Category: Blog

Summit County looks out for one another, and that starts with staying informed. In a world full of information (and let’s be honest, plenty of memes), it’s not always easy to know what’s real or what matters most. That’s why we’re sharing organizatio[...]

The following speech was given by Rick Rogers, Executive Director of Curated Storefront and recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award issued by the Greater Akron Chamber, on March 12th, 2025. Thank you to the leadership of the Greater Akron Ch[...]

Elizabeth Bartz is the President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, Inc., a company she founded in 1993. As a woman-owned, small business, Elizabeth directs the operations of her 43-person firm, from managing a team of lawyers and research experts to overseein[...]

Anthony Boarman is the Strategic Communications Manager at GAR Foundation, where he builds awareness and broad support for the Foundation’s efforts to advance systemic solutions that make Greater Akron smarter, stronger, and more vibrant. Prior to joining GAR, Anthony[...]

The following speech was originally presented by Diane Johnson at An Evening with Artists: An ArtsForward Fundraiser on December 12th, 2024. I’m a visual artist, writer, and creative. I’m a proud grandma of eight wonderful grandchildren who are also inspiring artist[...]

The following blog post was originally presented by Micah Kraus at An Evening with Artists: An ArtsForward Fundraiser on December 12th, 2024. Good evening. My name is Micah Kraus. I’m a professional artist that owns and operates Work Studio LTD. My three guiding princ[...]

The following speech was originally presented by Yoly Miller at An Evening with Artists: An ArtsForward Fundraiser on December 12th, 2024. I am an immigrant. As a child I wanted nothing more than to belong to my new world, but the school system I was entrusted into offe[...]

Who am I? My name is Josy Jones. I am a theatre practitioner. I am an actor, director, playwright, producer, amongst other things. I am a community builder and I am an aspiring lighting designer. I am also the founder of the Chameleon Village Theatre Collective, which i[...]

J Travis is a self-taught visual artist who works primarily with abstract acrylic paints and mixed media. She proudly claims her roots- Canton-born and Akron-raised. What inspired you to create? My artistic journey began with my mother, who taught me the joy of drawing.[...]

The following speech was originally presented by Drew Williams, Assistant Superintendent at Summit DD, at An Evening with Artists on December 12th, 2024: Good evening, Thank you again for attending tonight’s event, which has highlighted the important work of local art[...]