Press Release
Richard Rogers
Turning Adversity Into Artistic Expression: ...

The reimagined masks in Curated Storefront’s online exhibit, MASK-R-AID, can now be seen in person in the storefronts of the Polsky Building, at 12 University Avenue in downtown Akron through September 25, 2020. The skillfully transformed masks demonstrate the ingenuity and persistence of these artists, even in the face of a pandemic and economic shutdown.

Turning Adversity Into Artistic Expression: Curated Storefront’s Exhibit, MASK-R-AID, on view in downtown Akron

Artists in the News

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Creativity unmasked: Akron artist captures extreme reactions to coronavirus pandemic

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As the coronavirus crisis developed in March, Akron artist and Barberton art teacher Ron White thought that something was off about people’s reaction.

“Usually people were much calmer when we had a past experience,” White said.

He saw an extreme response that didn’t make sense. People were snatching up groceries and supplies so quickly that stores couldn’t keep some items on the shelves.

On social media, he saw posts about individuals building man caves underground. Society seemed to be overreacting to a situation the populace hadn’t confronted before.

“Where’s this going to go?” White asked himself.

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Illuminating Akron: Curated Storefront

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Illuminating Akron: Curated Storefront

For a city to be considered alive, a certain number of lights must be shining at night. I am sure there is an equation that factors in the size and population and spits out the number of watts necessary to achieve the appropriate lumens required for an “Alive” rating.

Two years ago, Downtown Akron began shifting into that category when recently retired businessman Rick Rogers and his mighty crew founded the project known as Curated Storefront. With the help of designer Courtney Cable and installers Casey Vogt and Steve Levey, Rogers is adding life to Akron’s Downtown.

WKSU Reports: Curated Storefront Puts Art at Downtown Akron's Street Level

WKSU Reports: Curated Storefront Puts Art at Downtown Akron's Street Level

"Passing through downtown Akron will now be a little more colorful thanks to a project called Curated Storefront. The project puts art installations in buildings at street-level, including vacant spaces, in an effort to make urban areas more welcoming. There are 13 installations in all."

Click the title link to experience the full segment by WKSU Producer, Andrew Atkins.

Artist Ron White Featured in Western Reserve PBS TV Show Around Akron with Blue Green

Artist Ron White Featured in Western Reserve PBS TV Show Around Akron with Blue Green

Curated Storefront artist Ron White is one of three artists featured in the Western Reserve PBS TV show Around Akron with Blue Green. Click the title to navigate to the 30 minute broadcast and learn about some of the Movers and Shakers that make this city great.