The Gallery Summit Artspace Gallery features continuously changing exhibitions plus related arts activities in its two classrooms. The gallery is Phase I of opening the Summit Artspace community arts center. This Arts Alliance project is to establish an arts center with affordable office and studio space in the Summit County-owned building at the corner of E. Market and Summit Streets. It is dedicated to displaying works by Greater Summit County artists. Hours during exhibitions: Thursday - Saturday 12-5pm (except on opening day) handicap accessible - wheelchair available Admission FREE including all openings Donations welcome Contact Us 140 East Market St. Akron, OH 44308 p: 330.376.8480 f: 330.376.8470 e: info@summitartspace.org

Map
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Our Mission
To provide a welcoming place where the public and artists can meet and interact. To provide programming and events that encourage education and participation in the arts. To display and promote the work of artists in the Greater Summit County area.   For a fact sheet summarizing our history and accomplishments, click here.

Our Vision
Since its founding in 1991, the Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA) has been aware of the need for a community arts center. The dream among the arts community has been to develop a center that would offer affordable studio, workshop, classroom and rehearsal space for artists; economical office space and shared facilities for arts organizations; and a public gallery devoted to local art. The center would also serve as an incubator to nurture/mentor local talents, as a headquarters for collaborative art projects throughout Summit County and as an exciting and welcoming gathering place for artists and the public. Similar facilities established in communities across the country have proven to be valuable economic development tools helping to revitalize downtowns, initiate development in marginal neighborhoods, create jobs and attract tourism.

The History
In 2001, Summit County Executive James McCarthy suggested a vacant, county-owned building at 140 East Market Street as a possible site. This historic, art deco building, which was built in 1927 as the first home of the Beacon Journal newspaper, is conveniently located near the Akron Art Museum. It encompasses 55,000 square feet over three floors plus basement.  With support from the Akron Community Foundation, AAAA developed a business plan for the project.  In July 2002, Summit County Council approved a lease agreement for space on the building’s first floor.  With this generous support from Summit County government plus contributions from the Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, City of Akron and OMNOVA Solutions, Summit Artspace opened its Inaugural Exhibition September 21.  Since that time, the gallery has presented 29 exhibitions featuring works by over 350 local artists and 300 public school students.  Exhibitions have featured a variety of styles (contemporary to traditional) and media (painting, ceramics, glass, metal, fabric to film).  Over 12,500 people have visited the gallery and enjoyed its free exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, demonstrations and meet-the-artists receptions. With support from the Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation, future plans include opening affordable artists’ studios on the building’s third floor. 

Staff & Board of Directors
Jessie Raynor - Akron Area Arts Alliance Director
Bob Burford - Akron Area Arts Alliance President
Joan Colbert - Gallery Chair
Brenda Keblesh - Gallery Volunteers Coordinator
Dr. Patricia Sargent - Gallery Programming Coordinator