Art audiences, supporters, and patrons are all vital to a healthy arts and culture sector. This blog series will highlight some of the people who make the arts work in Summit County. Today we hear from Beatrice, whose human Elizabeth Walters serves on Summit County Council. (Have somebody you want to nominate for the spotlight? Reach out to becky@ampstrategy.com.)

Hi everyone! My name is Beatrice, but everyone who knows me (and loves me) calls me “B”. I’ve grown up in Summit County and spent some time at Summit County Animal Control before my mom found me and brought me home in 2017. I’m honored to be the inaugural Patron of the Parks and Barks for ArtsNow!

My mom, Elizabeth Walters, serves on Summit County Council. We live on the Westside of Akron. To be honest, quarantine has been awesome because I get to hang out with her all day. I bring her my squeaky toys while she talks to people in her computer and try to pop up on the screen to say hi. She doesn’t always appreciate it. Humans are weird… amiright?

How do arts, culture, and environment impact your life in Summit County?
Mom’s work and Council schedule keep her pretty busy, but I’m always tagging along with her on adventures. Adventures have been pretty limited these days, but one of things we still love to do is explore Summit County’s many wonderful green spaces. At least once or twice during the week you can find us exploring the Summit County Metro Parks or the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We are so lucky to live in a community with these beautiful natural assets.

Getting out in the parks helps us de-stress, keeps us moving, and helps lead a healthy balanced life. Even better, the parks are a place we can connect with friends and loved ones while staying safe and observing social distancing.

What is your favorite view in Summit County? Why?
It’s really hard to pick a favorite spot. I love exploring all corners of Summit County parks. But one of the places my mom and I go over and over again is Virginia Kendall area. We love to do the Overlook loop trail. There’s great scenery, I get to scramble over some rocks, and at the end there’s the Overlook view – a breathtaking panorama of the Cuyahoga Valley. It’s a great reward at the end of the two-mile loop. Whether the green canopy in the summer, the view of the changing leaves in fall, or the bright blue sky and white snow in the winter, each season offers new sights and sounds to enjoy. If you’ve never checked it out, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!