Student & Community Art Shows

Each year, GAR Foundation provides the public an opportunity to view work created by local artists in the greater Akron community. Rotating annually, GAR will showcase a Student Art Show and a Community Art Show. The Student Art Show will display works created by undergraduate students at the University of Akron and Kent State University. In opposite years, the Community Art Show will display works created by Akron-area artists. The reception will be held in February and artwork will be on display throughout Andrew Jackson House for three months from February-March. Stay tuned for more updated information!

 


Educator Conference

The educator conference will return in October of 2024 on a bi-annual basis as a way to offer educators in Summit County a day of professional development. Stay tuned for more updated information!

 


Glass Half Full Award

The Glass Half Full Award was initially created to honor GAR’s former president Rob Briggs. The award annually recognizes a Summit County community leader for inspiring and optimistic leadership of a nonprofit organization.

Qualities of a Glass Half Full Recipient

  • Recognized excellence in nonprofit leadership and management
  • Optimism and warmth
  • Demonstrated collaboration with other key community stakeholders
  • Engaging demeanor and determined approach
  • Innovative and inspirational work style

Past Award Recipients

  • 2011: Rob Briggs, GAR Foundation
  • 2012: Suzie Graham, Downtown Akron Partnership
  • 2013: Noelle Beck, First Glance  
  • 2014: Derran Wimer, Summit Education Initiative
  • 2015: Grady Appleton, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. 
  • 2016: Christine Yuhasz, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) 
  • 2017: David James, Superintendent, Akron Public School
  • 2018: Lynn Budnick, Executive Director, Access, Inc.
  • 2019: G. Kwame Scruggs, Founder, Director of Programs and Training, Alchemy, Inc.
  • 2020: Nicole Mullet, Executive Director, ArtsNow
  • 2021: Teresa R. LeGrair, President & CEO, Akron Urban League
  • 2022: Perry Clark, Founder and President, Truly Reaching You