FRESH: Soft Offerings

January 10 - March 15, 2025 | Betty and Howard Taylor Main Gallery

FREE to apply!

For 20 years, the Annual FRESH Juried Exhibition at Summit Artspace challenged local artists to push the boundaries of their art-making through concepts and materials for this show. For its 21st year, we are revamping the exhibition format! Moving forward, the exhibition will feature local emerging artists exclusively to highlight the strong talent rising in our community and to provide a specialized platform to celebrate those artists. FRESH will also have a new theme each year that reflects current trends in the art world and our culture generated by a local emerging curator. 

CURATORS: Abby Cipar & Julie Polsinelli

EXHIBITION THEME
"Contemporary times force us to contend with twenty-four-hour news cycles of unending loss, grief, pain, and struggle. As artists, we turn to our studios to aid in processing what we bear witness to and experience firsthand. Making allows us to operate from a central point of vulnerability, inviting us to compassionately open our minds, embrace love, and move forward with tangible and unyielding optimism. As Be Oakley suggests in Radical Softness as a Boundless Form of Resistance, allowing ourselves to embrace a full spectrum of soft emotionality becomes an act of defiance when operating from within individualist, oppressive systems. 

With this iteration of FRESH, we strive to bring together a cohort of artists whose work meets this urgent call for softness in a harsh world. Art uniquely holds the ability to educate and enact change within our communities. Through our work, artists act as catalysts for community care, using craft to cultivate empathy, dialogue, and social change. FRESH: Soft Offerings seeks a diverse range of artworks whose tactile and conceptual forms of care invite audiences into a shared space of emotional resonance. Potential media may include print media, painting, sculpture, fiber and textiles, performance, video and sound, etc.

By situating this exhibition within the heart of Akron — a Rustbelt city that has long embodied resilience and strength — we aim to investigate how radical softness offers an avenue toward community healing and regeneration. It is within our praxis’ softest moments of vulnerability that potential for radical and enduring change lies." - Curators Abby Cipar & Julie Polsinelli

IMPORTANT DATES

• Deadline for Entry:  Friday, December 6, 2024, 11:59 p.m.  
• Notification of Acceptance: December 13, 2024 
• Drop Off: Friday, December 20, 2024, 12 - 6 p.m.   
• Opening: Friday, January 10, 2025, 5 - 8 p.m.   
• Pick up: Week of March 16, 2025

ABOUT THE CURATORS

Abby Cipar (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist, arts advocate, curator, and wage laborer with roots in Northeast Ohio. Cipar received a BFA from The University of Akron (2021) and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art (2024). In addition to other notable honors, Cipar was a 2023 recipient of the Stewart Thomson Fellowship for attending Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, as well as the 2019 Folk Charitable Foundation Venice Biennale Travel Award. Their work was included in Cleveland's 2022 CAN Triennial, and they have exhibited at The Cranbrook Art Museum (Bloomfield Hills, MI), PLAYGROUND DETROIT (Detroit, MI), Piano Craft Gallery (Boston, MA), River House Arts (Toledo, OH), FAVA Gallery (Oberlin, OH), and Wavelength Space (Chattanooga, TN), among others. In addition to numerous private collections, their work is in the care of Emily Davis Gallery and Akron Children's Hospital. Cipar curated the group show, Collective Remedies, for KINK Contemporary (Cleveland, OH) in June of 2023, and they currently serve as a Community Member on the Artist Programming Committee for Summit Artspace. 

Julie Polsinelli is a curator in Northeast Ohio, known for her innovative and community-driven approach to exhibition-making. As an emerging voice, Julie has already curated several successful exhibitions, most notably In Touch: A Hands-On Exhibition, which garnered praise for its interactive, accessible format and focus on audience engagement. With a master’s degree in art history & museum studies from Case Western Reserve University and curatorial experience at institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, SPACES Gallery, and the Akron Art Museum, she is committed to pushing boundaries in contemporary art.

ELIGIBILITY

• Artist must be an emerging artist (active practice within the last five years max). Must be currently based in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark, or Wayne). Must be at least 18 years old to enter. 
• Artwork must have been created since January 1, 2023 and not previously displayed in Summit Artspace. Artwork must be completed upon submission. 
• Jurying will be done via digital image. Artists may submit two entries for consideration in the show, and may submit up to three high quality digital images (.jpg, .pdf, .tiff. .png) of the artwork entered. The images must accurately represent the finished work and accepted work must be professionally presented for exhibition (see notes below). Artist's name cannot be in the file name of digital images.  

DISPLAY 

• Final installation size of 2-D work cannot exceed 4' (48") wide or 7' (84") high. 3-D work must not exceed 39" in diameter, nor may any single component of the work exceed 50 pounds.
• All wall-mounted artwork must be hang-ready with appropriate hardware for weight of piece. All work must be labelled with the artist name and contact information when delivered.
• Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals, monitors, and projectors available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation. Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval. Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual basis. 
• Professional installation will be provided by Summit Artspace. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork. 

Upon entering you will be emailed future call for art opportunities at Summit Artspace.

Questions? Contact Director of Artist Resources, Natalie Grieshammer Patrick, at natalie@summitartspace.org.

Group Exhibition Proposals: Akron Bicentennial

Forum Gallery | July 11 - September 13, 2025

Summit Artspace invites local artists and curators to apply for an Akron Bicentennial themed group exhibition to be held in the Forum Gallery during Summer 2025, when the city will be celebrating its anniversary. All exhibitions on view during this time will have a relationship to Akron and the Bicentennial. Proposal themes should reflect ideas of home and the domestic; place and location; the environment; Akron and its history; the Mid-West or Rustbelt; celebration and innovation. We welcome artists and organizers with new bodies of work exploring exciting themes in contemporary art to apply. 

Exhibition proposals will be reviewed and selected by Summit Artspace staff. Criteria taken into consideration while reviewing applications include relation to the theme, media, quality of work, spatial needs, professionalism, and programming related to Summit Artspace's goals for community engagement, especially in relation to themes found in other exhibitions in our schedule. Strong applications will have a concise body of artwork and clear vision. Summit Artspace is interested in highlighting a diverse range of artistic skill sets and backgrounds as well as diverse material and critical exploration.  

The Forum Gallery is a larger-sized space located on the second floor. We strongly encourage interested applicants to come visit Summit Artspace during public hours (Fridays 12 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) to better understand the gallery spaces available and how exhibitions are presented.  
 

NO FEE TO APPLY!

Deadline for Proposals: December 20, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: February 2025

Eligibility:  Must be 18+ for consideration. Artists featured in the exhibition must be living in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Wayne). Artwork cannot have been previously displayed in a Summit Artspace exhibition.  
 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Summit Artspace believes that a diverse community of artists plays a vital role in representing our collective humanity. We foster an inclusive culture and encourage artists from different cultures, languages, sexual orientations, racial affiliations, and abilities to apply.  We strive to provide accessible and accommodating galleries and programming. We are committed to exhibiting, connecting, assisting, and promoting artists without discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, or disability.  
 

Expectations 

• If artists are selected, they will be required to complete an exhibition agreement solidifying details for the exhibition. Artists must adhere to all guidelines provided by staff, including Summit Artspace's consignment agreement, in which 70% of artwork sales are paid to the artist and the organization receives a 30% commission.
• Exhibiting artists must work with staff to coordinate install and tear-down of exhibitions as well as provide artwork data for labeling by agreed upon deadlines. Artists must be available in-person for installation. Professional installation can be provided by Summit Artspace, unless the artist(s) should install their own artwork due to special installation requirements. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork.  
• All exhibiting artists are requested to assist in marketing efforts, and Summit Artspace staff will promote exhibitions through digital and print media, press releases, and internal signage. Summit Artspace will provide designed exhibition graphics and didactics, as well as photography for virtual exhibitions.  
   

Display

• Final installation size of artwork cannot exceed 7' (84") high.
• Any single component of an artwork must not exceed 50 pounds. 
• The artist may be responsible for providing necessary hanging devices and/or installing artwork themselves if they are not ready to hang. 
• Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals and display monitors available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation.
• Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual work basis.
• Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.   
   

Questions or concerns? Please email natalie@summitartspace.org.

Solo Exhibition Proposals for Professional Artists: Akron Bicentennial

Intersections Gallery | July 11 - September 13, 2025

Summit Artspace invites local professional artists to apply for an Akron Bicentennial themed solo exhibition to be held in the Intersections Gallery during Summer 2025, when the city will be celebrating its anniversary. All exhibitions on view during this time will have a relationship to Akron and the Bicentennial. Proposal themes should reflect ideas of home and the domestic; place and location; the environment; Akron and its history; the Mid-West or Rustbelt; celebration and innovation. We welcome artists with new bodies of work exploring exciting themes in contemporary art to apply. 

Exhibition proposals will be reviewed and selected by Summit Artspace staff. Criteria taken into consideration while reviewing applications include relation to the theme, media, quality of work, spatial needs, professionalism, and programming related to Summit Artspace's goals for community engagement, especially in relation to themes found in other exhibitions in our schedule. Strong applications will have a concise body of artwork and clear vision. Summit Artspace is interested in highlighting a diverse range of artistic skill sets and backgrounds as well as diverse material and critical exploration.  

The Intersections Gallery is a medium-sized space located on the first floor. We strongly encourage interested applicants to come visit Summit Artspace during public hours (Fridays 12 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) to better understand the gallery spaces available and how exhibitions are presented.  
 

NO FEE TO APPLY!

Deadline for Proposals: December 20, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: February 2025

Eligibility:  Must be 18+ for consideration. Artists featured in the exhibition must be living in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Wayne). Artwork cannot have been previously displayed in a Summit Artspace exhibition.  
 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Summit Artspace believes that a diverse community of artists plays a vital role in representing our collective humanity. We foster an inclusive culture and encourage artists from different cultures, languages, sexual orientations, racial affiliations, and abilities to apply.  We strive to provide accessible and accommodating galleries and programming. We are committed to exhibiting, connecting, assisting, and promoting artists without discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, or disability.  
 

Expectations 

• If artists are selected, they will be required to complete an exhibition agreement solidifying details for the exhibition. Artists must adhere to all guidelines provided by staff, including Summit Artspace's consignment agreement, in which 70% of artwork sales are paid to the artist and the organization receives a 30% commission.
• Exhibiting artists must work with staff to coordinate install and tear-down of exhibitions as well as provide artwork data for labeling by agreed upon deadlines. Artists must be available in-person for installation. Professional installation can be provided by Summit Artspace, unless the artist(s) should install their own artwork due to special installation requirements. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork.  
• All exhibiting artists are requested to assist in marketing efforts, and Summit Artspace staff will promote exhibitions through digital and print media, press releases, and internal signage. Summit Artspace will provide designed exhibition graphics and didactics, as well as photography for virtual exhibitions.  
   

Display

• Final installation size of artwork cannot exceed 7' (84") high.
• Any single component of an artwork must not exceed 50 pounds. 
• The artist may be responsible for providing necessary hanging devices and/or installing artwork themselves if they are not ready to hang. 
• Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals and display monitors available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation.
• Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual work basis.
• Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.   
   

Questions or concerns? Please email natalie@summitartspace.org.

Solo Exhibition Proposals for Student Artists: Akron Bicentennial

Welcome Gallery | July 11 - September 13, 2025

Summit Artspace invites local college-level art students to apply for an Akron Bicentennial themed solo exhibition to be held in the Welcome Gallery during Summer 2025, when the city will be celebrating its anniversary. All exhibitions on view during this time will have a relationship to Akron and the Bicentennial. Proposal themes should reflect ideas of home and the domestic; place and location; the environment; Akron and its history; the Mid-West or Rustbelt; celebration and innovation. We welcome artists with new bodies of work exploring exciting themes in contemporary art to apply. 

Exhibition proposals will be reviewed and selected by Summit Artspace staff. Criteria taken into consideration while reviewing applications include relation to the theme, media, quality of work, spatial needs, professionalism, and programming related to Summit Artspace's goals for community engagement, especially in relation to themes found in other exhibitions in our schedule. Strong applications will have a concise body of artwork and clear vision. Summit Artspace is interested in highlighting a diverse range of artistic skill sets and backgrounds as well as diverse material and critical exploration.  

The Welcome Gallery is a small-sized space located on the first floor. We strongly encourage interested applicants to come visit Summit Artspace during public hours (Fridays 12 - 7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) to better understand the gallery spaces available and how exhibitions are presented.  
 

NO FEE TO APPLY!

Deadline for Proposals: December 20, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: February 2025

Eligibility:  Must be 18+ for consideration. Artists featured in the exhibition must be living in Summit County or contiguous counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Wayne). Artwork cannot have been previously displayed in a Summit Artspace exhibition.  
 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Summit Artspace believes that a diverse community of artists plays a vital role in representing our collective humanity. We foster an inclusive culture and encourage artists from different cultures, languages, sexual orientations, racial affiliations, and abilities to apply.  We strive to provide accessible and accommodating galleries and programming. We are committed to exhibiting, connecting, assisting, and promoting artists without discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, or disability.  
 

Expectations 

• If artists are selected, they will be required to complete an exhibition agreement solidifying details for the exhibition. Artists must adhere to all guidelines provided by staff, including Summit Artspace's consignment agreement, in which 70% of artwork sales are paid to the artist and the organization receives a 30% commission.
• Exhibiting artists must work with staff to coordinate install and tear-down of exhibitions as well as provide artwork data for labeling by agreed upon deadlines. Artists must be available in-person for installation. Professional installation can be provided by Summit Artspace, unless the artist(s) should install their own artwork due to special installation requirements. Care will be taken when handling and displaying all artwork; however, Summit Artspace waives responsibility for either damage or loss of artwork.  
• All exhibiting artists are requested to assist in marketing efforts, and Summit Artspace staff will promote exhibitions through digital and print media, press releases, and internal signage. Summit Artspace will provide designed exhibition graphics and didactics, as well as photography for virtual exhibitions.  
   

Display

• Final installation size of artwork cannot exceed 7' (84") high.
• Any single component of an artwork must not exceed 50 pounds. 
• The artist may be responsible for providing necessary hanging devices and/or installing artwork themselves if they are not ready to hang. 
• Summit Artspace has a limited number of pedestals and display monitors available. The artist may be required to provide a special display fixture appropriate for the installation.
• Suitability of works which must be suspended, require a power source, are between 35-50 pounds, are close to the size limitations or have other special installation requirements will be determined on an individual work basis.
• Please note all displays are subject to Summit Artspace approval.   
   

Questions or concerns? Please email natalie@summitartspace.org.