If happiness is the road, the Akron ArtWalks on June 14 and September 6 offer a delightful stop along the way.

At Summit Artspace, our quarterly Friday night ArtWalks boast specific themes, allowing visitors to experience art in unique ways alongside music, refreshments, artist studios, and pop-up artist vendors. Partnering organizations, including Akron Soul Train, Curated Storefront, Akron Art Museum, Nightlight Cinema, Akron Summit County Public Library, and many other businesses and restaurants offer their own related programs, creating a vibrant map of downtown Akron’s arts landscape.

So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover more about the Rubber City arts scene!

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 | CHECK IT OUT—A LITERARY ARTWALK

On June 14, explore the literary arts with an ArtWalk celebrating the written and spoken word—a fitting tribute given 2024 is Akron-Summit County Public Library’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary). Akron’s Historic Arts District boasts three sites from the library’s history: the original Carnegie Library (1904-1942), the Summit Artspace building at 140 East Market (1942-1968), and its current location at the intersection of High and Market Streets. A special self-guided walking tour will allow ArtWalk visitors to learn more about all three buildings and their historic connections to the arts in downtown Akron!

In addition to the Summit Artspace galleries, artist studios, and pop-up artist vendors, the evening will feature poetry readings; ASCPL’s Bookmobile; Zine-making activities led by the Akron Art Museum; and pop-ups for both Rubber City Comics, Akron’s longest-running comic book shop, and Elizabeth’s Bookstore, an independent bookstore that amplifies and celebrates marginalized voices.

One more reason to visit: The 4th annual Groundhog Show will be in full swing at the Northside Market and True North Akron during ArtWalk, continuing through Sunday, June 16. This annual pop-up art exhibition has become incredibly popular among artists and art enthusiasts, with significant participation from the LGBTQ+ community.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 | RUBBER CITY JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

Fast forward to September 6, when the Akron ArtWalk swingswith the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival!

Held throughout Downtown Akron, the three-day festival brings together some of the best jazz acts, past and present, showcasing the diversity of Akron’s heritage.

Summit Artspace will once again host dozens of local artist vendors. Visitors won’t want to miss the Taylor Main Gallery exhibition Persistence of Vision by Kasumi, a Cleveland-based digital media artist who uses contemporary technology to create videos and films, immersive installations, prints, and collages.

Whether you’re a casual jazz fan or an aficionado, the Jazz and Blues Festival will offer a tune to please your ears. Visitors to the outdoor stage between the Akron Art Museum and Summit Artspace will find a mix of contemporary jazz, Latin music vibes, soulful singing, and more. Restaurants, food trucks, and arts-related activities provide many reasons to spend your evening downtown.

For more information about the Akron ArtWalk, visit summitartspace.org/akron-artwalk/ or downtownakron.com.

SUMMIT ARTSPACE
140 East Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
summitartspace.org
330.376.8480

EVENTS:

ArtWalk, Friday, June 14. Literary ArtWalk held in the Historic Arts District

ArtWalk, Friday September 6. Held in conjunction with Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival throughout Downtown Akron