Sat 4/25 @ 5:30PM
Artist-focused gallery SPACES appears to be stretching and coming to life again after an unsettling period following the pandemic that included changes in leadership. Now interim director Pita Brooks, who formerly led another artist-focused space, Akron Soul Train, has been formally named executive director, hopefully leading to a revival of activity in its spacious Ohio City facility.
One good sign is the return of its annual Monster Drawing Rally, back for the first time since the pandemic. It’s a day for artists and art-lover to come, hang out, and support and join in artmaking.
At this event more than 75 area artists, from art students to much-exhibited veterans, produce work in real time in three one-hour shifts. When a work is finished, it goes on the wall, and visitors vie to purchase their favorites for a flat $100 each. Artists work in a variety of media including pencil, watercolor, ink and acrylic — and some don’t even technically draw: some work in collage or assemblage.
In addition, visitors can have a 15-minute “Face-to-Face” portrait session in the Lab for $20, or enter a raffle for goods and services donated by local businesses.
Doors open at 5:30pm, with rounds going from 6-7pm, 7:30-8:30pm and 9-10pm. The event wraps up with raffle winners announced from 10-10:30pm.