First Night Akron 2010 Button Art and Artist 
The theme of First Night Akron 2010 is, “A Night of Firsts.” The First Night Akron 2010 Admission Button, designed by artist Julienne Hogarth, truly embodies this theme. Her button art, which will be worn by thousands of revelers on December 31, is unlike any First Night button art in the 14 year history of the event! Her button is full of new colors and vibrancy, evoking a feeling of warmth, even in the depth of the cold winter months in Ohio!
The inspiration for Hogarth’s First Night Button came from a series of small paintings centered around patterns. She experimented with different fabrics, patterned paper, food coloring and fabric dye to create her growth-themed piece. She specifically studied the contrast between warm and cool colors.
"Through the years, I‘ve been involved with First Night by creating artwork in windows with my students, painting a banner and making art for the black light exhibit. Never did I think I would be asked to submit a portfolio for the button art,” Hogarth said. “I’m honored to be among former button artists I know and admire. This whole process has been a delightful, exciting journey. The button art reflects my current work, which celebrates so much. It fits so well with the First Night celebration!"
Hogarth, an Akron native, studied art at the University of Akron and her work has been on display throughout the state. She collaborated with Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts in creating a horse for “A Horse of a Different Color” (Children’s Hospital), several pieces for Summit County Family Court and a mixed media piece highlighting the collection at the Akron Art Museum, currently on view in the Corbin Gallery at the museum (Be sure to check this exhibition out at First Night!). Hogarth also has an exhibition on display in the lobby of the Nantucket Building, 17 S. Main St., on view through January. Her work can also be viewed at www.juliennehogarth.com.
Hogarth taught visual art for fifteen years at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts. She currently teaches art at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with Akron Public Schools.