Homes and the arts combine for this spring's UA Arts-in-Residence Series
This tile mural is one of 10 UA Professor Donna Webb created for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. This is one of the projects she will discuss during her May 5 talk.
The power of art objects in a virtual world, a musical conversation and story circles are the intriguing topics in this spring's Arts-in-Residence Series offered by The University of Akron's College of Creative and Professional Arts.
Hosted in the fascinating homes of area residents, plus a local car museum, the Thursday evening programs begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature presentations by UA faculty. Delicious refreshments are included.
Each program is $35. Advance registration is required. Proceeds support scholarships for students in the UA College of Creative and Professional Arts, and all registration fees are fully tax deductible.
Contact Cyndee Snider at 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu for more information and to register.
“Art Objects in a Virtual World” with UA Art Professor Donna Webb
Thursday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Renee and Howard Pinsky
What is the power of art objects in the virtual world? From the first stone-age tools to computer-aided design, this program will explore the history of making things and how objects shape and define us. Donna Webb, an accomplished ceramicist and gifted teacher, will also share one of her latest projects: the making and installation of 10 tile murals for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.
West Akron residents Renee and Howard Pinsky are hosting the program at their circa 1928 Tudor with a vibrantly contemporary twist.
"A Musical Conversation" with UA Music Professor Frank Ward Jr.
Thursday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Jim Mismas and Bruce Stebner
Enjoy a musical conversation with bass-baritone Frank Ward Jr., recently hired to lead UA's Opera Lyric Theatre. In addition to his opera and recital performances throughout the United States, Ward specializes in songs by African-American composers that were performed in minstrel, vaudeville and musical theater shows in the early 1900s.
Singer/organist Jim Mismas and potter/painter Bruce Stebner are hosting the program. Their West Akron residence has been on various home-garden tours over the past 10 years. Old World charm delights as you arrive through the English-style cottage garden. Inside the French-country inspired home, Stebner's murals, tiles and custom finishes are the perfect backdrop for the eclectic mix of antique, handmade and vintage furniture the couple has collected for 20 years. Stebner's studio showroom/gallery fills the lower level.
"Circle of Stories (and Collection of Cars!)" with UA Theatre Professor James Slowiak
Thursday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by Eric Jones and Jones Group Interiors
Beginning with the Akron riot of 1900, discover how our community's civil rights history is being shared through the national "Color Line Project." Using "story circles," James Slowiak and his UA colleagues and students have been visiting local churches and other sites to gather personal memories before they are forgotten, then dramatizing the powerful and provocative stories on stage. Slowiak will introduce the audience to the Story Circle Methodology and how to use it to engage our own families, friends and communities.
The setting for the evening is another part of Akron history: the historic Tastee Bread building on S. Broadway. Now home to Jones Group Interiors, the refurbished ground floor is spectacular. Even more thrilling is the treasure trove of some 50 rare cars and historic auto memorabilia collected by Bob Jones and his son Eric. Audience members will be able to wander the beautifully displayed Model As, Model Ts, the Hower family’s electric car, Goodyear racing cars, vintage gas pumps and the old Akron Beacon Journal sign, a portion of Art Arfons’ famed Green Monster, a 1923 Franklin and much more.
Media contact: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@.uakron.edu.