Art & Park Collective brings exclusive programming to park district
Katelyn Freil, Marketing Specialist
For the past two years, a new partnership has brought opportunities to explore creativity and build community right here in the Metro Parks. The Art & Park Collective, a partnership between Akron Black Artist Guild and Summit Metro Parks, offered several new nature-inspired programs led by Black artists in locations across the park district.
The partnership is supported by a two-year grant awarded by the Knight Foundation as part of the 2021 Knight Arts Challenge Akron. Since its inception, dozens of participants have attended programs to experience plein-air painting, Zentangle, jewelry-making and more.
According to Dara Harper, co-founder of Akron Black Artist Guild, the Art & Park Collective provides participating artists with an opportunity to practice skills beyond their artistry and think differently about how spaces can be used to showcase art. This dynamic, Dara says, fosters a space for the artists to be creative wherever they want to be, rather than being limited to a stage or gallery.
The partnership also contributed to a greater diversity of talent within the park district and its programs. Summit Metro Parks Chief of Community Engagement Demetrius Lambert-Falconer described it as a cultural exchange of knowledge and resources. Park district staff offer experience and platforms for sharing, while Akron Black Artist Guild brings local Black talent to the park district. Additionally, these programs have attracted new visitors to the park district, many of whom were excited to continue exploring the Metro Parks, Dara said.
The grant will conclude this fall with multiple events throughout October. Dance and Mystery in the Park is an interactive dance performance led by Matthew Roberts, during which a family-friendly story and game will unfold with the audience. Costumes are welcome and encouraged! Dance and Mystery in the Park programs are scheduled on the following dates:
- October 7 and October 14 at Liberty Park Nature Center
- October 21 and October 28 at Summit Lake Nature Center
On October 20, artist EbaNee Bond will host Fight for Love: A Poetry Experience at Shady Hollow Lodge for participants 18 years and up. The poetry selection will explore the emotional journey for love and participants will have the opportunity to engage by listening, reading and composing their own poetry. Information about these events can be found on the Summit Metro Parks Programs & Events calendar.
To learn more about Akron Black Artist Guild’s mission and view upcoming work, including the Outlined in Black Exhibition in partnership with The University of Akron, visit abaguild.org. Look for more nature, art, science and cultural programs from Summit Metro Parks on our Programs & Events calendar.
