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Release Date: March 18,2021

Curated Courthouse Displays The Art of a Pandemic

Features uplifting art from many seniors

(Summit County, Ohio) – Curated Courthouse, a partnership between the Summit County Probate Court and Curated Storefront, presents The Art of a Pandemic sharing local artists work at the Summit County Courthouse.  The exhibit runs March 15 thru June 25, 2021 and features the work of retired seniors and other artists who shared cards and art they created during Judge Stormer’s Cards for Seniors program at the height of the Covid pandemic lockdown.  Now, one year later, the display highlights their art which offers hope and healing to both the art creator and viewer.  

“During the pandemic we asked for cards for isolated seniors.  Not only did we receive beautiful cards, some went above and beyond our expectations and were truly works of art. ” shared Summit County Probate Court Judge, Elinore Marsh Stormer.  “We wanted to share this amazing work from these generous artists with others. This art show of pieces by local people who do not make their living through art will surprise and delight.” 

A few of the artists taught art throughout their lives, many initially studied art but made a living in other fields prior to retiring.  Those artists include, an elementary teacher, shop teacher, guidance counselor, art therapist, licensed clinical counselor, market researcher, and an occupational therapist.  The others in the show include an artist who has designed album covers, residents of the SHARP program at Oriana House, and one young lady on the Autism spectrum. 

Mary Lou Jubin, a retired Akron Public School elementary teacher, who lives in Norton, usually plays her dulcimer and shares her photography and bubbly personality throughout the community in nursing homes and senior centers.  But due to the pandemic all have been shut to these cheerful visits. 

"The court house art show is a wonderful opportunity to share my love of photography and hopefully my creative work will bring a moment of joy and happiness to the people of our community. We all need a reason to smile and I am honored to be selected to be a part of the art show,” said Jubin.

Nancy Woods, a retired School Guidance Counselor from Hudson, enjoyed giving art to seniors and those confined to their homes during the pandemic. 

“2020 was a difficult year for all of us, but especially for those people who were isolated from friends and family.  It gave me great pleasure to share my small drawings and paintings, with added messages of cheer,  to people through Judge Stormer’s office,” shared Woods.

Many of the art pieces are for sale with the proceeds going directly to the artists. 

The Summit County Court House is open to the public 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 209 S High St, Akron, OH 44308.  Masks are required to enter. 

A Knight Art Challenge winner, Curated Courthouse is a collaboration between Summit County Probate Court and Curated Storefront. This partnership provides inspiration and gives respite through art, from diverse local artists, to employees and often unwilling visitors in the stressful environment within the historic Summit County Courthouse. 

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. Knight invests in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Their goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which they believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit KF.org.

Additional photo files available on request.  For questions about Curated Courthouse, contact Lisa Mansfield at lmansfield@summitohioprobate.com.