July 9 Akron Public Art Commission meeting
Covered by Documenter Patricia Sheahan (see her notes here)
Akron may be on the verge of welcoming a new mural. Or freestanding artwork — similar to what is currently displayed along the Towpath Trail near Summit Lake. Or additional traffic control box art.
Why?
At its July 9 meeting, the Akron Public Art Commission discussed ways to reinvest unspent funds from the current fiscal year. Commissioners considered a range of projects that would celebrate art and creativity.
Akron is already home to several murals, from Micah Kraus’ homage to “Mr. East Akron” Art Minson, a community organizer and labor activist for more than five decades, and the University of Akron’s “WE ARE AKRON” public art piece to Lock 4’s depiction of toddlers playing (created by graffiti artists El Mac and Aiseborn) and sidewalk art at Cascade Valley Metro Park, near the historic Mustill General Store at Lock 15.
Moving forward, possible mural sites include:
- CitiCenter Parking Deck
- Rosa Parks Boulevard
- Portage Path
- The Towpath Trail
- Areas in or near Summit Metro Parks
Commission Chair Andy Hiller emphasized the importance of a transparent and equitable process to determine where to place future artworks.
Other factors will include:
- If neighborhoods were historically under-recognized
- Whether buildings or surfaces are publicly or privately owned
- How much site preparation would be required
Alternatives in Akron include additional traffic boxes, short-term installations
Commissioners also explored other uses for the surplus, including short-term, freestanding artworks and a second round of artwork on traffic control boxes.
The first phase of the traffic box wrap project received positive public feedback and was applauded for its relatively low cost. Commissioner Jessica Travis recommended prioritizing traffic boxes or other highly visible locations near highway ramps and city gateways.
“This is what we do here in Akron. This is the talent we have here in Akron,” said Travis, who highlighted the city’s dedication to showcasing local artists.
Hiller offered to initiate further discussion among commissioners as they debate project options and next steps.
Suggested Reading
Purposeful public art in Akron
The Akron Public Art Commission celebrates and promotes the placement of high-quality public art across the city, aiming to elevate community identity and ensure access to art in neighborhoods. The commission oversees the Public Art Inventory Project, a mapping initiative that helps residents and visitors discover and appreciate Akron’s growing collection of murals, sculptures and installations. The public database of locations and descriptions is expected to be available soon.
Watch a recording of the meeting here.
The next Public Art Commission Meeting is Aug. 13.