Artists of Rubber City - The BOX Gallery

Akron Empire would like to welcome guest blogger Roza Haidet.  She's no stranger to the blog--last fall, I wrote about Roza's tumbler Akron Cats Unite! and she is also a a member of DDPP-Akron, the all-women's dance event that has been the subject of several Empire posts.

Artists of Rubber City - The BOX Gallery
by Roza Haidet

Here in Akron, Ohio, we are lucky to be a part of a community that likes to support local; whether it be local food, local businesses, or local arts, Akronites can’t seem to get enough.  Though artists receive great support through events like Crafty Mart, Art in the Square, and the Highland Square Porch Rokr Festival, fine artists need places to exhibit their work year round, as well as community support and peer interactions.  In Akron, part of this need is fulfilled by the nonprofit organization and artist group called the Artists of Rubber City (AoRC).

Next Art Walk is Saturday, Sept. 7th

Founded in 1978 by a group of University of Akron art students, Artists of Rubber City filled a void for these students.  They were looking for a place to display their work and a way to stay connected, thus AoRC was formed.  The mission of this nonprofit organization is to advocate for local artists and local art.  Members of AoRC consist of student and professional artists some of which have gone on to become university professors and museum professionals among other art-related professions.

Click on image to enlarge

AoRC members consist of painters, photographers, printmakers, fiber artists, potters, media artists, graphic artists, sculptors, and jewelers.  You can even become a member if you’re not an artist!  This is a way for non-artists to show their support for local visual arts.  Annual membership fees start at just $30 ($20 for students) and include a variety of benefits.

Windows 1 by Thomas Reiderman

Since 2009, AoRC has been based on the third floor of Summit Artspace at 140 E. Market Street in Akron, Ohio.  This space includes artist studios and the BOX gallery which hosts ongoing exhibitions of work from local artists, including group, juried, and solo exhibitions.  The BOX gallery is open to the public Friday and Saturdays from noon to 5pm and have extended hours during special events, such as art openings.  The artists often have open studios during the monthly Akron Art Walks that take place on the first Saturday of each month.  During these open studio times, the public gets the chance to talk to artists about their work and get a behind-the-scenes look at what they do. 

Headlands Beach State Park by Stephen Paternite

 
The next exhibition at the BOX gallery will feature two local photographers; Digital Infrared Photography by Stephen Paternite and Digital Composites by Thomas Reiderman.  Both artists will be highlighting their unique photography skills and methods and will have work for sale at a special price.

Conch Circle by Thomas Reiderman

For more information on these honed skills, you can speak to the artists themselves at the show opening or at next month’s Art Walk!  The show opening is this Friday, August 9th from 5-8pm.  Refreshments and good company will be provided.  Next month’s Art Walk will take place on September 7th from 5-9:30 pm.  

Catawba Island, Ottawa County, Ohio by Stephen Paternite

To keep up with current exhibitions and news, follow Artists of Rubber City on Facebook
or visit the Artists of Rubber City website