOW, Summit Art Space, and NCCAkron as well as service on the board of SPACES Gallery (2006-2020), and as a founding and current board member of Akron Soul Train.
He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Akron majoring in Graphic Design and Photography, he received his Master of Fine Arts in Photography from The Ohio University. He has been an adjunct instructor at the Myers School of Art since 1995, and the Arts Administration graduate program at The University of Akron since 2014. Tunstall is active throughout the region with curatorial projects and continues to create and exhibit his own photographic artwork.
Digital Communications
Nicole Kurtz is an artist and the founder of Aducate Digital. She’s known for her interactive workshops, where entrepreneurs learn by doing. Nicole teaches artists how to build and manage websites on WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. The result is a site that reflects their creative voice and supports their goals, without needing to be a tech expert.
During a one-on-one chat, Nicole can help you figure out what platform fits your needs, review your current website, or outline what to include if you’re starting from scratch. Learn more at AducateDigital.com.
Small Business Finance
Registration for coaching and breakout sessions will begin at 11:45 a.m. in person at the Myers School of Art and continue throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Community Building
Build community with other local artists, discover artist-serving organizations, and participate in brainstorming activities!
We will host resource tables from participating organizations: Akron Soul Train, Curated Storefront, Artists of Rubber City, and ArtsNow!
Past Mix & meet: 2024
Event Agenda:
Community building with other local artists, discover artist-serving organizations, and brainstorming activities | 3rd Floor Classroom
- Participating Organizations: Akron Soul Train, Artists of Rubber City, CATAC, and Curated Storefront
Speed Coaching with Professionals & Established Artists | 3rd Floor Event Space
- Professional Line-up: Ace Epps (Financial Management); Jeanine Black (Marketing Strategy); Kristen Dowey (Marketing Strategy); Tyron Hoisten (Digital Communications); Nicole Kurtz (Digital Communications & Website); Larry Tucker (Protecting Your Art: Insurance)
- Established Artist Line-up: Katie Butler (Visual); Josy Jones (Performing); Mike Marras (Visual)
- Arts Leaders Line-up: Grace Carter (Writing), Arnie Tunstall (Exhibitions)
Interactive Group Sessions | Forum Gallery & 2nd Floor Classroom
- Visual Art Critique Group led by Alexia Avdelas and Shannon Welsh at 12:30-2 p.m.
- Prioritizing Mental Health for Artists led by Amber Keaton at 2:30-4 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided!
Speed Coaching Line-up!
Business Professionals
Established Artists
Arts Leaders
