Competition Heats up for 14th Annual Kaleidoscope! Hundreds of regional visual artists representing the Alliance of Visual Arts (AVA) are contemplating their entries in the most competitive art exhibit to end the year at Summit Artspace—–Kaleidoscope. Many compete but only about half are juried into the show where the quality of work is at its height.

This year’s exhibition will be held through the month of December starting with a double treat on Saturday, December 3; Meet the Artists Reception & Awards from 5-8 pm and the Akron Artwalk.

Three free workshops by respected, regional artists will take place on Saturday, December 10 and afternoon hands-on art for children on December 17 . Registration is suggested. Go to http://summitartspace.org/kaleidoscope to sign up.

The art exhibition was founded in 2003 by AVA which is the umbrella group of the four area arts organizations – Akron Society of Artists, Artists of Rubber City, Cuyahoga Valley Art Center and the Women’s Art League of Akron. Active members are eligible to compete in Kaleidoscope. This is a very prominent show and gives inspiration to artists and art lovers from all over Northeast Ohio. It’s home is on the first floor of the Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St. which is next door to the Akron Art Museum in the Akron arts district.

Jurors this year are George Kozmon, an internationally known artist of monumental paintings and director of Cain Park Arts Festival; and Donna Webb, professor emeritus at the Myers School of Art, University of Akron excelling in ceramic arts and its history.

They will judge for the awards of the cash prizes to the winning entries of first through third place. They will also offer four honorable mentions. The coveted Bob Pozarski Kaleidoscope will be awarded to the People’s Choice winner at the end of the show.

Artists workshops will be presented in a staggered format on Saturday (Dec 10) from 12-4 pm with Sharon Borror-Yupo palooza, Jeanne Henderson- Gyotaku art (Japanese Fish painting) and Mary Ann Mozyjowski-Gelli Plate Printing. Saturday (Dec 17) from 12-3 pm will be the Hands-On Art for Children with Connie Zawacki-Faux Painting, , Denise Benko-Christmas Ornaments, Paula Simmons-Christmas Collage and Karen Koch-Mixed Media Art. Parents will be able to relax with the latest coloring craze during that time or visit the resident studios on the third floor in view of their children.

The show will end with the celebration of Akron’s First Night on December 31, where the People’s Choice Award will be announced at 8:00 pm.

Summit Artspace is a community art center bringing together, in one location, some of the best local artists, art education and arts organizations of the Greater Akron area. It is on the footprint of the Akron Art Walk which occurs on the first Saturday of every month. This is a project of the Akron Area Arts Alliance.