Akron, OHIO (April 11, 2024) —
For more than 20 years, the Arts Alive Awards have recognized gifted local artists, talented arts educators, and change-making advocates who bring the arts to life and shape our creative community.
Summit Artspace invites the public to attend the Arts Alive Awards gala and award ceremony celebrating honorees in 14 categories on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. at 140 East Market Street. Tickets can be purchased on Summit Artspace’s website. Donations at every level are welcome and support Summit Artspace’s mission to connect artists to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially.
The in-person event includes open galleries and artwork, music and entertainment, and a special program to highlight the recipients’ contributions to Akron’s cultural landscape. Heavy appetizers, desserts, and signature cocktails will be served.
The 2024 Arts Alive Awards include:
Arts Alive Award:
Gary & Georgia Miller
Lifetime Achievement:
Woodrow Nash
Summit Artspace Champion:
FirstEnergy Corp
Arts Educator:
Mark A. Zimmerman
Arts Patron:
Brenda Cummins
Collaborative Project:
Little Amal (Partners include Gum Dip Theatre, Akron-Summit County Public Library, North Hill Community Development Corporation, Dominic Moore-Dunson, Elyse Morckel, The University of Akron Dance Program, and NCCAkron.
Emerging Artist (tie):
Nick Lee, Neil Sudhakaran
IDEA Leader:
KINK Contemporary
Outstanding Artist in Dance:
Elyze Morckel
Outstanding Artist in Theatre:
Elynmarie Kazle
Outstanding Artist in Music:
Dave Rich
Outstanding Visual Artist:
Micah Kraus
Outstanding Literary Artist:
Barbara Sabol
Rising Arts Leader:
Grace Carter
Those who cannot attend in person may register for the 30-minute pre-recorded Virtual Ceremony Broadcast.
“Summit Artspace champions the efforts of local artists every day, so we are thrilled to recognize this incredible cohort of arts professionals,” notes Summit Artspace’s Executive Director, Heather Meeker. “These local artists—and those who mentor and support them—challenge us to think differently and celebrate what it means to be creative, and human.”
The Arts Alive Awards are made possible by Summit Artspace’s generous sponsors: County of Summit (Presenting Sponsor); FirstEnergy Corp (Patron Sponsor); Synthomer Foundation; FirstLight Home Care/OneKey Virtual Care; Robert J. Events and Catering; Steel & Company Law Firm; Brio Performance Solutions; Young and Associates, Inc.; R. Shea Brewing; and media sponsor 91.3 The Summit.
