AKRON, OHIO (Feb. 3, 2021) – The Summit Artspace’s board of directors has announced that it will cease occupation and programming at its Barberton location, Summit Artspace on Tusc, at the beginning of April. Summit Artspace’s headquarters in downtown Akron remains open with regular programming. The organization will provide support and studio options to the four artists who current rent studio space at the Barberton location.
In 2016 Summit Artspace opened a location in Barberton to extend its footprint in Summit County as a resource for artists and culture. With support from the Barberton Community Foundation, the City of Barberton and Mayor William Judge, Summit Artspace on Tusc offered twelve studio spaces and areas for galleries and workshops.
The closure represents an attention to the organization’s strategic plan and shift in the needs of artists during the pandemic. With changes to the way arts organizations operate in limited in-person gatherings, this decision will help the staff focus on improving the experience at the main galleries and studios in Akron, as well as pursuing more digital opportunities to showcase Summit County’s artists.
“It has been wonderful to have a location in Barberton for the past four years,” said Summit Artspace board chair, Linda Diefendorff, “and we appreciate the support of the city’s leadership and residents. While Summit Artspace will not have a physical presence in Barberton anymore, the organization will continue to support the city’s art community in a variety of ways.”
Mayor Judge said, “Barberton will continue to be dedicated in supporting artists, and we will look to provide resources at the same location in Barberton.” Summit Artspace’s staff and board of directors plan to work with Barberton’s leaders on ways to advance education and opportunities for artists to showcase their talent.
Summit Artspace has five art exhibits that opened in January and a regular schedule of new shows throughout 2021. Show details, dates and hours are available at www.summitartspace.org.
About Summit Artspace
Summit Artspace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations at 140 East Market Street in Akron and 571 West Tuscarawas Avenue in Barberton. Summit Artspace serves artists across the counties of Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Cuyahoga. The mission is to connect artists and artist-serving organizations to the community and to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially.
