Release Date: December 11,2024

Akron Soul Train Announces 2025 Artists in Residence

December 10, 20240, Akron, OH – Akron Soul Train is excited to announce the 15 artists and artist collectives selected for its 2025 Artist Residency Program. Now in its ninth year, the program will bring a dynamic lineup of innovative creators to the Akron Soul Train Gallery, located at 191 S. Main Street, Akron, OH, throughout 2025.

This year’s cohort spans a wide range of artistic disciplines, offering an eclectic mix of mediums and perspectives:

Hank Bamberger: Dance/Performance (Cleveland, OH)
Julia Betts: Sculpture/Performance/Installation (Cranberry Township, PA)
Amber Bishop: Video/Sound Installation (Twinsburg, OH)
Payton Burkhammer: Screenplay/Installation (Akron, OH)
Abby Cipar: Soft Sculpture (Wadsworth, OH)
Christa Ebert: Performance/Installation (Cleveland, OH)
Saelyx Finna: Filmmaker/Writer (Akron, OH)
PJ Hargraves: Ceramics (Akron, OH)
Alex Heard: Wearable Sculpture/Performance (Akron, OH)
Amanda Margaretha: Sculpture/Installation (Hartville, OH)
Saloni Parekh: Painting/Video/Sound Design (Oberlin, OH)
Kristen Tetzmann, Matthew Dettmer, and Michelle Duke: Writing/Installation (Akron/Cleveland, OH)
Sharelle Thompson: Mixed Media/Video/Installation (Cleveland, OH)
Anna Young: Mixed Media/Photography (Akron, OH)
Alex Younger: Weaving/Mixed Media (Akron, OH)

The selection process, led by the Akron Soul Train Selection Committee, focused on the creativity of the artists’ proposals, the quality of their past work, and the impact of their community engagement components.

In their residencies, artists will explore topics including religion, women’s health, dreams, body politics, healthcare, environmental issues, and storytelling through a blend of in-person and virtual programming. These community engagement activities aim to foster meaningful connections and conversations throughout the Akron region and beyond.

Additionally, Akron Soul Train is pleased to announce Katie Shae (Fiber, Akron, OH) as the 2025 Emerging Series Artist. Shae will present a featured exhibition at the gallery, further enriching the year's offerings.

About Akron Soul Train:
Akron Soul Train is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and strengthening the cultural fabric of Akron, Ohio. Through its Artist Residency Program, exhibitions, and community-focused initiatives, Akron Soul Train supports artists and offers diverse opportunities for creative expression and public engagement.

The Akron Soul Train Gallery, located at 191 S. Main Street, Akron, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM during exhibitions.

For more information about Akron Soul Train's 2025 Artists in Residence, visit www.akronsoultrain.org/air2025 or contact info@akronsoultrain.org.