Nov. 13 Akron Public Art Commission meeting

Covered by Documenters Brittany Nader (see her thread here) and London Green (see her notes here)

The Akron Public Art commission approved a plan to include a sculpture by acclaimed New York artist Chakaia Booker in the redevelopment of Lock 3 Park at their meeting Nov. 13.

Known for her large-scale works utilizing repurposed tires, organizers envision Booker’s installation as a modern complement to the park’s historical elements, celebrating Akron’s legacy as the “Rubber Capital of the World.”

During the commission’s Nov. 13 meeting, Daniel Rice of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and Annie Wischmeyer of Curated Storefront outlined their vision for the project.

They emphasized how Booker’s environmentally focused work aligns with Akron’s industrial heritage and the city’s tradition of innovation and creativity.

“Rubber workers celebrate the past … Chakaia’s work speaks to the future,” Wischmeyer said.

Booker’s installation will complement existing landmarks, such as the 15-foot-tall rubber worker statue by Alan Cotrill that stands at the roundabout at the intersection of South Main and Mill streets a few blocks away. 

Lock 3’s redevelopment, including Booker’s installation, is part of a broader $1 million effort to transform the park into a year-round cultural hub.

The artist has yet to chose a final design for the sculpture. At the meeting, commissioners discussed creating an accessible, street-level piece that might serve as a portal welcoming visitors into the revamped Lock 3 Park.

Several potential locations have been identified, and Booker has expressed excitement about tailoring her work specifically for Akron,  Wischmeyer told the commission.

From residency to legacy

Booker is no stranger to Akron. In 2022, she participated in the Curated Storefront Artist in Residency Program, where she worked with fourth graders at the I Promise School as part of an initiative to inspire creativity and connect the community with her artistic vision.

Her visit culminated in a public talk, “Repurposed for a Purpose,” at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

During the event, presented by the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art in partnership with Curated Storefront, Booker shared stories of her journey as an artist and discussed her innovative use of recycled rubber tires, her primary sculptural medium.

She gave attendees insight into how her monumental works transform discarded materials into abstract sculptures intended to uncover beauty and purpose in materials that are otherwise overlooked.

Balancing national and local representation

The commission also discussed a balance between showcasing national talent and uplifting local artists in Lock 3.

Rice noted that a high-caliber artist like Booker can draw attention and visitors to the park, enhancing its profile on a national scale.

Suzie Graham Moore, Akron’s economic development director, proposed engaging the community in conversations with Booker to incorporate local input into her final piece.

Commissioners raised questions about the long-term care and insurance for the sculpture.

Commission Secretary Jon Fiume said there is a “vicious cycle” of maintenance for public art,  and he wanted to ensure Booker’s piece would be properly taken care of in the future.

Wischmeyer assured the group that Curated Storefront would manage maintenance and coverage, leveraging its experience with public installations and funding from a VIA Art Fund grant.

She said Booker’s works, primarily crafted from rubber, require minimal upkeep, typically just periodic cleaning with WD-40.

The commission approved a motion to conditionally move forward with the project. They will discuss final designs and care plans at a future meeting.

Broader artistic efforts

In addition to the Lock 3 project, the commission approved a portrait of Akron civil rights leader Ed Davis for the soon-to-open Ed Davis Community Center, located on Perkins Park Drive in Akron’s Sherbondy Hill neighborhood.

Painted by artist Derin Fletcher, the piece will honor Davis’ legacy and serve as a centerpiece for the upgraded facility.

The commission also discussed upcoming events, including an Arts and Culture Day hosted by Leadership Akron on Dec. 11 and plans for expanding public art across the city.

Efforts include securing grants and exploring new funding mechanisms to ensure Akron’s artistic transformation continues to grow.

Commission’s next meeting

The Akron Public Art Commission meets next on Dec. 11. Meetings are open to the public and streamed live on the City of Akron’s YouTube channel.

Read Documenter Brittany Nader’s thread here:

Read Documenter London Green’s notes here:

Akron Public Art Commission 11_13_2024Download

Brittany Nader has lived in the Akron area most of her life and is passionate about her city. She has covered Northeast Ohio’s music scene since the 2010s. She’s currently a producer for “Shuffle,” a public radio podcast which highlights the region’s music scene. The Kent State University graduate also works for a digital marketing agency.

Akron Documenters trains and pays residents to document local government meetings with notes and live-tweet threads. We then make those meeting summaries available as a new public record.