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 Curtis Minter, Jr., Operations Director at The Well CDC. (Have somebody you want to nominate for the spotlight? Reach out to becky@ampstrategy.com.)

What is your earliest memory of participating in arts and culture?
I can remember attending a Gap Band concert in Cascade Plaza with my mother and her siblings in the ’90s. It was summertime and everyone came out for the show. It is, by far, one of the fondest memory of arts and culture in my childhood.

How do arts, culture, and environment impact your life in Summit County?
It’s a life-giving experience for me personally and it’s become a regular rhythm of self-care.

What artist, cultural organization, or experience do you wish more people knew about in Summit County?
Lizzi Arronhalt, Alexandria Couch, JBurgess Designs and Krunchworks Design+Build. On the music side, I enjoy Neon Vice, Acid Cats, Chris Coles and Danny Wilson. The list goes on and on.

Why do arts and culture matter to you?
My father worked for the Akron Beacon Journal and I later on attended Miller South: School for Performing Arts. Art is in my DNA! I still dabble a little even today.

Have you seen an example of how arts and culture have positively impacted your community?
Art belongs to the artist, and its audience. “A piece in gallery” is an understatement. Somehow, in some inexplicable way, it speaks. I can’t quite explain it, but I believe many find this relationship of great value.

What is your favorite spot to shop local?
I really enjoy markets. In the past, I’ve been a part of the Middlebury Mixer.  I’ve also attended PorchRokr a couple of times to support local artists of all sorts.

What is your favorite view in Summit County? Why?
I once stood atop the Ohio Savings and Trust Company building where the Goodyear sign lives. That’s a view I won’t forget anytime soon!

Who is a patron or supporter of arts and culture in Summit County who you admire?
My 6th-grade art teacher Susan Yingling. She is still very much a fan of art, and I’m always happy to cross paths with her at a local art show.

What do you wish for arts and culture in Summit County in the next five years?
I’ve always said, “Akron’s just big enough, and just small enough.” I hope we continue to grow in that. To exercise the ability to appreciate those artists in the Akron Art Museum, but also those up and coming at Summit Art Space.

Why do you feel exposure and participation in arts, culture, and/or environment are important for students and young people in Summit County?
I have a nephew named Ethan who is as excited about art as I was at his age. It’s awe-inspiring to relive the joy of trying different mediums and visiting local art museums. I hope Akron arts and culture grants him the same opportunity it did for me growing up.