Fri 1/16 @ 5-7:30PM
Akron Soul Train was founded to provide short “residencies” for artists in all disciplines, enabling them to work on a specific project that’s then presented in the gallery or at one of its partner organizations. It’s about to open two new shows that, as is typical for this organization, stretch the boundaries of what art is and what it can do.
Saelyx Finna is both a filmmaker and an explorer of dream neurotechnology. Her project centers on a short film called “Dreams Travel Wonderous Wires,” based on her research in “the wonder, potential, and multiverse of the dreaming mind.” It revolves around the life and work of New Age metaphysical poet Jane Roberts, journeying through her house in Elmira, NY where she channeled an entity called “Seth.” In the gallery, visitors are involved to record their own dreams on The Akron Dream Hotline and check out some of Jane Roberts’ books. And on January 28, Finna will lead a dream workshop at Stan Hywet’s Carriage House.
The second artist, PJ Hargraves, goes far outside the boundaries of pure art in another direction. He called himself The Fruit Man and connects his work to his urban farm in Northwest Akron, which produces fruits, vegetables and flowers. “Using his gardening practice as a springboard, The Fruit Man explores his personal love for the land, its plants and animals, and reflects his relationship to place, nature, and community,” we’re told. His exhibit is a “stand-in joy garden” for the season when outdoor growing spaces are fallow, featuring colorful ceramics that reflect the crops he grows.
The shows are on view Wednesday January 14 through Saturday February 21. Come meet the artists at the opening reception on Friday January 16 from 5-7:30pm.