Work of UA students on exhibit as part of Akron Art Prize competition
Studio art major Amber Yeater applied a process known as high-dynamic-range imaging to control the highlights and shadows in this photograph of Canal Park.
The inspiration to create a piece of art can come from the most ordinary moments, as Joshua Montgomery will tell you.
He was jumping on a trampoline with his girlfriend when he was struck by the way her hair floated in the air. “It’s super long and curly,” says Montgomery, of Shreve, a University of Akron senior majoring in political science. “I decided I wanted to capture that picture.”
His way to capture the moment was in a wire and clay sculpture. Now it is one of nearly 155 entries on display for the third annual Akron Art Prize competition at venues throughout downtown Akron. The competition is sponsored by the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation and coordinated by the Downtown Akron Partnership.
Political science major Joshua Montgomery created this wire and clay sculpture.
Twenty participants from UA as well as artists in the area have contributed works for the “29 Days of Art.” The pieces take many forms, ranging from paintings, photography and collage to graphic design, assemblage and sculpture in varying in mediums and color.
Who will win the competition is up to you — the voting public.
Still time to cast votes
This is the last week of voting to determine the winners of $10,000 in cash prizes, with the results to be announced Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Akron Art Museum, One South High St., near the north side of campus.
Voters can use the newly developed Akron Art Prize app to vote for their favorite pieces. It is available as a free download at the iTunes App Store and Google Play App Store. Voting tablets are available in each venue for those without smart phone technology. Voting closes at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4. The finale reception, where winners will be announced, will be hosted at the Akron Art Museum from 7 to 10:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Montgomery, like some of the other UA students in the competition, is not an art major. He says he has enjoyed creating different types of art since he was a toddler, and entered paintings for the first two years of the competition.
Pushing creative envelope
“I don't necessarily think that my passions for politics, law and art are related,” says Montgomery. “I just have several different passions, one of which is art. I plan to keep art as a hobby. I love to share my art with people. I love UA, and I love the city of Akron. Participating in the Akron Art Prize was an easy decision for me.”
For Amber Yeater, a senior majoring in studio art, her entry is all about Akron, and lighting. She took a photograph of Canal Park, the baseball stadium on Main Street, and applied a process known as high-dynamic-range imaging to control its highlights and shadows, making for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Graphic design major Essence Bradley created this collection of prints.
“I really love the look of photographs on metal, so I knew this is the way I wanted to go. I really love the finished look,” says Yeater, of Akron.
Having students take their art in new directions pleases Robert J. Huff, director of the Myers School of Art and a UA alumnus.
“The Akron Art Prize is a wonderful way for all the people of our area to participate in the cultural life of the community,” says Huff. “The Margret Clark Morgan Foundation, the Downtown Akron Partnership and all of the venues are creating a unique opportunity for our school to participate and share ideas, creativity and accomplishments.”
Here are the venues where works by UA students and a faculty member can be seen.
Summit Artspace Gallery, 140 E. Market St.
- Jordan Paul, 2014 graduate, B.A. in Art Education
- Bradley Brownfield, sophomore, BFA in Metalsmithing
- Troy D. Myers, postbaccalaureate
- Del Rey Loven, professor of art
- Kit Palencar, senior, BFA in Painting and Drawing
- Nathanial Gilchrist, senior, B.A. in Studio Art
The Nightlight, 30 N. High St.
- Luke Donaldson, junior, BFA in Graphic Design
Palladian Palette, 30 N. High St.
- Amanda Krohne-Fargo, senior, B.A. in Music Arts
- Amber Yeater, senior, B.A. in Studio Art
Akron Glass Works, 106 N. Main St.
- Andy Hillier, junior, B.S. in geology
- Sreevalli Bokka, M.S. in Chemical Engineering
- Victoria Ciesielczyk, B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Artwalls, 43 Furnace St.
- Darrell Stout, senior, double major, BFA in Sculpture and BFA in Metalsmithing
- Margaret Delnoce, freshman, BFA in Metalsmithing
- Colleen Rose, junior, B.S. in Child Life Specialist
- Essence Bradley, junior, BFA in Graphic Design
- Joshua Montgomery, senior, B.S. in Political Science
- Kyle Kiltau, junior, BFA, in Graphic Design
Zeber-Martell Studio Side Gallery, 43 Furnace St.
- Jaclyn Hale, junior, BFA in Metalsmithing
- Melissa Markwald, senior, BFA in Painting and Drawing
The Downtown Akron Partnership has a calendar of events for the 29 Days of Art on its website.