FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, Dec. 14, 2007
CONTACT: Kimberlee McKee
330-762-8555 (phone); 330-762-6622 (fax)
kmckee@downtownakron.com

Public Art Sculpture on Main Street Commemorates First Night® Akron

Akron, Ohio – Downtown Akron Partnership, presenters of First Night® Akron for the past 12 years, will permanently commemorate the popular New Year’s Eve, family-friendly community celebration of the arts with a public art piece on Main Street.

Akron sculptor John Comunale has produced a 48” diameter, 3-dimensional aluminum sculpture with LED lighting – a version of this year’s First Night Button Art.  The sculpture is a great example of the spirit of the arts in Akron, created by one local artist and adapted by another.

Artist Linda Hutchinson of Kent, created this year’s original button art and included the script “Celebrating the Arts in Akron” —an invitation to community members from every neighborhood and neighboring city to share in the First Night experience.  Featuring vibrant characters that represent the diversity of First Night artists, the button art radiates First Night fun.

In Comunale’s timeless, undated piece, the “Celebrating the Arts in Akron” theme takes focus, reminding residents and visitors year-round of the region’s largest celebration of the performing and visual arts.  Comunale, who produced other downtown Akron works, such as the sculpture outside Bricco restaurant and the clock on the Everett building at the corner of Main and Market, is currently producing a sign for the additional Bricco location in Cleveland, located on Playhouse Square.

This public art piece will be installed in front of Lock 3 Park (to the right side of the entrance gate).  It will be illuminated for visitors and revelers alike.

Now in its twelfth year, First Night® Akron is a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other! The family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration brings the community together to experience a brief moment in time while creating lasting New Year’s Eve memories. Entertainment and fun will delight everyone! For a complete schedule of events, visit www.firstnightakron.org.
Admission buttons are $10 and children under 10 are admitted free when accompanied by a button-wearing adult.  Buttons are on sale at Acme Fresh Markets, participating FirstMerit Bank branches, Stage Left Boutique at Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Beacon Journal Customer Service Desk, Borders Books & Music-Chapel Hill, Carolyn’s Cupboard in Wadsworth, The Library Shop on Main and Barnes & Noble at The University of Akron.

New this year! First Night Arts Patron buttons are available! These limited edition buttons allow access to all First Night events and shows your support for the local arts, by assisting in funding the local artists. The button features artist Linda Hutchinson’s design and colorful lights that will set you apart from the crowds!To buy online or for a list of places Arts Patron buttons are sold, visit www.firstnightakron.org.

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