To continue to empower and support arts and culture organizations across Summit County, ArtsNow and Mural Arts Philadelphia are hosting a free two-day workshop on Mon., Sept.17 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Part I) and Tues., Sept. 18 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Part II).

Held at the Akron Urban League, the workshop will be hosted by nationally-renowned artist Willis Humphrey, who plans to discuss establishing project phases, helpful tools, community engagement, and production tips. Participants will receive free resources and tools from Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Any community member that is an emerging muralist or an artist interested in the public art process is invited to this workshop. Registration is free but required in order to attend: https://muralartsakron.eventbrite.com/

“The nation’s largest public art program chose Akron as one of only three cities in the nation,” states Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. “We’re incredible proud to be bringing this kind of resource to our city and hope it gives meaningful tools and inspirations to the artists in our city.”

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program and dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process—rooted in the traditions of mural-making— to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts engages communities in 60 to 100 public art projects each year and maintains its growing collection through a restoration initiative.

In collaboration with the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, ArtsNow received one of three national grants from Mural Arts Philadelphia to fund and resource local artists to focus on authentic community engagement in the Park East neighborhood of Akron.

Part of that grant is this free community-based workshop. This effort serves to continue the mission of ArtsNow to advance and advocate for the arts and culture sector as a meaningful contributor and lynchpin in the Summit County community.

Seats at the workshop are limited and registration will close on Thurs., Sept. 13, 2018. For more information please visit: artsnow.org or summitlive365.com and the team.