Artists | The #CreativeSummit Community!

Home
Artists
Search

Pages:

Samuel Salsbury

Artist for Hire: Education, Private Events, Programming; Performing Arts: Music, Storytelling

Versatile violinist Samuel Salsbury brings soulful depth to a vast assortment of musical styles and situations. He is possibly best known for his kirtan performances, having played with many of the world’s leading kirtan artists in the creation of powerfully moving sacred chants. Samuel received classical training at the Cleveland Institute of Music, but his wide-ranging musical background also includes performances in rock, blues, jazz, avant-garde, and Cajun/Zydeco. His spiritual journey dates back to early childhood and has taken him to such countries as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, India, and Japan. He is also learning to play the sarangi after studying with one of the world’s finest sarangi masters during his most recent trip to India.

Ryan Scanlon

Artist for Hire: Commissions, Private Events; Arts Administration: Grant Writer; Graphic Arts; Literary Arts; Media; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Comedy, Music, Performance Art, Radio/Television, Spoken Word, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Conservation/Restoration, Crafts, Earthworks, Film, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, New Media/Technology, Painting, Performance Art, Performers and Writers, Photography, Printmaking, Works on paper

I study metaphysics, philosophy, esoteric subjects, psychology and human nature. I am a philanthropist and the proceeds of my work are donated to charitable causes relating to serving the homeless population.

Nirali Schrader

Artist for Hire: Commissions, Education, Private Events, Programming; Media; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Dance, Performance Art; Visual Arts: Crafts, Functional and/or Decorative, Graphic Arts, Jewelry, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Printmaking, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper

Nirali Schrader is an India born artist who moved to America in 2007 to earn a double Master’s degree in Education. Teaching in classrooms helped Nirali realize that she wanted to continue to instruct and inspire but in a more creative capacity. She started her own business, Akron Henna Art, with her inspiration from the city where she completed her education and launched her career. The specialty medium of choice is henna, a plant-based dye native to her India and appreciated around the world for its ability to temporarily stain the skin to make beautiful body art. She enjoys creating henna body art at Ohio festivals, along with face paint art, at home parties for all ages to enjoy. Nirali helps to share the healing properties of henna through her non-profit Henna Crown Art which gives another layer of beauty to courageous people who are fighting cancer. She also leads art classes online on behalf of Access the Arts, a non-profit, with the Medina Juvenile Center to share a new artistic expression with kids so they can learn to how to create works of art under her guidance. One of Nirali’s recent works includes a one-of-a-kind, hand painted, decorated door which was displayed along side several others at the First Congregational Church in Akron, to recognize and support LGBTQ+ and diversity in the community. Her piece was inspired by her Mandala style art.Nirali is even a quadrilingual, using English, Hindi, Gujarati & Sanskrit to inspire art and teachings.

Lindsey Jo Scott

Artist for Hire: Commissions, Education, Private Events; Graphic Arts; Performing Arts: Dance; Visual Arts: Crafts, Illustration, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Printmaking, Textiles, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper

I work as an illustrator, textile artist, and muralist. In all fields, my aim is to share love and light and help others discover and honor their sacred spaces and to feel more alive and fully connected to themselves and each other. My style is inspired by nature, midcentury design, pop art, and children’s doodles. My favorite materials include acrylic, gouache, crayons, collage, and digital tools. I generally create in vibrant colors and often include positive imagery and words to convey a message of truth, beauty, and hope. Being a working artist in Summit County is great because of our incredible creative community. I find both inspiration and support in this place, through nature, the people, the city. There’s this sense that, if you have a dream, you can make it happen here. I am available for hire for illustration commissions, mural designs + painting, and weaving workshop instruction.

Tara Segars

Visual Arts: Printmaking

Tara Segars is a printmaker from Huntsville, Alabama. She earned a BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Printmaking from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. She is a current MFA candidate of Print Media and Photography at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

Bobby Selvaggio

Artist for Hire: Commissions, Education, Lecturer, Private Events, Programming; Performing Arts: Music, Performance Art

Bobby Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone voices on today’s jazz scene. In the words of pianist Kenny Werner, “Bobby is among the best of players out there,” and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano praises Bobby by calling him “one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.” Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University. He eventually moved to New York City and earned a master’s degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider. Northeast Ohio has become his home base of operations where Bobby has toured extensively throughout the US and Canada with various working ensembles and musicians. He has dedicated himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University. Bobby continues to expand his discography. His most recent recording is Quantum Man (Dot Time Records, 2016) which features a Jazz Quartet, String Quintet, Voice, and Percussion. As said by Downbeat (receiving 4 ½ stars): “Even at its most abstract, the highly textured, refreshingly unpredictable Quantum Man is persuasive and moving”. Quantum Man was also chosen “Best of 2017” by Downbeat. Bobby Selvaggio is an Eastman Saxophone Artist and a Jody Jazz endorser.

Ann Senn

Artist for Hire: Commissions; Visual Arts: Jewelry

Custom-made industrial jewelry made from hardware and findings! Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings available.

Isin Sezer

Visual Arts: Painting

My search is closely aligned with the sciences of microphotography and biology. Fascinated by richness of the colors and shapes of moss, mushrooms, lichens, body cells, bacteria, I desire to express in my art the harmony in nature that actually whispers about the whole existence. It is the participation in the act of creation that so captures and absorbs my being during this process. My paintings are populated by organic forms that run through various canvases that complete each other. My medium is acrylic on canvas; I usually begin more than one canvas at a time and using multiple images, I proceed in transparent layers that gradually form an evanescent, ethereal and untouchable atmosphere. I seek the essence, I hope for the ever promising revelations, and wish for a glimpse into the totality contained within the simple. Ultimately based on the promise of circles of life, of night and day, of birth and death, changing of the seasons, resurrection and renewal, my spirit seeks for simplicity, entity, I go back in time and reach the big bang of all the creation.

Megan Louise Shane

Artist for Hire: Commissions, Private Events; Visual Arts: Jewelry, Mixed Media, Sculpture

I'm a metal sculptor and jewelry designer of Akron Ohio. I draw my inspiration from nature and the industrial strength of the rust-belt city I'm from. I began learning the welding business and metal-smith trade at a young age in my father's steel fabricating shop Condor Welding in Norton OH. Utilizing the resources around me, I enjoy finding creative ways to recycle scrap metals into new, inventive sculpture. I find a great joy in creative expression. Creating from the heart, I hope the art I bring to life aids in the appreciation and preservation of the natural world.My artwork can also be found in a new four-month show at the Mustard Seed Market and Cafe in Montrose and Highland Square, at the Oakdale Pocket Park in West Hill, Hazel Tree Interiors of Akron, The Wolf Creek Trading Company in Norton, in an outdoor installation at Gallery 15 in East Akron and Twisted sushi bar in Medina.http://www.facebook.com/MeganShaneArt/*Commissions are a thrilling challenge for me and are always welcome.

Deborah Shapiro

Visual Arts: Constructions/Collage, Mixed Media

I’m a collage artist who paints with ripped and cut bits of paper from magazines. The main subjects of my art reflect my love of animals and the everyday objects that comprise my middle-aged, suburban life. You can find my prints online and at Northside Marketplace, 21 Furnace Street, by Luigi’s. See my website for upcoming shows and events.

Paula Singleton

Visual Arts: Textiles; Millinery/hat making

Paula Singleton makes hats completely by hand from start to finish. Wooden molds, some of which are antiques, are used in the process and the hats are then finished and sewn with the utmost attention to detail. She typically begins with a piece of millinery straw or felt and creates a unique shape by blocking or hand sculpting it using both modern and time-honored millinery techniques. She may also incorporate found objects, vintage finds, sinamay, fabric and other materials to create her designs. All materials are of the highest quality and come from around the globe. Clients may see Paula’s designs online or by visiting the What a Great Hat studio in Fairlawn, Ohio. Many pieces are custom made to complement a specific dress or outfit. But more importantly they are designed to enhance the features of the wearer. Color, shape, scale and balance are integral to creating a look that’s unique, beautiful, and completely tailored to each client. Paula achieved a certificate in millinery from the Virginia Marti College of Art and Design in Lakewood, Ohio and has been creating hats for ten years. She has completed numerous workshops with instructors who are leaders in the field of millinery. Paula has had a hat accepted for display in the Kentucky Derby Museum the last 5 years and won the Judges Choice award in 2010. Her hats have won prizes in art shows throughout the United States.

Jessica Skinner

Visual Arts: Functional and/or Decorative; Wood work and upholstery

Jessica Skinner is a self taught furniture and home decor artist based in Akron, OH. She is passionate about reimagining and restoring preloved furniture pieces and designing bold and functional items as reminders to mindfully cultivate your home space. Her designs are centered around a use of angular layering, pattern mixing, and textures. Growing up she would visit her grandparents in Pensacola, Florida. She often watched her Grandpa, James Burgess, create numerous things from scraps of wood. Inspired by his work, Jessica went on to teach herself the trade in her mid 20s. It has since become a source of innovation and a deep connection to her rich heritage. If you would like to observe more of Jessica’s work, visit her at Summit Artspace in studio 307.

Summit Sky

Performing Arts: Music

Summit Sky formed in late-2017 when longtime co-conspirators Jamie Still (guitar/vox) and Chris Matyus (banjo) began searching for musicians to round out the sizable catalog of songs they’d written together. Having recorded the song structures in a studio owned and operated by Matyus, the pair were in search of collaborators who could also sing and contribute lyrics, enter James Domingo (mandolin/vox) and Alex Hall (guitar/vox). Offering their skills on their respective instruments as well as their lyrical creativity, the addition of James and Alex gave way to instrumental and vocal arrangements of the music originally written by James and Chris. What resulted is a modern string band that incorporates elements of bluegrass, folk music, plus jazz chops and even acoustic riffage harvested from the members’ pasts as metalheads. Summit Sky has already performed in some of Northeast Ohio’s best venues and as part of some of its best events as well. The band has amassed quite a lot of original material besides string arrangements of some of the members’ favorite songs written by others. You can find them playing in venues across Northeast Ohio, so look out for a live appearance near you.

Allison Smith

Artist for Hire: Commissions, Education, Private Events; Visual Arts: Crafts, Functional and/or Decorative, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Painting

Hi there, my name is Allison and I’m a mixed media artist. I’m currently enrolled at Kent State University to complete an art education major and have already completed two years of schooling for a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. I’m really looking forward to working with youths in order to build understanding and cultivate their passion for art and creativity, and no matter how old I get I find one of the most important things for a soul to do is to keep their inner child alive and flourishing. My primary mediums include pen, ink and pencil drawing as well as acrylic painting. I also enjoy a variety of crafts including but not limited to sculpting with clay, felting faux hair extensions/accessories, jewelry making, and wire wrapping. Finally, I love writing, primarily fiction of the short story variety with an occasional novella. I also write poetry. I’d love to connect with others through creativity and artistic community.

Kelsey Smith

Artist for Hire: Commissions; Media; Visual Arts: Functional and/or Decorative, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, Murals, New Media/Technology, Visual Arts Instructor

My name is Kelsey and I love and appreciate all kinds of art. When it comes to creating my own pieces or being creative in general, I bounce around from sculpting to photography to whatever I’m in the mood for at that point in time. I started my own business this past summer called Defunct FX and I’m ALWAYS trying to find ways to expand my business as well as my skill set!

Joan Smith

Artist for Hire; Visual Arts: Textiles

WHO I AM and WHAT I DO… I started sewing at the age of eight. Shortly after, I joined 4H and began a lifelong journey with fabric. From tea towels and shirts to wedding dresses and then landing at quilting at the age of 24. I have always loved the feel of fabric. I have made clothes, curtains, tablecloths, and lots of other things. My first thought, (when changing up things at home) is “I’ll just make that”. But I have to admit that my favorite fabric work is quilting. I have made many quilts over the years. Then, 20 years ago I opened up a custom framing and handcraft gallery and I found that while I love what I do at the gallery, I had little time to quilt. Then one day in 2005 a jewelry artist that sold her work in the gallery asked me to travel with her to a bead show, (who could say no to that?) and I came back with a pile of beads. I was trying to figure out what to do with the beads and the idea hit me – why not make mini quilts and embellish them with beads, ribbons, etc. and then frame them!!! I thought they would not take as much time as a full quilt, so I could probably do that. That was the beginning of mjsmith fabric collage. I started with full size collages and now have minis and petites and journals and cards. The mix of fabrics, beads, buttons, silk ribbons, etc. continues to inspire me. And then to add another dimension with the framing is awesome. Who knows what else I will think of….. Awards First Place – Artapalooza Art Show

Infinite Soul

Artist for Hire: Private Events; Performing Arts: Music, Vocal

INFINITE SOUL, COMPOSED OF TIMI FUNK AND DARLA DOLL( AKA THE DYNAMIC DUO ),BRINGS YOU ALL GENRES OF MUSIC UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF SOUL. YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF DANCING TO ANYTHING FROM CLASSIC RHYTHM AND BLUES, ROCK, FUNK TO CONTEMPORARY JAZZ, SOUL, AND POP. THESE WOMEN WILL TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY OF LOVE, LIFE, AND MUSIC.

Tom Speaks

Literary Arts

Tom’s an appreciation advocate, marketing expert and co-owner of The Impact Group, a Summit County Communications Firm (www.IGPR.com). He’s a writer of poetry, historical fiction, philosophy and works that inspire folks to BE the CHANGE they want to see in the world. His first novel “Hannibal the Forging: was released in 2015. “Appreciology, The Art and Science of Appreciation,” and his second novel, “Linh,” a story where Dying Pride Meets Living Wisdom, were published in 2019. He’s a husband, father, and in his spare time, a fitness nut.

Emily Speelman

Visual Arts: Painting, Photography

An artist and naturalist, Emily is inspired by the natural world, changing seasons, and the interplay of connectedness. There is beauty, curiosity, and intrigue everywhere. Her works help to inspire the viewer to take a slower approach to life, to see the details hidden in the wide open.

Amy Spencer

Artist for Hire: Commissions; Media; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Dance, Music, Performance Art, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Film, Graphic Arts, Mixed Media, Painting, Performance Art, Photography

Co-founder of Amazing Suspense Productions with her partner Kurt Brown, she is a movie producer, editor, and actor, among the other hats she occasionally wears. Amy is a multi-tasking performer and thus a member of two bands. Be sure to check out the cosmic horror rock opera stylings of Church of Starry Wisdom (established April 2016) and the inde-folk alt-rock singer-songwriter allure of Light of the Loon (established November 2011). On rare occasions, her smaller one-woman, one-lizard show Amy vs. Godzilla rears its head to entertain folks with video game and animation soundtrack nostalgia, storytelling covers, and strange vocal affectations.

Haley Spiteri

Artist for Hire: Commissions; Visual Arts: Functional and/or Decorative; Carving

PineSight Productions – An engraved connection to nature Haley is a local artist, specializing in hand carved Artist Conk Mushrooms, and works through many mediums including acrylic paintings. Her products are locally sourced, and packaged using recycled materials to lessen our impact on the planet. As an avid hiker, and aspiring mycologist, she delicately picks these mushrooms with a vision in mind. She turns them into beautiful, uniquely designed decorations to offer you a bit of nature in your own home. Pre-made and special requests available making these carvings even more valuable. To see more of her creations, check out her Etsy page or email her with any questions regarding custom work/ commissions. Fun Facts: These mushrooms take about 2-4 weeks (depending on size) to dry out They do not shrivel nor decay! My grandparents doodled on them as kids, and still have them to this day! Artist Conk Mushrooms smell more like wood then a mushroom These mushrooms are also hard like wood but, are as light as a leaf once dried To prevent scratches, I add a protective sealant overtop of the carving All mushrooms are locally and ethically sourced

Larry Staats

Visual Arts: Functional and/or Decorative, Jewelry, Mixed Media, New Media/Technology, Printmaking, Sculpture

My name is Larry Staats and I am a junior at Kent State University working on obtaining a Bachelor in Fine Arts with my concentration being in sculpture. After spending a month in Florence in June 2015 I also plan on getting a minor in Art History. Currently I am also employed at the Kent State Museum as the assistant preparator where I am gaining a lot of experience in art handling and gallery preparation. Aside from school and work I am also an officer in the Kent State University Art Club in which we have bi-annual gallery shows of our own as well as bi-annual trips to museums and smaller galleries. In my own work I have a very broad spectrum of interests and in my art I like to focus a lot on the harsh effects that mankind has on nature with our constantly advancing technology. There are a lot of artists that I’m very inspired by from greats like Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini to contemporary artists whose work I’m very interested in such as James McNabb, Franco Racchia, Tom Eckert, Phillipe Handford, Duane Michals, and Zeke Berman. Click here for a living document of artists that I enjoy and/or am inspired by You can contact me if you need to for any reason at lstaats2@kent.edu

Shane Stahl

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Comedy, Director, Theatre, Vocal

Shane M. Stahl is a performing artist local to the Akron area. Primarily a stand up comedian, he also has extensive experience in theatre performance/direction/technical direction.Recent theatre credits include: The Foreigner, Three Men on a Horse, Over the River & Through the Woods, Grace and Glorie, and Social Security (all at Coach House Theater), Wait Until Dark (Broadview Heights Spotlights), and The Man Who Came to Dinner (Cassidy Theater).As a comedian, Shane placed 3rd in 2013's second Best Amateur Comedian competition at Funny Stop Comedy Club in Cuyahoga Falls. As an opener, he has worked with Thomas Dale, Bill Squire, Craig Gass, Owen Thomas, Josh Volchko, Devin Conner, Juanda Mayfield, and Mary Santora.

Cody Stanley

Artist for Hire: Education, Private Events, Programming; Arts Administration; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Comedy, Director, Performance Art, Radio/Television, Spoken Word, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts

Cody Stanley is a jack of all trades and a master of none. Cody is very active in the Northeast Ohio community theater world, most notably as a member of the Dynamics Community Theater board of trustees and Executive Director of the Next Generation Players. Some of his favorite acting credits include Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and Radar O’Reilly in M*A*S*H. He is also co-host of the Spoils of Akron Podcast which is all about the art, culture, and eccentric residents of THE Rubber City. Cody acts as the manager of, the local Akron cover band, Copper Pennies, and sometimes likes to dress up in nerdy costumes while he assists in running Rubber City Cosplay. He also is very proud to be an assistant coach of Speech & Debate, and assist with the Drama Department, at Norton High School where he graduated from in 2012. As if he wasn’t busy enough already, Cody also enjoys spending some of his evenings serving at The Winery at Wolf Creek. Cody looks forward to the many adventures still ahead of him in life, and is excited for what the future holds!

Pages: