Akron Life September 2022

YEARS 20

HAND MADE DISCOVER ARTISAN WARES IN AMISH COUNTRY

DOWNTOWN AKRON UNLOCK CULTURE AND FUN

BIG STRIDES AKRON MARATHON RUNS STRONG AFTER 20 YEARS

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 9 | SEPTEMBER 2022

View Points

Get a sneak peek of 5 fall art exhibits

SEP. 2022 $3.95

09>

0 0 74470 57871

Heather Bullach at Massillon Museum

photo by Tal ia Hodge

PAGES

SEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 9

Pages start here

On The Cover | 22 Arts | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURE ]

22 VIEW POINTS

Each fall brings new art to The 330. Artists and curators offer previews of five original art exhibits at museums and galleries. Gain perspective with paintings that inspire balance, drawings that raise awareness and wood-burned pieces that promote self-love.

paintings by Gerry Bernhardt photo by Talia Hodge

4

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

PAGES

59 DOWNTOWN AKRON GUIDE

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

54 UNTAPPED B. Nektar Meadery

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

53 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 53 Restaurant listings 54 Untapped: B. Nektar Meadery 57 Uncorked: Gnarly Head wines

46 FOREVER YOUNG Find camaraderie at community centers. 50 FINANCIAL PLANNING Survive the bear market with expert tips. 59 DOWNTOWN AKRON Unlock culture and fun.

08 MAIL BONDING

09 FROM THE PUBLISHER Running Strong

95 PARTING SHOT Photographer Opie Evans

10 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

[ SPECIAL SECTIONS ]

11 UPFRONT Right Angle

36 WAYNE COUNTY Discover unique shops, restaurants and activities. 42 AMISH COUNTRY Browse exquisite wares made by craftspeople.

71 AKRON MARATHON Celebrate 20 years.

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings + Calendar of events

6

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

PAGES

M A I L B O N D I N G

225+ WINNERS

YEARS 20

Tell us what's on your mind.

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 7 | JULY 2022

ITY C BEST of The ! 2022 YEARS 20

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

FOUNDER Don Baker Jr . [ 1940-2018 ]

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

EXPLORE CANTON

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 8 | AUGUST 2022

BUY LOCAL IN THE HALL OF FAME CITY

photos and ar t by Tylar Calhoun, cats by Alex Meier and Mi lada Vigerova STREET EATST Stop by 13 Local FOOD TRUCKS

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life ? Or maybe you want to tel l us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life , 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address.

VALUE BOOST

HOME EQUITY CAN UNLOCK DREAMS

OUTDOOR SIPS TRY 4 MISSING

PUBL I SHER Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com CREAT IVE DIRECTOR William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDI TOR Kelly Petryszyn kpet ryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ASS I STANT EDI TOR Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DES IGNER Tylar Calhoun tsut ton@bakermediagroup.com

MOUNTAIN BREWS

Experience The 330’s favorite things

ROLL ON SOAP BOX DERBY

RETURNS IN FULL FORCE

NEW START BEGIN YOUR DAY AT SUNRISE SOCIAL DRINK UP CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST WITH THESE 4 BEERS

Or emai l them to editor@bakermediagroup.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

FOLLOW THROUGH

TAKE A SWING

L I ANNA F ERT I G OF ENT I C ING CAKES photo by Meghan Winkler

AT 5 GOLF COURSES

H A V E A K R O N , W I L L T R A V E L

Get Your Face In Our Magazine

Send us pics of yourself with a copy of Akron Life and end up on this page! Images and descriptions can be sent to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

CONTRIBUT ING WRI TERS Aaron Fowler London Green Eric Van Sant CONTRIBUT ING PHOTOGRAPHER Talia Hodge

POWERED BY

SALES Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com CIRCUL AT ION ci rculat ion@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ex t . 104

whe ther you

want to hos t

EDI TORIAL INTERN Avery Savage

or at t end a v i rtua l e v ent , 330TIX of f er s both e a s e and ent erta i nment .

SEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 9 ( ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1 ) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2022© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited man uscripts will not be returned unless accompa nied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akro nlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store . $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

YOU R T I CK E T TO LOC A L E V E N T S

330tix.com

8

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

PAGES

F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

[ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com ]

Running Strong

Akron Life and Akron Marathon hit the 20-year mark.

Akron Marathon and Akron Life are both celebrating 20 years. I had my head so deep in starting Akron Life at the beginning that I really don’t remember the Akron Marathon’s inaugural year. But the late 1990s and early 2000s were a great time for downtown Akron, and much of what you see now was built 20 years ago. Canal Park was built in 1997, Lock 3 in 2003 and the Akron-Summit County main library in 2004, and the Akron Civic Theatre was renovated in 2002. That’s a lot of activity within a few blocks of downtown. In between, not only was the Akron Marathon started but so was Akron Life . A lot of what motivated us to create Akron Life was that earlier investment in downtown, which made us believe the timing was right to start a city magazine. I have never run a marathon. I do run and love to exercise, but I seem to lose focus after a few miles. There is a big joke around the Baker house about me telling my kids and wife that I could run a marathon without training. I say, It wouldn’t be pretty and most likely would be slow, but I could do it. I came up with this ridiculous idea from a friend I backpack with who did it in his 20s. He bet his boss that he could do it, and he did. He said that about halfway through the marathon he felt like someone drove a nail into his foot and he could barely carry on, but he did. The big difference for me is that he was in his 20s, and I would need to tack on 30 years to that. I would never do it, but somewhere in my mind, I think I could.

I had a similar experience several years back when I was on a backpacking trip in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. One of my fellow campers got sick and couldn’t make it out. We figured it was closer for him to carry on straight ahead, which would put him at a different trailhead, while several of us would backtrack and bring the car around. We emptied most of our packs and hiked what would have been several days’ worth of trails in one day — over 20 miles of walking. When we got back to the car, I was so wiped out that I started to get chills and couldn’t stop shaking. My legs were cramped to the point where I couldn’t move them when we exited the car to get food. That was miser able, and quite possibly, dangerous. But the motivator was that our friend needed help. I can’t imagine what would

motivate me to run a marathon, so for now, it’s just trash talk amongst the Bakers. This month we are featuring a 20-year look back at the Akron Marathon as well as the 2022 downtown Akron guide. Not only has the marathon sustained and flourished into the Akron Marathon Race Series that also includes a half marathon and team relay, but it has also become a mainstay in our community. On top of that, downtown is going through another transformation — just like 20-plus years ago — with the development of the Bowery Project as well as new apartments, a new roundabout with a rubber worker statue and the new Knight Stage at Akron Civic. Check out the downtown Akron guide on pg. 59 and the Akron Marathon insert on pg. 71. For now, I will be cheer ing on the runners from the sidelines.

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

9

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

YEARS 20

PAGES

R A D A R

by Avery Savage

AKRON LIFE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!

seen + heard

THEN & NOW: AKRON ART MUSEUM 2003 The Akron Art Museum

was known as the Akron Art Institute when it launched in borrowed spaces in 1922. It changed its name in 1980, and it moved into its fourth and final home in the 1899 Post Office building. In 2003, plans for an addition were underway and Akron Life spotlighted an architect collaborating with the Viennnese Coop Himmelb(l)- au firm, Tom Wiscombe, who was named young architect of the year. The addition opened in 2007 and more than tripled the size of the museum by creat ing a sleek, modern glass and steel structure, the John S. and James L. Knight Building, that joins the historic building to form “a museum of the future.” Now As the museum celebrates its centennial over the next two years, it focuses on creating welcoming spaces for the entire community. The lobby has been redesigned, but most notably the permanent collection has been revamped in six themed galleries with more than 100 modern and contemporary pieces by more than 70 artists. The art in these galleries offers more diversity and addresses issues like politics, climate change, race and gender, including the new “Images of Blackness” gal lery that features artist Nick Cave’s 2018 mixed-media piece

MAP QUEST Akron’s neighborhoods tell stories of the past. Akron’s North Hill neighborhood was originally called Akron’s “Little Italy,” because of its Italian and Polish popula tions, and now several Bhutanese-Nepali refugees also live there. And the Middlebury neighborhood, founded in 1808, is the oldest one in Akron and was home to an old sub neighborhood called Cooks Settlement that was popu lated by potters who worked at a nearby plant. Learn more little-known facts like these in local author and historian Sharon Moreland Myers’ recent book, “Akron Neighborhoods: Old and New” ($49.99, indepen dently published). The 384-page book has over 200 color photos depicting various landmarks, build ings, street art and more in Akron’s 24 neighbor hoods. “Each neighborhood is unique,” Myers says. “They all have their own personality.” amazon.com

Sharon Moreland Myers, photo provided by author

TROLLING ALONG Troll dolls with colorful hair that stands up spark nostalgia for worldwide baby boomers and millennials who grew up with them. From Sept. 23 to 25, troll lovers unite for the Alliance of Trolls Convention in Alliance, which is home to the Troll Hole Museum that holds a Guinness World Record for having the world’s largest troll doll collection with over 40,000 troll dolls and memorabilia items. The kooky convention features troll-related activities including a comedy show and scavenger hunt. It ends with a Troll Hobble 5K fun run for which you can don a troll wig, T-shirt or tutu and win a troll-tastic prize! 228 E. Main St., Alliance, atc.thetrollhole.com

“Soundsuit,” which conceals race and gender to question

notions of identity. Head to the museum to get a look at global art from the past 170-plus years as well as fresh, challenging art.

10

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

PAGES

U P F R O N T

[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ]

Right Angle

Art classes can help you find a lifelong passion.

teaches a similar course at The University of Akron. Others have always known what their thing was, like late Canton painter Gerry Bernhardt who grew up constantly drawing and painting and took classes any chance she got. See work by Ippoliti and Bernhardt in our fall exhibit guide on pg. 22 of our annual arts issue. It only took a few classes for me to become an avid shutterbug. I loved the thrill of seeing the image appear in the fixer as we developed film in the darkroom. I recently found albums from those days and chuck led at my amateur photos of our backyard garden and family members dramatically posed by the stairs. But as I studied, I learned that candidly photographing people was my true love. Once in a while, I would take a shot that captured life and a person’s essence, like one depicting my best friend’s niece laughing midair on a swing. In college, photographing people became my focus. I covered myriad subjects like a pair draped in an American flag at the 10th anni versary 9/11 commemoration at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. For a World War II portrait series, I got the very meaningful opportunity to photograph my aunt’s father, Al Callahan, a WWII veteran, not long before he died. After school, photography has played dif ferent roles throughout my life. At my first job at the Morning Journal newspaper, I followed the police scanner to photograph drug busts, car accidents and house fires. In my personal life, I’ve had the privilege of photographing my brother’s and sister’s proposals, and for the latter, I hid in Deer Lick Cave behind a rock and ran out as my

now-brother-in-law popped the question. But as I’ve gotten busier, I’ve left the cam era behind more often than not. Bernhardt’s story resonated with me. She had always been creative, but money and timing often stopped her from pursuing her dreams. So she sketched at night and did side projects throughout her working years while supporting a family. She finally painted full time when she retired, produc ing thousands of works from ages 65 to 75. “Women who wear so many different hats still find time to make work and do art for themselves because they have that burning desire within them to create,” says Christy Davis, the Canton Museum of Art curator of exhibitions who curated the exhibit of Bernhardt’s work. “It makes it very attain able for someone who may feel overwhelmed by all of life’s demands and struggles — you can still find relief doing these things.” It’s so refreshing to hear her story because the older I get, the more I feel life is about seasons. In some seasons you have less time for hobbies and in others, they take center stage. As a new mother, photography — aside from adorable baby pics — is on the back burner, but it’s a passion that can be reignited at any time. Both the Akron and Canton art museums were originally institutes of arts and still offer art classes. Davis urges people to try them, adding that we all have creativity and need to find our own way of expressing ourselves. “If anyone says they’re not an artist … they just haven’t found the right fit for them, but it does exist,” she says. “I hope it inspires people to take classes, learn and expand their artistic abilities.”

photo by Kelly Petryszyn

If you look closely at photos of me at events or on trips, I often have a Canon DSLR camera strap around my neck. For a while, it was almost routine for me to bring a camera any time we went to a zoo, wedding, hike or any other photo-worthy occasions. Among friends and fam ily members, I became known as the girl with the fancy camera. It started with me taking a Cuyahoga Community College course on darkroom black-and-white film photography. I ran domly chose it to fill time during an open high school summer, but it quickly became a deep passion. My brother-in-law lent me his film SLR. What was supposed to be a short loan turned into years of fascination with film photography and led to me minoring in photojournalism at Kent State University. Sometimes taking a class is all you need to open the door to creativity. That’s how it happened for Akron sculptor Drew Ippoliti, who took a ceramics class on a whim and knew he found his medium. Now he

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ]

11

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 9

Agenda the essential social digest

Through 9/17 “Reconciliation”

Check out this group exhibit that focuses on the need for environments where differences in opinion are accepted and tolerated. See pieces, including “Who is in Your Circle?” by Susan Mencini, pictured above, both in-person and virtually. Summit Artspace, Second Floor Gallery, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

12

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

AGENDA

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS on akronlife.com or email asobczak@bakermediagroup.com.

Akron-Summit County Public Library Sit kids down for storytimes with children’s librarians or various book talks via videos on its Facebook page. Books are available inside or for curbside pickup. facebook.com/ akronlibrary Akron Symphony Orchestra Theron Brown, an Akron-based jazz musician, and Thomas Moore, director of marketing for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, discuss different jazz-centered topics in their podcast, “Backstage at the Hi Hat,” available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. akronsymphony.org Akron Zoo Visit the zoo digitally to enjoy live keeper talks, animal encounters and presentations from local experts. akronzoo.org

The Americana Roundup Akron musician Ryan Humbert launched an online radio station, the Americana Roundup, which plays more than 3,000 songs he handpicked. The station plays all day and focuses on rock, country, folk and more. americanaroundup.com ArtsInStark Go to its Facebook for videos with fun things to do at home including crafts and dance lessons, music performances and book readings. facebook.com/ artsinstark Apollo’s Fire Indulge in music, art and literature from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra with posts of past concert videos, interviews with people like the Grammy Award-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell and related readings. See shows through a digital portal or in person. apollosfire.org

NOTE : Dates, events, locations, times and prices are subject to change. Please call ahead.

Remote Akron Art Museum

Explore the museum’s collections online. Kiddos and those wanting to get creative can craft via video lessons. akronartmuseum.org/at-home Akron Civic Theatre Check its Facebook for local musicians’ streams, events, stage shows and other performances. facebook.com/akroncivic Akron Soul Train View video profiles from past, current and future Soul Train artists-in-residence. facebook.com/ akronsoultrain

13

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

AGENDA

Blu Jazz Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite tunes through livestreams on Blu Jazz’s Facebook page and support local artists. facebook.com/ blujazzakron Canton Symphony Orchestra Watch mini concerts and learn about the issue of diversity in classical music during the “Orchestrating Change” podcast. cantonsymphony.org Cleveland Orchestra Connect with the orchestra via the streaming platform Adella to access performances recorded in Severance Hall, as well as the “On a Personal Note” podcast that’s about classical music. clevelandorchestra.com Gage House Sessions Grab your favorite drink and enjoy an evening with local musicians via Gage House’s live sessions. Check out previous shows from artists including Madison Cummins and Ben Gage, who both make for evenings of soothing tunes. facebook.com/ gagehousesessions Jilly’s Music Room The Akron music venue is hosting select Streaming Fridays on its YouTube channel. Watch the livestreams and visit the online store to order dinner, tip the band, make a donation and buy merchandise. jillysmusicroom.com Magical Theatre Company The Barberton theater company is offering game nights and educational videos. Children can also enjoy stories read by local theater veterans during Magical Storytime. magicaltheatre.org The Nightlight Purchase tickets to rent movies online through the Akron art house cinema’s virtual screening room — you’ll have access to the films at nightlightcinema. com/virtual-screening-room.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival Look up its venture, Ohio Shakespeare Festival Radio Plays, in which the troupe adapts plays and short stories for livestreaming. facebook.com/ ohioshakespeare Radio on the Lake Theatre The Shaker Heights-based organization utilizes modern technology to connect with actors, directors and artists from throughout the country to perform and record radio plays. radioonthelaketheatre.org Rubber City Theatre Dive into the world of online theater with its Shakespeare in the Living Room series in which professional actors perform Shakespearean works using props they found lying around their homes. facebook.com/ rubbercitytheatre Standing Rock Cultural Arts Enjoy a podcast of “Arcade Cheezy Town,” a play written and performed by students in the New World Children’s Theatre based in Kent. standingrock. podbean.com Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens The North American Reciprocal Museum Association is offering virtual tours of the first floor of the manor house at Stan Hywet. Guests can tour the most impressive floor without leaving their homes. stanhywet.org Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH Learn about historical figures on their birthdays, join virtual book talks, view artifacts and more on its Facebook page. facebook.com/ summitcountyhistoricalsociety

Summit Metro Parks Explore many different topics, including animals, plants, different habitats, fitness and more, through virtual events. summitmetroparks.org Up Front Art Space This Cuyahoga Falls gallery is sharing photos and videos of artwork for sale to support local creatives. facebook.com/ upfrontartspace Virtual Jukebox Dance and sing along to videos made by local artists. You may have heard some of these 330 artists, like Jim Ballard, Shelby Olive and Adrian Labra on 90.7 and 91.3 Summit FM radio waves in the past. Browse the 50-plus videos to enjoy your favorites and discover new sounds. the330.net/virtual-jukebox Wandering Aesthetics Theatre Go on this Akron troupe’s Facebook page for performance videos from members and fans — it could be play readings, poetry, comedy, puppets, dance or whatever else artists submit. facebook.com/watheatre Weathervane Playhouse Sign up for virtual workshops and classes for all ages that focus on dancing, acting and more. Also view short films on the theater’s YouTube channel. weathervaneplayhouse.com

14

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

AGENDA

Events Through 9/3 “Embarqued: Stories of Soil” The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron partners with the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH on this installation by artist Stefanie Batten Bland. The work is an oral, visual and physical history of Black dance theater. John Brown House, 514 Diagonal Road, Akron. Wednesday Friday 1-3:30 p.m. & Saturday by appointment. nccakron.org Through 9/7 “Artist to Artist” This exhibit comes from the collaboration of Stark County professionals and artists from Just Imagine Gift Gallery. Massillon Museum, Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org Through 9/17 Summer Exhibitions Explore exhibits at Summit Artspace, including “Love Between the Atoms” by Eva Kwong, “My Favorite People” by the late Kirk Mangus, “My World in Color” by Rachel Parker, “After the Storm” by Emily Olszewski and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Fridays noon-7 p.m. & Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org Through 9/21 “Daric M. Gill: The Absolutes” View these oil paintings on reclaimed wood, like “Absolute: Triumph,” which is painted on maple. Massillon Museum, Studio M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

15

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

AGENDA

Through 10/2 Front International: Cleveland

Through 11/30 Summit Brew Path Explore local breweries with this passport presented by the Akron / Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau that has 23 stops, including Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, Magic City Brewing Co., Ohio Brewing Co., Missing Mountain Brewing Co. and more. summitbrewpath.com Through 12/14 North Canton Farmers’ Market Browse fresh produce, meats, baked goods and more at this year-round market. North Canton Civic Center, 845 W. Maple St., North Canton. Wednesdays 3-6 p.m. ncantonfarmersmarket.com Through 5/14/23 “Good Hope” View wall-size pieces by a South African illustration studio. Pieces are inspired by the artists’ hometown environments. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wednesday, Friday Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $12 adult general admission. akronartmusuem.org Through 5/28/23 “Pathfinders: Kent State University School of Fashion Alumni” Check out diverse approaches to fashion by Kent State University alumni who have at least six years of experience after graduation, such as Jules Acree, Deanna First, Keama Garrett, Joshua Hupper, Miyako Nakamura and Anne Skoch. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum 9/1 & 9/15 Traditional Music Night at Quail Hollow Park Jam to traditional, bluegrass and Celtic music, and bring an instrument to play along. Quail Hollow Park, Manor House, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville. 6-9 p.m. $2. starkparks.com

Triennial for Contemporary Art This art series features local, national and international art on display in Akron exhibits at Lock 4, Akron Art Museum, National Museum of Psychology, The University of Akron’s Emily Davis Gallery and Quaker Square. frontart.org Through 10/29 Countryside Farmers’ Market at Howe Meadow Shop from local farmers, food entrepreneurs and artists at Countryside’s market in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Saturdays. Through 10/30 “Lessons and Landscapes: The Legacy of Gerry Bernhardt” This exhibit displays the work of late painter Gerry Bernhardt, who lived in Canton. After retiring, she created thousands of sketches and hundreds of paintings. See some of them in this exhibit honoring her life and her work. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. cantonart.org Through 10/30 Woof Walks Bring your canine on a walk at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens most Sundays through October. Dogs must be on a leash, and owners must pick up after their dogs. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. $5-$12. stanhywet.org Through 11/9 “Missing History of Massillon: Unheard African American Stories” Take in the stories, photos and artifacts that represent Massillon’s Black community. Massillon Museum, Aultman Health Foundation Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 9 a.m.-noon. countrysidefoodandfarms.org

A handpicked, eclectic selection of music including rock, indie, folk, local, reggae, blues and more curated for Northeast Ohio Listen now – on-air, online at thesummit.fm or download The Summit app MUSIC & MORE... 91.3 FM AKRON CANTON

LISTENER-SUPPORTED MISSION-DRIVEN PUBLIC RADIO

16

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

AGENDA

9/1-9/30 Live Music at the Still House Listen to tunes from artists like Rolando, Scott Paris, Eric Brooke and more. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday 7-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8-11 p.m. gervasivineyard.com 9/1-11/30 Fall Hiking Spree Explore trails throughout the Summit Metro Parks during this annual event. summitmetroparks.org 9/2 & 9/3 “Reefer Madness” Millennial Theatre Project presents this musical inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com 9/2-9/4 Pizza Fest Enjoy bites from local pizza parlors, as well as live music, mini golf and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. Friday noon-2 p.m. and 5-11 p.m., Saturday noon-11 p.m. & Sunday noon-7 p.m. $5. lock3live.com 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23 & 9/30 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginner-friendly yoga at the Massillon Museum each Friday. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:30-1:15 p.m. $6 class, $15 three classes. massillonmuseum.org 9/3 Peninsula Flea Peruse handmade and vintage items at this upscale flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. heritagefarms.com

17

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

AGENDA

9/3 & 9/4 “The Sound of Music” Catch the Akron Symphony Orchestra as it performs music from this musical in collaboration with the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music’s music theater program as a part of the Blossom Music Festival. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steel Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $26-$121. clevelandorchestra.com 9/3 & 9/10 Winery Tours Learn about Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings, a wine glass and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com 9/4 Summer Serenades: Full Orchestra Take in the outdoors while listening to the Canton Symphony Orchestra play classics, pop tunes, jazz songs, folk pieces and more. Petros Lake Park Amphitheater, 3519 Perry Drive SW, Canton. 7:30 p.m. starkparks.com 9/4, 9/11, 9/18 & 9/25 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass and a salty snack. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com 9/5 Labor Day Family Hike and Picnic Celebrate Labor Day with this walk through the park. Pack a picnic to enjoy afterward. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/5 Labor of Love Walk or run on Labor Day at the Green Family YMCA’s 10K, 5K or 1-mile races. Green Family YMCA, 3800 Massillon Road, Uniontown. 8 a.m. $10-$35. akronymca.org

9/7 Live & Local Lock 3 Hear Jan Marie during this local music concert series. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7-9 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 9/7, 9/14, 9/21 & 9/28 GV Cruise-In Head to Gervasi Vineyard with your family for this weekly gathering featuring a wide range of cars and trucks. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 5-8 p.m. Free. gervasivineyard.com 9/8-9/10 Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival Catch performances, including ticketed concerts Sept. 9 and 10 at Blu Jazz by Chris Coles, Dan Wilson and other local jazz musicians. Also join in other activities including a free outdoor screening Sept. 9 of “Miles Ahead” directed by Don Cheadle featuring Akron’s Theron Brown. opentonemusic.org 9/9 Akron ArtWalk Explore the Historic Arts District to enjoy local art, food, music and more. Downtown Akron. 4-9 p.m. summitartspace.org 9/9 Family Day: Outdoor Movie Night During the Akron ArtWalk in the Historic Arts District, stop by the Akron Art Museum’s garden for treats, art activities and a family friendly movie. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6-9 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 9/9 The FM Project Jam out to hits and deep cuts performed by this Steely Dan tribute band. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com 9/9 Open M Gala Enjoy a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner and more at this fundraiser for Open M, Celebrating New Beginnings. St. George Fellowship Center, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. 6 p.m. $100. openm.org 9/9 Senior Saunter This leisurely walk is open to all. Bring a mug to sip a warm beverage over a conversation about nature. Liberty Park, nature center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. Noon-1 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

9/10 Bob Meister Special Needs Fishing Derby Individuals with disabilities can participate in this fishing derby sponsored by Stark Parks and the Berkely Fishing Team. Sippo Lake Park east, boat shelter, 5300 Tyner St., Canton. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. starkparks.com 9/10 Butterfly Gala Support Stewart’s Caring Place, a nonprofit that provides services and programs to those fighting cancer, at this 19th annual gala that features an auction, live performances and more. Address is sent to attendees. 5:30 p.m. $195. stewartscaringplace.org 9/10 Local Author Fair Network with authors and pick up some new books. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. barbertonlibrary.org 9/10 Norman Brown with Hubb’s Groove The Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival presents this live performance by Grammy Award winning guitarist Norman Brown and jazz and soul band Hubb’s Groove. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $35-$58. akroncivic.com 9/10 & 10/1 Brew at the Zoo Wander the Akron Zoo after hours while enjoying a beer or glass of wine. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. akronzoo.org 9/11 Canton Symphony Orchestra at Centennial Plaza Take in music by a brass quintet from the Canton Symphony Orchestra during this outdoor performance. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. 6:30 7:30 p.m. Free. cantonsymphony.org

18

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

AGENDA

9/11 Cuban Soul and Latin Rhythms with Justo Saborit and Havana Nights Justo Saborit is a master guitarist, who was born in Havana and is from the Cleveland music scene. Enjoy this live performance as a part of Tuesday Musical’s Music alfresco series. Barder House, 1041 W. Market St., Akron. 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. $20. tuesdaymusical.org 9/13-9/18 Akron RubberDucks vs. Bowie Baysox Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. $5-$27. akronrubberducks.com 9/14 & 9/28 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 and 2 p.m. Sept. 28. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. barbertonlibrary.org 9/15 An Evening with the Animals: A Pawsitive Cause Enjoy food, drinks and up-close animal encounters at this Akron Zoo conservation fundraiser. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6-8:30 p.m. $50. akronzoo.org 9/15 Community Night: Poetry Takeover Akron Art Museum’s community night features a workshop led by Kent State University’s Wick Poetry Center. View work by Kent State students, browse an Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre popup shop and more. 6-8 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 9/15 Dancing Queen: The Music of Abba Groove to popular Abba tunes during this Canton Symphony Orchestra performance featuring Jeans ’N Classics. Umstattd Hall, 2331 17th St. NW, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $25-$55. cantonsymphony.org

19

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

AGENDA

9/16 Nurse Blake Listen to this comedy show that incorporates Blake’s stories from nursing school and working in health care. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $45-$55. goodyeartheater.com 9/16-10/22 “The Equinox” Sylvia Sykes celebrates her birthday, libra season and the fall equinox through this solo exhibition that focuses on balance. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Thursday-Friday 4-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. whiterabbitgalleries.org 9/17 Artist Talk: Eva Kwong Listen to internationally acclaimed artist Eva Kwong as she describes her exhibition of sculptures and 2D work, “Love Between the Atoms.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. 2 p.m. summitartspace.org

9/17-11/2 “Artwork by Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon” See artwork of different mediums by kids of different age groups in this community exhibition. Massillon Museum, Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. massillonmuseum.org 9/17 Creek Leap Head to Price Park to help clean up local waterways. Enjoy a lunch afterward to celebrate. Price Park, 1000 W. Maple St., North Canton. 9 a.m.- noon. mckinleymuseum.org neighborhood during this 5K or 1-mile race. Kohl Family YMCA, 477 E. Market St., Akron. 9 a.m. $25. akronymca.org 9/17 & 9/18 Monarch Butterfly Open House Learn about the importance of this insect, how you can help them and more. Liberty Park, nature center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. Noon-2 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/17 P.S. I Love You Journey through the historic Middlebury

9/18 Chase Your Tail 5K Fun Run and Doggy Dash One of a Kind Pet Rescue hosts this annual family-friendly and pet-friendly run and walk fundraiser. Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St., Akron. 9-11 a.m. $30-$35. oneofakindpets.com 9/18 Family Day: Kids Maker Fest The Akron Art Museum partners with the Young Entrepreneurs Institute and Teen Enterprise for this event that features artwork, products and more from kid vendors. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org 9/22 Into the Blue and Eric Brooke Bop along to Into the Blue, an Electric Light Orchestra tribute band, and Eric Brooke’s tribute to Michael Stanley. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $25. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/24 Paws and Reflect: Yoga for Conservation Join an all-levels yoga class, drink a mimosa and explore the zoo. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 8-10 a.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. akronzoo.org 9/24 Tiki Flea Tiki Underground hosts its 11th flea market, featuring art, cocktails, local beer, live music and more. Listen to the Hi-Views and DJ Max Payola and get a bite from the Rubber Bowl Food Club. Highbridge Glens Park, 1817 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. Noon-6 p.m. facebook.com/tikiunderground 9/24 World’s Largest Ghost Hunt Bring a flashlight, camera or audio recorder to this ghost hunt throughout the building. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 3:30-7:30 p.m. $30 and 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $40. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/24 Akron Marathon Run past Akron landmarks during this event in the Akron Marathon Race Series, whether the full marathon, half marathon or team relay. Downtown Akron. 7 a.m. akronmarathon. org

SPONSORED CONTENT

Lincoln Theatre offers Family Entertainment

“We have outstanding entertainment scheduled, including tributes to Motown, Tim McGraw, the Beach Boys, the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly,” Stuck says. “And we will again have our Christmas Tree Festival, which raises funds for the Lincoln.”

“The Lions Lincoln Theatre is a perfect venue for concerts and plays,” says executive director Susan Stuck. “We have 681 seats, so every seat offers a great view of the stage with wonderful sound.” It presents national touring artists, concerts, plays and screenings of classic films.

156 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, lionslincolntheatre.org

20

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

AGENDA

9/25 Vintage Days Step into history at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens as the Historic Players portray the friends and employees of the Seiberlings in the 1920s. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 1-3 p.m. stanhywet.org 9/25 An Evening with Brian Culbertson Listen to multi instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Brian Culbertson, along with Marcus Anderson and Marqueal Jordan. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $42.50- $72.50. akroncivic.com 9/25 Yoga on the West Terrace Participate in a beginner friendly vinyasa flow yoga practice, then tour the manor house and gardens. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10:30 9/29 Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Jam to Pink Floyd’s tunes played by Nick Mason, Gary Kemp, Guy Pratt, Lee Harris and Dom Beken. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $63-$108. akroncivic.com 9/30 Back & Forth Listen to this mighty Foo Fighters tribute band in this high-energy performance. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15-$20. akroncivic.com 10/7 Pints and Pies At this craft beer and pizza festival, about 100 beers get paired with all sorts of pies, whether you’re looking for pizza, savory or sweet. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $40. akroncivic.com 11:30 a.m. $12 members, $16 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

21

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak with photos by Talia Hodge

Athena Abood Brown at Up Front Art Space

View Points

Each fall brings new art to The 330. Artists and curators offer previews of five original art exhibits at museums and galleries. Gain perspective with paintings that inspire balance, drawings that raise awareness and wood-burned pieces that promote self-love.

22

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

Imagine This When ATHENA ABOOD BROWN stopped by Up Front Art Space in Cuyahoga Falls to check out another local artist’s exhibit, she was covered in sawdust and glitter from working on her wood-burned art pieces. That moment inspired her upcoming solo exhibit, “Sawdust and Glitter,” at Up Front Art Space Nov. 18 through Dec. 31. It features about 40 eye-catching works. The self-taught Cuyahoga Falls artist usually paints, but she started woodburning this year. To her, creating art is about two things — learning and therapy. She enjoys the process of learning new artistic methods, and creat ing helps her work through her generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, she says. As a medium, wood especially centers her, due to the tactile sensation of carving and the scent of burning it. “It really helps keep me in a present state, a mindful place,” she says, “which then allows me to think more clearly and process my thoughts.” She is making colorful, whimsical pieces for her solo exhibit. They have illustrative fantastical elements, such as an eyeball with a galaxy shining in it. “Everything in my head is cartoons and bright and exciting,” she says. “I was very determined to be vulnerable and put my weirdness in them.” The pieces come to life as Abood Brown draws a scene on basswood, burns it into the wood, sands it, carves texturized details, paints with iridescent calligraphy ink and acrylic paint and adds glitter, which juxtaposes the wood. Some pieces, like one depicting a young girl being protected by a monster that’s also haunting her, are gloomy. “You get a real sense of sadness from it but also a twinge of hope,” she says. “I always have trouble with mixed emotions.” Others are lighthearted, like one that draws focus to a small spotted red mushroom with a large spotted monster mysteriously flanking it, curiosity blooming. It represents a connection between the two crea tures based on their appearances. “How cool would it be,” she says, “if you were a giant monster and you just saw this tiny thing that had spots like you?” Overall, Abood Brown hopes viewers reflect on the importance of self-acceptance to our mental health, as the project has helped her battle perfectionism. She avoids making her pieces technically perfect. Instead, she lets her imagination flow, then leaves pieces as they are — paint smudges, stray flecks of glitter and all. “If you look at it, it’s not perfect. But I was able to … look at it and say, I like it, with all its imperfections, ” she says. “I need to be proud of myself.” AS 127 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, upfrontartspace.com

Up Front Art Space works by Abood Brown Abood Brown at Up Front Art Space

23

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

Outside Voices When DREW IPPOLITI moved from Massachusetts to the Akron area six years ago to teach ceramics at The University of Akron, he only knew what he heard about the region. Akron is home to tire producers and Devo, and the May 4, 1970, shootings hap pened at nearby Kent State University. But all that largely took place before his move, and now he wants to share his experiences. To him, Akron is a city undergoing an exciting renais sance with vast changes occurring in the few years he has been here. “Now I really love walking downtown,” says the sculptor and assis tant professor of instruction in the ceramics department. “It feels so much more accessible and vibrant.” In August, through his Akron Soul Train residency, he examined the redevelopment of Akron by collecting stories of people’s experiences and turning those perspectives into symbolic abstract sculptures. In 2019, Ippoliti did a similar project as a Fulbright Scholar in Seoul, South Korea, creating sculptures addressing topics like the economy and family. For the Akron project, he is collecting stories from local storytellers and people at community listening sessions. “I comb through it and distill symbols that feel related … and cre ate some kind of art,” he says. “This is a nice moment to pause and think empathically about someone else’s experiences.” For example, someone shared a story about seeing a double rainbow after it rained. He used the shared experience as a lens to reflect on how the city is moving forward and hope for a better future. To tell that story through sculpture, he began by sculpting two half circles, and then he joined them to form a mountain and a rainbow. “It’s something that you see on the horizon,” he says. “That’s some thing you have to look up and look away from what you’re currently involved in to see.” Like many of his recent pieces, this sculpture has rings on top to represent barriers that separate us and shape our experiences such as social distancing during the pandemic and using technology daily. “The rings are the weight of the last few years,” he says. See up to 10 of his final works in the exhibit “Here, There and Everywhere” at the Akron Soul Train gallery Oct. 26 to Dec. 3. His goal is for the pieces to communicate his and other people’s experi ences within Akron. “Through art, we can learn about each other. The more we know about each other, we see similarities rather than differences,” he says. “It makes us a more harmonious group of people who can live together with less static and friction and really enjoy each other’s company.” KP 191 King James Way, Akron, akronsoultrain.org

Akron Soul Train sculptures by Drew Ippoliti Ippoliti with his work

24

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

Ippoliti in his studio

sculptures by Ippoliti

25

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m

Sylvia Sykes at White Rabbit Galleries

26

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2

In Balance SYLVIA SYKES ’ first memory is of the drawing of Angelica Pickles from “Rugrats” that she did on the wall when she was 3. “I used to get in trouble a lot for drawing on the walls. My mom was always upset, and one day she wasn’t. She stopped one day to admire this drawing,” the Akron native recalls. “It was like, Wow, I want to make art forever. ” Now, her primary medium is painting, typically portraits, in acrylic or oil paint. Making art gives her time to be contemplative, processing her thoughts and the world around her. “I use art as a meditation on things that I think the universe or higher power is trying to give me signs about,” she says. For her upcoming solo exhibit, “The Equinox,” which is on display at White Rabbit Galleries in Barberton Sept. 16 to Oct. 22, she is inspired by the Sept. 22 fall equinox, known for having an equal amount of day and night within 24 hours. It also occurs during the time frame of her zodiac sign, libra, that’s represented by balance scales. “I’ve always been all about balance,” says the artist who co-owns Sylvia Paints Gallery in Barberton that features her work and will offer classes. “Even if I don’t necessarily accomplish that balance, I’m still trying to get there.” The exhibit features 24 new paintings that represent balance visually or metaphorically. A figurative example is balance found through self-care, featured in a painting depicting a quiet morning moment. “Something that’s very sacred to me is my morning breakfast time. It’s almost ritualis tic,” she says. Sykes paired it with another painting set to be displayed alongside it — a scene illustrating productivity. “About half of the pieces are going to be like that,” she says, “in contrast to each other.” For those paired paintings, Sykes worked on them at the same time. Two of Sykes’ favorites in the exhibit are “Monday in Ohio” and “Tuesday in Ohio,” which portray a person sweating and a person bun dled in warm clothes, respectively. Most of the pieces feature a person — not anyone in particular — so they’re unlike her usual portraits. Yet these works are similar to her typical paintings in that they feature women and minorities. “Our community really needs to see minorities represented in a color ful palette with a message,” she says, adding it also helps her personally. As a biracial woman, she often experienced isolation within her iden tity. “Painting these groups of people, it kind of heals it. … It gives me a space to meditate on that.” Overall, Sykes hopes the exhibit inspires viewers to contemplate how they can achieve more balance. “I want people to reflect on the importance of balance in their life,” she says. AS 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, whiterabbitgalleries.org

painting by Sykes Sykes at White Rabbit Galleries painting by Sykes

27

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m