glass by Bob Pozarski, Ohio Art Glass, Akron, Ohio
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Rubber City Prints is exhibiting Divergent Ink, an international juried exhibition, in their new location – stop by to see the space and view printmaking from around the world. Information and images are online in the article, Rubber City Prints brings the world to their living room by Christina Turner, writing for CAN Journal. It’s gratifying to receive a complimentary mention, “. . . Joan Colbert’s Herbal Roulette linocut, classic, high contrast, beautiful line work and details . . .” when included among so many incredible pieces.
Ginkgo + Petunia/A Woman + the Sky
mixed media
Statement
If you are reading this at Summit Artspace in the autumn of 2017, you are now part of a collective appreciation for the dedication of one woman and the difference she made in the lives of those she touched. Contemplate the artwork, talk with artists and visitors, be inspired – and thank Betty Taylor for the passion that helped make this gallery and art center a reality!
Longtime peace activists, Betty and Howard Taylor were strong supporters of local artists. It was my good fortune to have known them both. I will remember Howard for his quiet commitment and Betty for her optimistic persistence.
A note about my artwork: Every spring I add some purple petunias to my windowboxes as a little homage to the Taylors’ choice of annual plantings; never have I considered planting a ginkgo, after hearing their tales of the yearly clean-up! And the woman and the sky – that’s Betty!
~ Joan Colbert 2017
Longtime arts/artists advocate and peace activist, Betty Taylor, died on April 10, 2017. It was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of Thanks, Betty! This One’s for You, an exhibit of artwork by artists who had a connection to Betty alongside a display of Betty’s own work, some dating back to the late 1930s.
gallery view – artists’ work
gallery view – work by Betty Taylor
left to right: ink drawing and watercolors, Central High School, Akron, Ohio c. 1939/1940; gallery design drawings, University of Akron; various prints, Central High School
Read about the tribute exhibition in this cleveland.com article along with the following excerpt from the press release:
“Summit Artspace is proud to honor this champion for the arts and local artists with a tribute exhibition. Betty was a unique individual. She loved the arts and wanted to make sure there was a support network to nurture artists and also to give the community ways to appreciate the talent that resides here,” said Kamelia Fisher, executive director of Summit Artspace and a co-curator of the exhibit.
Artist Joan Colbert, a long-time friend of Taylor, is also curating the show. “In 1978 there were few venues or opportunities for area artists to connect with the public. Betty felt that was something she and the newly-formed Artists of Rubber City could change. For nearly four decades that remained the mission. Throughout years of only incremental progress Betty’s enthusiasm seldom waned. Her persistence and encouragement are evidenced in the existence of both Summit Artspace and The BOX Gallery,” Colbert explained.
Taylor passed away at 93 years old in April of this year. Her connection, vision and persistence are linked to Summit Artspace’s history and success. Her dream for a gallery for all local artists was realized when she helped found Summit Artspace in 2002.
She was also one of the original members of Artists of Rubber City, founded in 1978, and the Alliance for the Visual Arts, founded in 2001. Artists of Rubber City remains housed in Summit Artspace and operates The BOX Gallery and The Small BOX Gallery. AVA hosts the highly- anticipated annual Kaleidoscope show which draws work from AORC, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center and historic Akron art organizations, the Women’s Art League of Akron and Akron Society of Artists.
Taylor and her late husband, Howard, were honored with the “Arts Alive!” Volunteer Award by the Akron Area Arts Alliance (now Summit Artspace) in 2003. She had degrees in Biology and Sculpture and a certification in Interior Design, all from The University of Akron.
The October Artwalk and the closing of the High Arts Festival provided one more opportunity to view and vote for the visual art entries at Summit Artspace. Betty Sandwick arrived just in time to have her picture taken with her portrait in Shane Wynn’s photograph, Nuts. The photo is from the #overlooked series, created with support from the Knight Foundation. Visit Successful Women in Decaying Buildings to view more of Shane’s images and learn about the project.
Formerly known as the Akron Art Prize, the High Arts Festival has more changes than just its name. This year the event features music and film along with visual art. Visit the High Arts Festival site for information on hours, venues and voting – and, of course, please stop by Summit Artspace and consider a vote for my entry, Herbal Roulette!
Tags: high arts festival
Connie Bloom Memorial Party & Sale
Sunday, September 25
at her Summit Artspace 3rd floor studio
above image: Akron Beacon Journal/Phil Masturzo
“While unfolding pieces of Connie’s hosta series, started last winter and now, sadly, forever unfinished, I was struck by how effectively each fragment illustrated just how passionately she approached an idea or technique. Connie researched, observed and designed, then edited, adjusted and reworked. Inevitably during the process her signature sparkle and glitz would appear, always with a touch of drama.
Connie’s approach to life, and the afterlife, was not dissimilar: no matter the situation, a little pizzazz is always appropriate!” Joan Colbert, 2016
Read more about Connie in Artspace celebrates life of quilt artist by Beacon Journal art and architecture critic, Dottie Shinn.
Tags: connie bloom
Connie Bloom, artist, writer and friend, died today, Monday, August 29, 2016.
“If someone should ever make a Memorial piece in Connie Bloom’s honor it would have to say that this is one grateful woman. She gives gratitude for all she has got, her job, her studio, her creativity, her happiness . . .
‘This came to me, it fell out of the sky.’ ”
Sol Haring
producer and director of the documentary, No Time To Get Old
read Sol’s interview with Connie
Connie asked that her final goodbye be a joyful one, with a fabulous farewell party at her beloved studio. Please join us at the Connie Bloom Memorial Celebration & Sale on Sunday, September 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. on the 3rd floor of Summit Artspace, 140 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio.
Along with food, wine, live music and memories, there will be a special sale of Connie’s fiber art. At her request, all proceeds will be donated to Artists of Rubber City and Summit Artspace.
Tags: connie bloom
When Artists of Rubber City has a sale it’s a good one! Members filled the Transitions Gallery at Summit Artspace with an incredible variety of artwork for this benefit.
Little frog, big frog . . . my little block print juxtaposed with John Sokol’s painting!
Out of the Box and into my home . . .
Even before I knew the story behind the box created by Krista of Rubber City Prints, I planned to place my bid(s) on it during the Out of the Box Auction. When I learned that the sgraffito lettering and printed imagery was inspired by Krista’s friendship with fellow artist, Chris Paringer, I just knew it would be mine. Now, at each glance, it evokes fond memories of Chris, who died this past April.
