December 26, 2017 by The Akronite

Cash prize, production of art offered as part of @PLAY’s ‘Kenmore Imagineer’

A new interactive coloring book, called the “Kenmore Imagineer,” is sourcing ideas from the community to install public art along Kenmore Boulevard.

Art x Love, based in Akron, printed and distributed 3,000 copies to local shops, Kenmore public schools and the Kenmore Branch Library.

Mac Love, chief catalyst at Art x Love, and leader of @PLAY, the Knight Cities grant project responsible for the “Kenmore Imagineer,” said the project has received dozens of submissions. “I cannot wait to see what the rest of Akron comes up with for Kenmore Boulevard,” he said. “We’re not judging submissions on artistic talent. We’re interested in people’s best ideas to celebrate Kenmore’s history, identity, and independent spirit.”

To spark and reward that creativity, a $100 cash prize is being awarded to the best entry for each location in the “Kenmore Imagineer,” which features 15 pages of potential public art locations. On top of this, the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance has agreed to finance the production of one winner’s entry, making someone’s vision for Kenmore a reality.

Submissions are due by Jan. 31 and will be displayed as a public art exhibition at The Rialto Theatre, opening Thursday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The “Kenmore Imagineer” may be downloaded for free at www.ARTxLOVE.com/blog/imagineer.

Submissions may be dropped off at the Kenmore Branch Library, 969 Kenmore Blvd., mailed to Art x Love at 157 King James Way, Akron, OH 44308, or emailed to contact@artxlove.com.

October 10, 2016 by The Akronist

Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance and Wandering Aesthetics partner to present “The Stories of Kenmore” at the Rialto Theatre.

“The Stories of Kenmore” will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Rialto Theatre at 1000 Kenmore Blvd. • Akron, OH. This event will feature live storytelling, Pierre’s Brooklyn Pizza and cash bar. Doors open at 6 p.m., stories begin at 6:30 p.m.

This event is free. For more information please call Angela at (330) 217-1280 or email KNAcares@yahoo.com.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Akron’s Kenmore area is comprised of several facets: the village it once was, resonating across generations and distance; the community of need and those committed to its healing; the section a city, drifting from the neighborhood’s embrace.

“The Stories of Kenmore” is an event designed to meld vintage with what’s new, in a space where past is also present. We hope to start a process that will craft a new and shared identity– a sense of place and pride for all of our residents.

There will seven storytellers, among them: Captain Brian Simcox of the APD, Ameer Williamson, a Positive Hip Hop Artist, and Ward 9 Councilman Mike Freeman and the Coach Kemp Boyd. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to tell their own “Kenmore story.”

THE STORYTELLERS

Chris Miller, who grew up in Kenmore, is one of seven storytellers. Community members will also be invited to tell their own stories throughout the evening. (Photo: Emily Durway)

Brian Simcox Captain, APD Zone 2 Story Title: “Growing up in Kenmore”

Ameer Williamson Positive Hip Hop Artist Story Title: “Positive Artist in a Negative World”

Chris Miller Akron Community Foundation & The Akronist Story Title: TBA

Kemp Boyd Coach, Kenmore Football Team Story Title: “Football is More Than a Game”

David Hoppe President, Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance Story “A Boulevard Child”

Mike Freeman Akron City Councilman Ward 9 Story Title: “untitled”

Richard Cardarelli Kenmore Kiwanis Story Title: TBA

Greg Burke Captain, Neighborhood Block Watch Story Title “A Kenmore Who’s Who?”

KENMORE NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE MISSION

To enhance our community by reaching out to all residents to engage them in effecting cultural, artistic, recreational and business revitalization.