Date:10/26/05
For Release: Upon Receipt
Contact: Sarah Steidl, Communications Director
ssteidl@downtownakron.com
330-762-8555

First Night’s button art unveiling will take place at the
Mayor’s Press Conference on Nov. 9, 2005.

(AKRON, Ohio)- Upholding the honored tradition of choosing a professional local artist, First Night Akron is pleased to announce Martha Kaltenbach as this year’s button artist. Her highly anticipated artwork will be unveiled at the Mayor’s Press Conference on Wednesday, November 9 in the auditorium of Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Main Library at 10:30 a.m.

“Designing the button for the 10th anniversary of First Night was very exciting for me,” said Kaltenbach. “I wanted the artwork to focus on this milestone 10th year, the festive atmosphere of the event, and of course New Year’s Eve.”

Kaltenbach is the owner of New Leaf Design, an advertising and design company based in Akron. A long time resident of Akron, Kaltenbach looks forward to the holiday season.  “The Akron community has a lot to look forward to on New Year’s Eve,” says Kaltenbach. “First Night offers a wide variety of entertainment with a family-friendly atmosphere—not all cities have a New Year’s Eve option like First Night.”

As always, the unveiling of First Night’s button art marks the beginning of the countdown to the New Year and First Night festivities.  First Night Akron 2006 promises to be an outstanding celebration of the arts and the New Year.  Music from all genres, as well as dance, theater, interactive activities, visual art displays and fireworks will be center stage in downtown Akron on December 31.

First Night® Akron is a program of Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners of the program are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.  For more information about First Night call 330-762-8555 or visit www.firstnightakron.org.