A New Chapter Opens at Summit Artspace

Summit Artspace is thrilled to reopen to the public in early March 2026 after completing an incredible transformation of its nearly 100-year-old building. The project is funded by the building owner, Summit County, with additional support from the Akron Community Foundation and the GAR Foundation.

Since embarking on this exciting journey in August 2025, we have been busy revamping and refreshing our space. You’ll discover several refinished spaces throughout the building including galleries, the third-floor event space, restrooms, storefront, and stairwells. In addition, a sensory room has been added to offer a quiet space to visitors who may need a moment of rest, privacy, or sensory relief. Together, these updates make the space better equipped and more accessible to serve local artists and community members.

“We could not be more thankful for Summit County’s leadership in championing the spaces in which artists work, commune, and share their art with the community,” states Natalie Grieshammer Patrick, executive director. “This investment is one that will pay dividends back into our community as local artists are vital to economic development, bringing the individuals together, and inspiring the greater public through their artwork. This vital partnership and continued commitment from the County allow us to deepen the ways we serve artists and community.”

The building updates not only mark an exciting start to the new year but also demonstrate our ongoing commitment to evolving as an organization and expanding the quality of creative space for our local artist.

The Summit Artspace team remains hard at work serving artists and looks forward to welcoming you back in our space. Mark your calendar to be among the first to explore the new building in 2026!

The first Akron ArtWalk of the year is themed for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and will take place from 5 to 9 pm on Thursday, March 12, on-site at Summit Artspace in partnership with Summit DD (Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board). Come revel in our building and creative activities, music, food, artist studios, and pop-up artist vendors. Visitors can partake in a hands-on community quilting activity; participants will be able to help hand stitch the quilt and add applique materials.

Adding to the excitement, our dynamic line-up of 2026 Spring Exhibitions opening in conjunction with ArtWalk activities will include the 23rd annual Kaleidoscope juried exhibition, Never Just a Quilt Group Exhibition, It Is What It Is by Linda McConaughy, Confessions of a Comic Book Artist by Amanda Branham, and the Canton Artists League member exhibition, Diversity.

What goes great with art? A party. Join us in celebrating a new chapter for Summit Artspace at our Grand Reopening Party on Thursday, April 9. Attendees will enjoy a curated event of food, music, and dancing, along with arts activities and experiences throughout the refreshed spaces in our three-story historic building.

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

EVENTS:

Akron ArtWalk, 5 to 9 pm Thursday, March 12

2026 Spring Exhibitions, Thursday, March 12, opening in conjuction with Akron Art Walk

Summit Artspace Grand Reopening Party, Thursday, April 9