Do The Work

Photo by Lonnie Griffin

The Akron Black Artist Guild successfully held its inaugural Creative Exchange Summit, a one-day professional development event aimed at enhancing artists' careers while also fostering personal growth. This focus on individual development was a key aspect of the Summit, inspiring attendees to pursue their best potential. The event created an intergenerational space where artists from various disciplines could learn from and support one another.

The Creative Exchange offered a diverse range of workshops tailored to a broad audience. These sessions included "The Power of Writing" presented by Dr. Marilyn Mobley, marketing strategies with Jason Edwards, insights on grants and funding from Tameaka Taylor, portfolio criteria with Da'Shika Street, and well-being for artists led by Ava and Kenneth Wilson. Additionally, a panel discussion on AI, moderated by Tyron Hoisten, featured insights from Brianna Kelly, Grace Carter, and Joseph Fox.

In preparation for the Creative Exchange, we organized a Design Showcase challenge featuring local artists Louise Bane and Ethan Skinner, Justin and Aieysha Chenault, as well as Mac Love and family. The challenge, facilitated and hosted by Jessica Skinner, involved specific rules and materials that the artists had to work with. Attendees voted during the Summit, and the winners were Justin and Aieysha Chenault.

We greatly appreciate the overwhelming support and contributions from our sponsors, facilitators, artists, and the wider community. Your involvement was essential to the success of the Summit. For more information about the Creative Exchange facilitators and to view additional photos, please check out here: CREATIVE EXCHANGE