VIEW Field 2020 by Akron Art Museum

VIEW

FALL/WINTER 2020

AKRON ART MUSEUM GALLERY HOURS THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2020 Closed Sunday – Wednesday Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm

THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020 Closed Sunday – Wednesday Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm

GARDEN HOURS THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2020 Closed Sunday – Wednesday Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm

THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020 Closed Sunday – Wednesday Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION FOR MEMBERS FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020 INTERIM DIRECTOR Jon A. Fiume BOARD OF DIRECTORS I 2019 – 2020 Dr. Drew Engles – President Richard Harris – Treasurer Myriam Altieri Haslinger – Past President Rory O’Neil – Past President Bruce Rowland – Past President Nancy Brennan Rose Andrews Meghan Beringer Jeff Bruno Tamara Fynan Molly DeHoff Holtzer Paige Hoover Sarah Johnston Pam McMillen Steve Myers David Pelland Elizabeth Sheeler HONORARY BOARD Sandra L. Haslinger Mitchell Kahan, Director Emeritus M. Donald McClusky C. Blake McDowell III Margaret McDowell Lloyd

THRIVING IN A VIRTUAL WORLD JON A. FIUME

INTERIM DIRECTOR I’d like to start by thanking all the members of the Akron Art Museum community. We need the help of all those in the community who care about the Museum to successfully accomplish our Transformation Plan. Although we have a concrete set of goals, the transformation of this institution is an ongoing process, and we welcome the feedback from our members and the community. During the ups and downs of COVID-19, we’ve spent this time rethinking much of our work. We’re using this moment in history to try new things. For example, our virtual programming continues to flourish. In this issue, you’ll notice many virtual programs, including a two-week celebration of video games, called GameFest Akron. Regional artists will be the focus during much of the year. The new speakers’ series, On Process, offers monthly chats with visual artists and authors in our region, free to all online. Authentic experiences are still central to our work. Akron Art Mail is a new partnership with Akron-Summit County Public Library. This innovative program is detailed in this issue, and I’m excited to see the postcard-sized artworks to be showcased in the companion exhibition, opening on October 15.

Michael Mattis Thomas R. Merryweather

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We take great pride in our collection and are grateful to share it with you, including a few pieces that perhaps you have not previously seen. With this in mind, we’re thrilled to announce we’re continuing our free admission through December 31. In addition, with schools and work reopening, we’re instituting

special holiday hours. Between November 5 and December 31, we’ll be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm. We hope these additional hours and the waived admissions allow more community members to enjoy the chance to love art safely. Finally, I’d like to offer a thank you to our members. Throughout my years of involvement with the Museum, I have always been encouraged by the number of people who support the institution through membership. Support from our members is key to the Museum’s success, and I’m so grateful for your continued contributions. Even during these uncertain times, our members remain vital to the organization. To show how much your membership matters to us, our Advancement team has just announced new benefits for current members and for those who would like to join the Museum as a supporter and become a member. For a limited time only, receive 25% off any membership level if you join, renew, or give as a gift, before December 31. I truly appreciate and thank all of our members for your continued support. Every contribution that is made to the Museum helps us to fulfill our mission and continue to improve our organization.

JON A. FIUME

INTERIM DIRECTOR

ON VIEW HIGHLIGHTS 4

TRANSFORMATION PLAN

6 AKRON ART MAIL October 15, 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 21, 2021

8 CREATIVITY CARE KITS 10 ART & ALE 12 CALENDAR 20 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 22 BY THE NUMBERS

Left: Akron Art Mail artist postcard designed by Arabella Proffer

ON THE COVER

Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) showcases art made by Akron-based artists throughout the downtown area, including our lobby. Banners designed by Alexandria Couch and Micah Kraus. Photograph by Malissa Vernon. Detail image above.

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TRANSFORMATION AN OVERVIEW As par t of the Akron Ar t Museum’s continuous improvement efforts, a recently released Transformation Plan outlines the steps being taken to make the museum a more inclusive place for all. The plan, which specifically addresses the areas of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) within the organization, offers an oppor tunity for different voices—including those of staff and community members—to come together in creating a positively changed environment. The goal is for the Akron Art Museum to become a stronger, healthier institution, absent of biases, that can serve as an example for museums nationwide and for other organizations locally.

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TRANSFORMATION PLAN HIGHLIGHTS • DEAI training for Museum staff and board members • Board Transformation Task Force • DEAI Working Group • Community Advisory Board • Vision, Mission, Values Work Group • Marketing and Communications Task Force • Development of a 12- to 24-month Institutional Plan Full details about the Transformation Plan are available at akronartmuseum.org/ transformation-plan.

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OCTOBER 15, 2020 – FEBRUARY 21, 2021 Judith Bear Isroff Gallery

OUR GOAL IS TO FIND WAYS TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO ART AND EACH OTHER. WE KNOW THE GIFT OF ART CAN ENLIVEN ANYONE’S DAY.

As the world undergoes changes during the pandemic, the Akron Art Museum seeks to meet the new needs of its community. Drawing inspiration from the successful Akron Art Library art-rental program, the museum is again working in collaboration with the Akron-Summit County Public Library to present the Akron Art Mail project and exhibition. Akron Art Mail, designed to bring visual art and written inspiration into the homes of Akronites, has commissioned local artists and writers to create free limited-edition postcards, which will be distributed to community groups throughout the city. Community recipients of the postcards can pass them along to loved ones, creating new connections to art and writing through the most classic form of communication: the mail. Along with the limited-edition postcards, community groups will also receive blank postcards on which individuals can create their own art. These will be preaddressed to the museum and, when returned, will appear in an exhibition alongside the commissioned artwork and writing. Blank postcards will also be available at the front desk for visitors to design and return to the museum for the exhibition. The exhibition will be on view digitally, as well as in the museum’s exhibition galleries this fall and winter. Community submissions will be accepted throughout the exhibition, resulting in a display that will continually change and grow with each new postcard. To request a packet of postcards for your community group, contact Reggie Lynch, Curator of Community Engagement, at rlynch@akronartmuseum.org.

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FIVE THINGS The visual artists who participated in this project were inspired by everything from their morning coffee (an increasingly cherished ritual in the COVID-19 era) to messages of hope and celebration.

ARTISTS BY ROW, Top: Joan Colbert, April Bleakney Second: Sequoia Bostick, Nicole Schneider, April Couch, Justin Michael Will Third: Maria Alejandra Zanetta, Horrible Adorables, Arabella Proffer Bottom: Dave Szalay, Claire Bowman, Gary and Laura Dumm

Each writer involved in the project took inspiration from a work of art in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection.

Many of the participating artists and writers are involved with major arts and educational organizations in the area, including the University of Akron, Summit Artspace, and Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival.

Each of the 10 writers submitted a 100-word piece; that means, collectively, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written 1,000 words!

WRITERS BY ROW, Top: Holly Christensen, Mary Biddinger, Theron Brown Middle: Brad Warner, Mary E. Weems, Ph.D., David Hassler Bottom: Joanna Wilson, Thrity Umrigar, Hanif Abdurraqib

Some of the artists were so inspired by this project that they created extra postcards to exchange with one another.

Akron Art Mail is made possible with the generous support from the Huntington-Akron Foundation with additional support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, and the Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust, KeyBank, Trustee.

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Year in and year out, families find creative outlets in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classes. Because social-distancing regulations and uncertainty about sanitization prevent on-site classes right now, the museum staff have used their own creativity to continue to foster imagination in our youngest learners. Creativity Care Kits are free pouches of art supplies, including paper, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, and sequins. Offering families a chance for openended exploration, a kit can be pulled out on any rainy Saturday. Most families will be able to make several projects from their materials. Creativity Care Kits will be available upon request from Visitor Services on Saturdays while supplies last. Some families may appreciate more structure when it comes to creative pursuits. On the second Saturday of every month through Spring 2021, the museum will offer virtual Family Days (made possible through support by PNC), sharing projects that use materials from the kits. Videos, photographs, and downloadable instructions will also be added to the website to keep families engaged. Digital Family Days offer a chance to see the innovative ways in which children create, as does social media. The museum encourages everyone to show their Creativity Care Kit masterpieces. Share your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects by tagging @akronartmuseum on social media.

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things you might not know about these common supplies 1. Pipe cleaners are sometimes

called chenille stems. They can be used with the tissue paper in the kits to make love bouquets.

2. Construction paper was once

called sugar paper. It’s a sweet tool for making a variety of artworks— from paper sculptures to handmade books.

3. Bookbinding is an age-old craft that often employs specialized tools. But simple books can be made from a single sheet of paper. Check out our YouTube channel for easy-to-follow videos.

4. Delicate tissue paper is

Photo by Shane Wynn

Creativity Care Kits are made possible with support from PNC, the Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation, the Alan and Janice Woll Family Fund, OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, Peg’s Foundation, Robert O. and Annamae Orr Family Foundation, Kathy Moses Salem Philanthropic Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, Charles E. and Mabel M. Richie Foundation, and Mr. and Mrs. William H. Considine.

KATHY MOSES SALEM PHILANTHROPIC FUND

of the Akron Community Foundation

manufactured using huge industrial machines with large drying cylinders. Each sheet has one side with a smoother finish, a result of this production process.

5. The kits are packed in Tyvek

bags made from high-density polyethylene fibers. After the supplies are used up, the bag can be transformed. What will you make?

The Alan and Janice

W O L L FA M I LY F U N D

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The 13th Art & Ale event was originally scheduled for late March, the week after Governor Mike DeWine issued his first stay-at-home order. Thus, visitors were unable to celebrate with brews in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobby or to enjoy the galleries with friends. With months of social distancing under our belts, many of our patrons still keenly missed this annual celebration of art and beer.

Virtual Art & Ale brought many of the highlights of this anticipated occasion into the current climate. Admission to the event came with a signature meal and a selection of seasonal brews. As patrons enjoyed their upscale pub offerings, they also had access to a special musical performance as well as local beer culture interviews and offerings.

Thank you to our sponsors Art and Ale is made possible with support from The J.M. Smucker Co., Platform Beer Company, Robert J. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Events & Catering, Saucy Brew Works, and Thirsty Dog Brewing Company with additional support from the 2020 Summit Brew Path by the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Brennan Manna Diamond, Canton Brewing Company, Drew and Laura Engles, Jeffrey and Sandra Kornick, Heineken 0.0, TKM Print Solutions, Inc., and The University of Akron. Media sponsorship is provided by 91.3 The Summit, and Western Reserve PBS.

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5 Way s

to learn about , art s connection to ale (and other beers)

1. Severin Roesen’s still life might be called Fruit Basket, but it’s the beer in the scene that really makes it special. 2. Ralph Steiner’s Merry Christmas shows deals on corned beef, hams, and pork. But beer drinkers know that fall is the time to celebrate the annual launch of Christmas brews. 3. Andy from Danny Lyon’s photograph is drinking the same brand of beer as his friends. Our Northeast microbrews are undoubtedly better. 4. El Anatsui’s Dzesi II is made from liquor bottle caps, among other materials. What will you craft with your beer caps?

Danny Lyon, Andy, meeting at the Spotlight, Cicero, Illinois, 1965 (printed later), gelatin silver print, 13 3 /8 x 9 in., Gift of Dr. Stephen Nicholas 2009.195

5. Although joining friends for an IRL drink, like the WWII vets in Welcome Veterans by Joseph Koch, isn’t recommended these days, coordinating with friends to get tickets for virtual Art & Ale is the next best thing.

Top: Severin Roesen, Fruit Basket, c. 1848–1860, oil on canvas, 27 x 22 in., Gift of Stella B. Hall in memory of her husband, William Curtis Hall, Jr., 1991.135

Joseph Koch, Welcome Veterans, undated, lithograph on paper, 9 x 121 /8 in., Gift of the artist, 1946.141

Middle: Ralph Steiner, Merry Christmas, 1922, gelatin silver print, 21/2 x 3 in., Gift of Therese and Murray Weiss, 2008.61 Bottom: El Anatsui, Dzesi II, 2006, aluminum liquor bottle caps and copper wire, 117 x 195 x 8 in., Purchased, by exchange, with funds from Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Reed II, 2006.25

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CALENDAR OCTOBER 6 TUESDAY

NOVEMBER 5 THURSDAY

10:00 am

Coffee with the Collection: Federally Funded Artists during the Great Depression

Coffee with the Collection: Who Are Our Artists?

Ever wonder what happens when government and art mix? Join Research Assistant Katie DiDomenico for a peek into the museum’s collection of federally funded Depressionera prints. In this conversation, Katie discusses her research on these works, with examples by local artists including Russell T. Limbach, Kálmán Kubinyi, and Honoré Guilbeau.

10 SATURDAY 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Virtual Family Day: Drawing and MarkMaking Marvels

Everyone can make marks on paper. In October, explore drawing, painting, and expressing yourself through the marks you make.

22 THURSDAY 6:30 pm

AAM After Work: Virtual Game Night: Akron Culture and History Trivia

Think you’re up to snuff on Akron culture and history? See if you’re right in a special edition of AAM After Work with the Art Museum and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. You’ll get the chance test your skills during this virtual trivia night, so grab a few friends, some drinks, and your thinking cap and see if you can hold your own!

FAMILY PROGRAMMING ADULT PROGRAMMING

To represent art’s many rich varieties, museums must strive to build collections that avoid overrepresentation of any particular group of artists. Join Curatorial Fellow Jeff Katzin to hear about the Akron Art Museum’s work to take stock of the demographic makeup of its collection.

14 SATURDAY 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Virtual Family Day: GameFest Akron

Explore video games as a celebration of GameFest Akron. This family event is in association with GameFest Akron. For up-to-date programming information, check the website.

16 MONDAY 6:30 pm

GameFest Akron: Meet the Designers

Meet some of the designers and learn about the inspiration behind their games included in GameFest Akron. This event is in association with GameFest Akron. For up-to-date programming information, check the website.

On Process: Conversations with Artists and Authors

DECEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm

GameFest Akron: Family Game-Night Trivia

Get into the game with this virtual trivia night. This family event is in association with GameFest Akron. For up-to-date programming information, check the website.

19 THURSDAY 6:30 pm

AAM After Work: GameFest Akron: Video Game Happy Hour Grab your favorite drink and head to this virtual happy hour for a casual conversation with GameFest Akron designers and AAM staff. This event is in association with GameFest Akron. For up-to-date programming information, check the website.

3 THURSDAY 10:00 am

Coffee with the Collection: Meet the Models

Although the museum features images of legends like Elvis Presley and Billie Holiday, most of the faces in the collection are of relatively unknown people. Join Curator of Community Engagement Reggie Lynch for a chance to meet the everyday people who fill the museum’s walls.

12 SATURDAY 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Virtual Family Day: Toy with Art

Use your creativity and imagination, along with simple materials, to make playful toys and other amusing artworks.

17 THURSDAY 6:30 pm

AAM After Work: Holiday Variety Show featuring Missile Toe

No need to brave the cold for this evening of holiday cheer! Celebrate the season of holidays with a virtual performance from rock & roll Christmas band Missile Toe, as well as other merry wishes from members of the Akron community. Whether you’re kicking off the holidays or bringing them to a close, you won’t want to miss this magical event!

Enjoy this monthly series of free talks where local artists and writers discuss their process and works in leisurely conversation with the museum’s staff. Artist and author talks will be available every Saturday starting October 3 on the Museum’s Facebook and YouTube accounts. For a full listing of artists, authors, and themes, check our website. On Process is made possible with support from Acme Fresh Market, the Henry V. and Frances W. Christenson Foundation, and the Samuel Reese Willis Foundation.

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OCTOBER S

NOVEMBER

14–20 NOVEMBER GameFest

various times Game on! This year the museum’s annual arcade event goes virtual with GameFest Akron. Over the course of a week, you’ll have the chance to play games by indie designers, learn about game design, and test your gaming skills. A detailed schedule of events and designers will be available this fall, so stay tuned!

Virtual programming is made possible by PNC with additional support from the Kathy Moses Salem Philanthropic Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, The R.C. Musson and Katharine M. Musson Charitable Foundation, the Henry V. and Frances W. Christenson Foundation, the Samuel Reese Willis Foundation, and the Robert O. and Annamae Orr Family Foundation.

DECEMBER S

Closed for Holiday

KATHY MOSES SALEM PHILANTHROPIC FUND

of the Akron Community Foundation

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NOW THEN ART WORKS

BUSINESS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Brennan, Manna & Diamond

Matt Heinle President John N. Childs Member of BMD and past member of the Akron Art Museum’s Board of Directors

What prompted your business to support the Akron Art Museum? The fact that BMD and the museum are neighbors and share an interesting piece of history made it a natural partnership. BMD’s Akron office is located at 75 E. Market Street, which originally housed the Carnegie Library (now the Akron-Summit County Public Library). The Akron Art Institute (now the Akron Art Museum) originally borrowed two rooms in the library’s basement and later took over the whole building in 1948, finally moving to the current space in 1981. The building housed several businesses over the years after the museum relocated, including law offices, before our founders established Brennan, Manna & Diamond in 2000. Our attorneys and staff admire and appreciate the fact that they get to work in a historic building that is an integral piece of Akron history.

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How has the Akron Art Museum impacted BMD and the region as a whole? BMD values art’s positive effect on the community, and we respect the time and resources that AAM dedicates to sharing not only cutting-edge and interesting works, but also impactful programming and education. The Akron Art Museum is the flagship of our block, and its interesting architecture is always a conversation starter with clients and guests. Are particular works in the collection or in current or past exhibitions special to you? BMD was a corporate sponsor of AAM’s Inside/Out program, in which the museum installed high-quality reproductions of artworks in unexpected places around the city for all to enjoy. In 2016, BMD sponsored the installation of a reproduction of Chuck Close’s popular painting Linda.

ART WORKS

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS For more than 98 years, the Akron Art Museum has been able to realize its vision thanks to the dedication of the community. Demonstrate your company’s commitment to the arts with an Art Works Business Membership at the Akron Art Museum. Corporate support is critical to the museum’s ability to present its world-class exhibitions and acclaimed education programs. In return for your generous support, our Art Works Business Membership program provides special benefits and recognition specifically designed to meet the needs of your business. Join the growing list of companies demonstrating support for the arts in our community.

Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Coffee Roasters Albrecht Incorporated Best Commercial Energy Systems BPI Information Systems Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC Cohen & Company Control Concepts of Ohio Dominion Energy Emery Electric, Inc. Famous Supply GOJO Industries, Inc. Greater Akron Chamber Harwick Standard H & M Metal Processing The J.M. Smucker Co. L’Nique Specialty Linen Ohio CAT Printing Concepts Robert J. Events & Catering Roderick Linton Belfance LLP S.A. Comunale Co., Inc. Securitec One, Inc. Sikich LLP Speelman Electric, Inc. Star Printing Company, Inc. State and Federal Communications, Inc. Summa Health and SummaCare Suncrest Gardens Sweet Mary’s Bakery Sweet Modern/Cogneato TKM TRIAD Communications The University of Akron US Acute Care Solutions — Summa Emergency Department Valley Car Wash Western Reserve Public Media WRL Advertisng Join online at akronartmuseum.org/memberships or contact Senior Development Officer Jeneé Garlando at jgarlando@akronartmuseum.org or 330.376.9186 x222.

Photo by Shane Wynn

Supporting the Akron Art Museum Is a Wise Investment In the midst of these uncertain times, while we all anticipate safely resuming our regular activities, the Akron Art Museum continues to carry out its mission with the help of friends and benefactors. Congress has recently enacted several changes to the tax laws. • IRA charitable rollover provisions for those age 70½ and older • Attractive charitable gift annuity rates • Flexible deferred gift options for creating a legacy

Contact Director of Advancement Bryan de Boer at bdeboer@akronartmuseum.org or 330.376.9186 x215 to discuss your options today.

In all cases, please consult your financial advisor regarding the gift type that is right for you.

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PICTURE YOURSELF

HERE

PARTIES EVENTS WEDDINGS

A MEMORABLE EVENT DESERVES AN EQUALLY MEMORABLE SPACE Choose the Akron Art Museum to celebrate the most important moments of your life and career. Exhibit your style amid bold and dramatic art, iconic architecture and an elegant garden space that will wow your guests and make any celebration a rare and memorable occasion.

OUR SERVICES & STAFF Our special events team is ready to assist you with customizing your event. Combine your corporate event with a tour of our world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, or add a unique outdoor feel to your dream urban wedding— our team can bring your visions to life. Wedding ceremonies and receptions • Seated dinners • Luncheons • Holiday parties • Cocktail receptions • Photo sessions • Presentations, films, lectures and panel discussions Choose from our list of approved caterers who will provide you with a variety of menus and excellent service to accommodate your individual style and budget. Event rentals also include a museum event supervisor, security service, janitorial services and ample time for your caterer and vendors to set up prior to your event and to clean up afterward.

CONTACT US Akron Art Museum’s experienced event staff can answer your questions and guide you through planning your event. If you have questions, would like to inquire about availability and pricing, or want to arrange a private tour of the venue, contact our Event Manager at events@akronartmuseum.org.

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Photo by Jodi Hutton Photography

Photo by Dennis Crider Photography

Additional photos by Shane Wynn

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Members Save 20% In-Store or Online with Coupon Code MEMBER20

SHOP

YOUR FAVORITES The holidays are here and we have the perfect gifts to help you and yours Live Creative this season. Curbside pickup available.

You can earn and redeem Akronite blimps when you shop with us!

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AKRON ART MUSEUM

THANK YOU The Akron Art Museum thanks everyone who supports us through annual gifts, membership, event sponsorship and special contributions. The listing below recognizes those individuals and institutions supporting the museum with cash gifts and pledges totaling $250 or more and celebrates our Director’s Circle* and membership for their meaningful commitment to supporting creativity in Akron. Listing as of July 31, 2020.

$50,000 and above Mrs. Myrna Berzon* The C. Blake, Jr. and Beatrice K. McDowell Foundation Ms. Sandra Haslinger* The J.M. Smucker Co. John S. and James L. Knight Foundation The Lehner Family Foundation The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation Ohio Arts Council

$10,000 to $49,999 In Celebration of Ann and Ronald C. Allan Burton D. Morgan Foundation Cohen & Company Mr. and Mrs. William H. Considine Mr. and Mrs. George W. Daverio, Jr.* Dr. and Mrs. Drew Engles* FirstEnergy Foundation Huntington National Bank Joseph and Sally Miller Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William S. Lipscomb* Mary and Dr. George L. Demetros Charitable Trust McMillen Family Companies Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Newman* Mr. and Mrs. Rory O’Neil* PNC Robert O. and Annamae Orr Family Foundation The Sandra L. and Dennis B. Haslinger Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smucker* Summa Health and SummaCare The University of Akron Mr. and Mrs. Alan Woll

$1,000 to $9,999 Akron Children’s Hospital Anonymous Albrecht Incorporated Mr. Hamilton Amer* Dr. and Mrs. David Andrews* Audio Technica U.S., Inc. Dr. and Mrs. W. Gerald Austen* Matthew and Elyssa Austerklein* Mr. and Mrs. Roland H. Bauer* Mr. Bruce Bennett* Meghan and Tim Beringer* Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bober* Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC Ms. Nancy Brennan* Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Briggs* Broadleaf Partners, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brown* Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Bruno* Mr. and Mrs. Maurice J. Buchanan* Mrs. Frances Buchholzer*

Mr. Busta and Ms. Tomkins* Norman S. and Carolyn K. Carr Drs. Hedrick and Caveny* Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John Childs* Cleveland Clinic-Akron General Medical Center Mr. Stephen Comunale* Dr. and Mrs. Herbert E. Croft* Mr. John H. Dalton* Drs. Cliff and Sandy Deveny* Ms. Dana Dickinson* F.W. Albrecht Family Foundation Famous Supply Mr. and Mrs. William R. Feth* Fifth Third Bank Mr. Jon A. Fiume and Mr. Mark Muñoz* Mr. John V. Frank* Dr. Michael Frank* Mr. Howard Freedman and Mrs. Rita Montlack* Mr. Martin and Mrs. Tamara Fynan* Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gentile* Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas George* Gertrude F. Orr Trust Advised Fund/ACF Mrs. Cathy Godshall* Mrs. Patricia Graves* Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Greer* David Halliwill and Valerie Mader* Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harris, III* Mr. and Mrs. C. Thomas Harvie* Harwick Standard Distribution Corp. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Haslinger* The Henry V. and Frances W. Christenson Foundation Mrs. Barbara H. Herberich* Molly and Barry Holtzer* Mr. and Mrs. William Hoover* Mr. and Mrs. David Hunter* Jean P. Wade Foundation John P. Murphy Foundation Mr. Jeffrey E. Johnston and Ms. Sarah Johnston* Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kanfer* Kathy Moses Salem Philanthropic Fund of Akron Community Foundation Mrs. John Katzenmeyer* Mr. Walter P. Keith, III* Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust, KeyBank, Trustee Mr. Robert Kerper and Ms. Susan Locke* Mr. and Mrs. George R. Klein* Mr. and Mrs. John Vander Kooi* Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kornick* Mr. and Mrs. James P. Kovach* Mrs. Sue Kruder* Mrs. Margaret Kurczynski* Dr. Steven L. Kutnick and Ms. Jackie Derrow* Dr. and Mrs. Mark Leeson* Paul and Linda Liesem*

BECOME A MEMBER

Join the Akron Art Museum as a MEMBER today

Lloyd L. and Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Lloyd* Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lohman* M.G. O’Neil Foundation Mr. Robert and Mrs. Pamela McMillen* Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Michelson, Jr.* Mr. Roy Minoff Mr. and Mrs. John A. Mogen* Dr. and Mrs. Eliot Mostow* Mr. and Mrs. Randy Myeroff* Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Myers* Dr. and Mrs. Alfred L. Nicely* Ohio CAT Dr. and Mrs. Donald F. Palmer* Mr. and Mrs. David Pelland* Printing Concepts, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Quine* R. Shea Brewing LLC R.C. and Katharine Musson Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Ransom* Mr. Roger Read* Mr. Karl Reuther and Dr. Gayle Galan* Mrs. Nancy Reymann Gotfredson* Roderick Linton Belfance LLP Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Rogers – in honor of Dr. Jerry Austen’s birthday Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Rowland* Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Russell* Mr. Michael Russell* S.A. Comunale Company, Inc. Mrs. Elizabeth Brainard Sandwick* Mr. and Mrs. Michael Saxon* Shaw Memorial Fund-ACF Mr. Timothy and Mrs. Elizabeth Sheeler* Sisler McFawn Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Richey Smith* Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smucker* Mr. and Mrs. John S. Steinhauer Synthomer Foundation Dr. Sanjiv Tewari* Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Walton* The Welty Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Wiesner* Mr. James M. Woods* Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wright*

$250-$999 Akrochem Corporation Akron Coffee Roasters Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau Christopher Anderson Mr. and Mrs. John Arther, III Dr. and Mrs. Mark Auburn Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomae Mrs. Mona Bishop Canton Brewing Company Donna and Rex Carpenter* Clampco Products, Inc.

Anand Desai Mr. Eric and Mrs. Michelle M. Droll Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fuller Mrs. Dorothy Gaffney Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Gaines Dr. and Mrs. John H. Gerstenmaier Cynthia and Marc Giroux Mr. and Mrs. Fred V. Glock, Jr. Mr. Mark Goodman Grants Plus Thomas E. Green Mr. and Mrs Henry Gulich Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Hackett Mr. and Mrs. Tom H. Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Katanic Mr. Robert Kazar and Ms. Melissa Johnson Mr. and Mrs. David L. Keller Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Koutnik Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kukk Steve Lederer and Laura Fink Lisle M. Buckingham Endowment Fund of ACF Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Locastro Mr. William and Mrs. Nancy McGrath John and Susan McKenzie Ms. Connie Michaels Gary and Georgia Nix Miller Ms. Marlene L. Miller and Mr. David Pryor Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mintz Mr. Dean and Patricia Myton Mr. and Mrs. Robert Piepho Mr. George Pope Mr. and Mrs. Clay B. Rhinehart Robert J. Events & Catering Mr. Thomas R. Roese and Mr. William Franklin Lamar Rucker Lewis Sage and Katharine Sheppard Mr. Ed Sawan Ms. Susan Scarponi Charna Sherman Sikich LLP Drs. Frederick and Elizabeth Specht Speelman Electric, Inc. Star Printing Co., Inc. Stark Community Foundation State and Federal Communications, Inc. Mr. Stephen Strayer Struktol Company of America Suncrest Gardens Sweet Mary’s Bakery Mr. Steve Tarr and Ms. Paula Maggio Thirsty Dog Brewing Company TKM Print Solutions TRIAD Communications, Inc. U.S. Acute Care Solutions, Department of E.R. Medicine Erin E. Vollmer Heather L. Welsh Mr. Bruce Winges and Ms. Bonnie Bolden WRL Advertising Traci and Jon Wylly Mr. Gary J. Zeller and Mr. James Zwisler

Your membership supports the Akron Art Museum in its mission to enrich lives through modern and contemporary art. Memberships begin at just $50 for individuals and $75 for families. Sign up by December 31, 2020 and receive 25% off. • Complimentary Admission every day the museum is open • Access to Exclusive Art Experiences • Discounts in the Shop and Café • Complimentary Parking And for those culture seekers wanting more, we have memberships that provide national reciprocal museum privileges, invitations to member-only experiences and much more!

Art Works Business Memberships also available. Share Join today! Purchase a membership for yourself or as a gift by calling Jeneé the joy of LIVE CREATIVE with your employees today! Garlando at 330.376.9186 x222 or by visiting akronartmuseum.org/memberships. FALL 2020 | 19

MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT Bette Leff

Member Bette Leff, a retired designer, has been involved with the Akron Art Museum since her youth. Her reflections on the importance of the arts remind us of the vital role museums play in their communities. What prompted you to become a member of the Akron Art Museum? When I married and moved back to Akron, I wanted not only to experience art, but also to meet people with like interests. I wanted to be more than just a member; I wanted to get involved. How has the museum impacted you? Early on, my mother enrolled me in a Saturday program for children at the Akron Art Institute, and eventually I attended an art school in the East. As an adult member of the museum, I served as a volunteer and became involved in many fundraising projects. Those experiences led me to chairing and creating new events. And those led me to chair the Development Council, a devoted group of women who shared and developed ideas for events that not only raised funds but also drew the public in for exhibition openings, children’s programs, and a Holiday Boutique that showcased local artists. We widened the museum’s reach so that many people outside its membership could experience not only our own wonderful collection, but the many exhibitions that travel here from around the country. Broadening our membership base and providing many free programs for the city to enjoy were impactful experiences. Why is art important for individuals, families, and communities? At every stage of our lives, art is with us. As 19th-century British politician and philanthropist John Lubbock once observed, “Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.” Art and culture make considerable and necessary contributions to the well-being of communities, serving as powerful tools for engaging them in various levels of change. That’s why Akron is such a great place to live in and raise a family. Many cities the size of ours are not so fortunate to have so much culture at their fingertips, or the dedicated people to work for it. The arts also are

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AKRON ART MUSEUM

a means to share public dialogue, to contribute to the development of a community’s creative learning. Akron encourages its schools to teach students about art at our museum so that they can return with their families to show them what they have learned. Our centrally located museum is easy for families to get to. Art is also important to people who choose to view it alone, perhaps seeking a spiritual experience, a provocative experience, or simply a different perspective. Have any special exhibitions been particularly meaningful to you? Each exhibition stands on its own, and I have enjoyed so many. I admire the many outstanding talents that the museum has showcased over the years—from assemblage artists to painters. Do you have a story or memory to share about the AAM? For many years the museum held its biggest fundraiser in the fall. Due to the museum’s space limitations, these events were held at different venues around Akron; formal attire was the norm. In 1993 I chaired the Beaux Arts Ball, determined to create a very different vibe. Above and beyond our regular volunteers, I enlisted local artists to create an evening reminiscent of the famous balls held at the École des Beaux-Arts. It all came together in the former Goodrich factory on South Main Street, covering three floors that re-created Paris in the 1900s. For the first time the ball included not only our black-tie crowd, but also our casual crowd and our artist community. The fun for me was working for months with so many talented people who came together to help, especially the artists who donated their time and talents simply for the love of art How frequently do you visit the museum? I try to view most of the exhibitions and have attended many of the Downtown@Dusk evenings. What benefit of membership do you most appreciate? The most important benefit of membership is supporting the museum. It’s a wonderful place to go with friends and family to see art and experience it live! The reciprocal arrangement with other museums is a bonus. As I can attest, being a member gives you the opportunity to meet new people who may share your interests in the world of art.

LIVE CREATIVE SUPPORT THE AKRON ART MUSEUM

At the Akron Art Museum, we believe that art is for everyone. Because our mission is to enrich lives through modern and contemporary art, we think everyone should have access to a creative life. We’re continually working to make meaningful art experiences available to everyone we engage with.

The Akron Art Museum is participating in the national Museums for All program, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and we offer a reduced admission rate to the galleries to any guest who presents their state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card upon arrival.

Supporting a creative life requires commitment and passion. As we strive to create an inclusive, interactive and accessible public arts space for all, your support makes it possible for the Akron Art Museum to serve its mission of enriching lives through modern and contemporary art. Your annual fund donation provides much-needed financial support to continue programs in our community.

• World-class modern and contemporary exhibitions • Education programming for over 7,000 local K-12 students • Public art projects like art experiences in the Bud and Susie Rogers Garden

Admission to the museum galleries is free through December 31, 2020.

By joining the national Museums for All program, we hope to offer expanded access to art experiences and better serve underrepresented members of our community. To see a national list of participating institutions, visit http://childrensmuseums.org/ participating-museums.

Make your gift supporting your creative life TODAY! Return the enclosed envelope, call Jeneé Garlando at 330.376.9186 x222, or visit akronartmuseum.org/donate.

GIVE THE GIFT OF

MEMBERSHIP

Looking for a unique gift for the holidays? Give an Akron Art Museum membership! Your gift will provide that special person on your list with a full year's worth of unforgettable art experiences. Memberships start at $50 for an individual membership and $75 for a Dual/Family membership.

SIGN UP BY DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND RECEIVE 25% OFF! For more information, or to purchase a gift membership, visit akronartmuseum.org/memberships.

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BY THE

NUMBERS

Over the past two years, the museum has engaged thousands of visitors. Highlights from audience engagement include:

11,425,000 steps were taken by school students.

of our youngest patrons learned to walk.

250

1,500

sticky notes were used in response stations.

local artists and musicians lectured, demonstrated, or performed.

107,331 total attendance for 2019 and 2020.

The museum takes its role as educator seriously:

62,000

pages filled with knowledge were added to the library.

1,575

artworks were shared on-site and online.

544

art labels were created and shared with visitors.

Although many of these works were made from traditional media like paint or stone, others included materials such as buttons; keyboard keys; Chicago Transit Authority train seats; lightbulbs; rock sugar; artificial hair; motherboards; a Pepsibranded baby bottle; a metronome; an umbrella; potholders; a clock; afghans; gramophones; Rubik’s Cubes; a vintage settee; flour; a Canon All-in-One Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, and Fax; an Apple MacBook Pro; bottle caps; pipe cleaners; and glass bottles.

participated in children and family programs.

4,206

participated in adult programs.

1,706

participated in K-12 school tours.

participated in school and teacher events.

8,757

10,808

The museum’s artworks have traveled to exhibitions at other locations: 12 objects were lent to 7 institutions, with 2 loans in traveling exhibitions that included 7 different venues. Overall, these works traveled approximately 6,980 round-trip miles. One work alone, Yayoi Kusama’s Arm Chair, was seen by 222,845 people.

Temporary exhibitions have brought 382 loaned works of art to Akron, in 16 rotating shows. 22 |

AKRON ART MUSEUM

S C

down:

1. Alternative profession of Limbach

I M

2. Natural scenery as depicted in art

3. Location in Limbach lithograph (1945.8)

4. Color in title of Sommer painting (2004.59)

Gaston La Touche, Crepuscule, c. 1890s, oil on canvas, 23 5 /8 x 233/4 in., Gift of Mrs. Arthur McKee, 1959.89

Russell T. Limbach, Structural Steel Workers on the Cleveland Post Office During Construction, 1934, c. 1934, lithograph on paper, 221/2 x 171/2 in., Gift of the Akron Public Library, Courtesy of the Fine Arts Program, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration Commissioned through the New Deal art projects, 1945.8

3 Louis Stettner, Torremolinos, Spain, 1951, gelatin silver print, 16 x 20 in., Gift of Mark Reichman, 2010.170

G across:

1. “I only have one Master, the Park of _________.” La Touche 2. French for “an ode to dusk” (1959.89)

3. Technique used by Rauschenberg (1983.10) 4

4. Capturing the essence of a moment (2010.170)

Above: Robert Rauschenberg, Arcanum X, 1981, screenprint, silk collage, paper collage and watercolor on paper, 221/2 x 153/4 in., Gift of Arthur Feldman, 1983.10

MuseumGames are made possible by PNC with additional support from Acme Fresh Market, the Kathy Moses Salem Philanthropic Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, The R.C. Musson and Katharine M. Musson Charitable Foundation, the Robert O. and Annamae Orr Family Foundation, and the Charles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation. KATHY MOSES SALEM PHILANTHROPIC FUND

of the Akron Community Foundation

William Sommer, Landscape with Yellow Clouds, c. 1915, oil on composition board, 24 x 30 in., Purchased, by exchange, with funds from Mr. and Mrs. William J. Laub, Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Reed II and Mr. J. Frederick Seiberling, 2004.59

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U . S . P O S TA G E

PA I D AKRON ART M U S E U M

One South High I Akron, Ohio I 44308 TEL 330.376.9185 I FAX 330.376.1180 return service requested. postmaster: dated material. do not delay.

AkronArtMuseum.org

FREE ADMISSION extending until December 31, 2020

Our Gift to Our Community Celebrate the End of 2020 with Art Special holiday hours beginning November 5: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Come in from the cold in a safe, beautiful space to enjoy for free. More evening hours mean weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open when you need us. Bring your family or drop by after work.