In 2024, GAR Foundation continued their long-standing commitment to nurturing the arts through the thoughtful curation of a permanent art collection to adorn the walls of Andrew Jackson House.

The establishment of a permanent art collection has allowed GAR Foundation to display artwork year-round and support the community by collecting and showcasing art from local artists.

The curation has been strategically led by GAR’s operations manager Kat Wentz. In the past, the Foundation had a beloved tradition of hosting annual, rotating student and community art shows, showcasing the work of local university students and community artists throughout AJH. While the shows were well-received, the broader arts landscape in Akron continued to evolve. 

In response, GAR embraced a new direction that continues to support local artists while aligning more closely with the Foundation’s long-term vision for its permanent collection.

Supporting Local Artists

Below is the current list of works and artists included in the collection as of 2025:

(Artist Name - Title of Work)

  • Lizzi Aronhalt - San Juan Golden, 2019
  • Meryl Engler - I Been Young Vol. 3 “Heron #3”
  • Melih Meric - Walked All Over Flowers
  • Melih Meric - Swept Under Print
  • Rosemary Anderson - 21st Century Vessel
  • Richard Vaux - Archetypal Lightscape III
  • Sandra Benny - Portrait of the Vulture-Headed Parrot
  • Yiyun Chen - Moon
  • Yiyun Chen - Look Up
  • Sarah Esposito - Bedding Planes
  • Susan Danko - Habitat 135
  • Susan Danko - Habitat 138
  • Susan Danko - Habitat 115
  • Alyssa Lizzini - Legacy
  • Jessica Skinner - Untitled