FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2006
CONTACT: Sarah Steidl, Communications Director
330-762-8555 (phone); 330-762-6622 (fax)
ssteidl@downtownakron.com
First Night Showcases Unique Visual Art Displays
Imagine a glowing New Years dragon making its way up and down the canal, a room at the Main Library transformed into an enchanted forest, a sculpture slowly illuminating throughout the evening to reveal the word “Akron”, an Olympian gold medallist ice carver creating a masterpiece…
“First Night is a celebration of all types of art, including visual art.” said Communications Director Sarah Steidl. “First Night’s visual art displays are interactive and make lasting impressions on the young and old alike.”
Near Year’s Eve is the only night of the year to glimpse the legendary First Night Canal Dragon, by artist Kari Fry. Discover the dragon’s magical story as she makes her way up and down Akron’s historic canalway in search of her lost eggs. Guests will be invited to make a New Year’s wish as they throw a glowing dragon egg to her.
Local artist Lyndsey Shaeffer will encourage First Night revelers to contribute to her masterpiece throughout the evening. Located outside of the Main Library on Main Street, the interactive light sculpture will slowly come to life as guests toss glow sticks at the magnetic artwork.
Mark Soppeland, Professor of Art at The University of Akron, will personally guide visitors through The Enchanted Forest, a visionary of world dreams and imagination where curiously familiar objects are transformed into extraordinary creations of projected light. The Enchanted Forest is located at the Main Library, near the High Street entrance, from 5 – 11 p.m.
Catch an Olympian ice carver in action! Aaron Costic of Elegant Ice Creations will be putting his skill s on display at Northside. And while you’re there, stop into Akron Glass Works for glassblowing demonstrations and Millworks Gallery’s “The Vast Difference” art exhibit.
Admission to First Night is a $10 admission button. Children under 10 are admitted free with a button-wearing adult. Buttons can be purchased online until Dec. 27 or at any Acme Fresh Market, and participating FirstMerit Banks.
For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.firstnightakron.org. First Night Akron is a program of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.
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