Release Date: November 10,2022
Support Local Artists and #ShopArt the Sunday after Thanksgiving Downtown Akron venues include Summit Artspace, Crafty Mart, and more
Akron, OHIO (Nov. 9, 2022) — Move over Black Friday! Artists Sunday is a national campaign encouraging shoppers to purchase from local artists and give unique items as gifts for the holiday season. On Sunday, Nov. 27, Crafty Mart, Summit Artspace, and a host of additional Akron organizations and businesses are collaborating to encourage visitors to shop for locally-made gifts downtown over the holiday weekend.
On Sunday, Nov. 27 from Noon - 5 p.m., Summit Artspace will host 20+ local artist pop-up vendors in addition to 25 resident artist studios on all three floors of its historic Akron building at 140 East Market Street. Resident arts organization Summit Choral Society will present hourly performances of their children’s choirs and the Metropolitan adult chorus. Shoppers can choose from a variety of handcrafted gifts and visit fall exhibitions in Summit Artspace’s five galleries. Free parking is available in the Summit Street lot, and admission is free.
On Saturday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Crafty Mart will host the 14th Annual Crafty Mart Holiday Show at Bounce Innovation Hub, where 80+ local makers will have handcrafted goods for sale. There will be DIY holiday workshops, a gift-wrapping station, food and drink, live music, raffles, and more. Parking and admission to the 14th Annual Crafty Mart are free.
Those who visit participating venues over the weekend can be entered into a drawing for artwork, memberships, and more by submitting a passport card available at Crafty Mart and Summit Artspace.
"In Summit County, we recognize the incredible talent of our local artists and the value they add to our region," said County Executive Ilene Shapiro. "This year, as in years past, I urge residents and visitors to join me in bringing local art into our offices and homes by taking advantage of Artist Sunday."
Artists Sunday is an effort organized by artists for artists. Additional organizations participating in Artist Sunday include Akron Soul Train (booth at Summit Artspace), Akron Art Museum, Akron Glass Works, and others in and around downtown Akron. Visit Downtown Akron Partnership for more information on retail businesses and restaurants open for Artist Sunday.
About Crafty Mart: Since 2009, Crafty Mart has been creating and hosting handmade markets throughout Akron. Crafty Mart supports local artists, makers, and artisans by providing opportunities to learn how to refine and expand their creative businesses through education and markets. Crafty Mart’s events unite creative, talented makers with shoppers who are passionate about supporting small businesses and discovering special, handmade goods. Crafty Mart markets attract unique makers and artisans from Akron and beyond to the Rubber City. Additionally, Crafty Mart is home to the Maker Sessions, an exclusive curriculum designed to help artists, makers, and artisans hone their creative small business skills. Learn more at www.craftymart.org.
Follow Crafty Mart on social media: Instagram, Facebook
About Summit Artspace: Summit Artspace is a nonprofit arts organization connecting artists and artist-serving organizations to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially. It provides artist studios, exhibitions, and artist-serving programs in Summit County and serves as a vital place for the public to engage with the creative community. Summit Artspace is located at 140 E Market Street in Akron, Ohio. Public hours are Fridays from Noon - 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Summit Artspace is supported by The County of Summit, Ohio Arts Council, GAR Foundation, and Akron Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.summitartspace.org o
Follow Summit Artspace on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
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