AKRON, OHIO (Jan. 4, 2021) – Summit Artspace, a nonprofit community art center and home to artist studios and galleries, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new executive director, Heather Meeker. Meeker will begin in her new role on January 4 and replaces Megann Eberhart, who served as interim executive director during the search for a permanent replacement.
Meeker comes to the organization as a non-profit leader in Northeast Ohio. She has spent the last twelve years as the executive director of The Musical Theater Project in Cleveland, where she guided a team that delivered musical theater art education and performances across Northeast Ohio. Under her leadership, Meeker consistently grew her organization’s presence within the community and did so while maintaining and improving its financial sustainability.
“We are extremely pleased to have Heather leading the efforts to showcase the enormous artistic talents of Akron and Summit County,” said Linda Diefendorff, Summit Artspace board chair. “The timing and Heather’s availability have aligned perfectly as our organization evolves through a challenging landscape that all arts organizations are facing right now.”
One of Meeker’s first objectives is to build upon the exhibitions and availability to resident artists. She also sees great potential in partnering with local and national foundations to increase greater Akron’s international footprint as a hub for creativity and artistry.
“Summit Artspace is an Akron treasure that highlights our area’s artists and serves as a community resource for entertainment and culture,” said Meeker. “It is an important asset to downtown development and our arts district, and I look forward to helping the organization reach even greater prominence.”
The Board of Directors and resident artists both expressed gratitude for the continuity and adaptability that Eberhart brought during a particularly challenging year. “Megann was terrific in navigating our organization through this pandemic while always maintaining safety for visitors and our artists,” said Diefendorff. Eberhart will remain involved with the organization as a Board member.
Summit Artspace is reopening on January 15 with four new art exhibits, including the juried Fresh exhibition, a solo fiber/textile art exhibit by Adana Tillman, a group textile show called “Tactile,” and a solo painting exhibit by Amber Junius of New Orleans-inspired art.
See the Summit Artspace exhibit calendar for show details.
Have questions? Here is our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Please Note: All exhibits are subject to becoming virtual at our website, summitartspace.org, due to the global pandemic.
