CreativeCONNECT is a network of local artist organizations. Its mission is to bring awareness and recognition to local visual artists’ work by empowering members of these organizations through exposure, education, and collaboration. This network has been developed by the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center to provide networking and learning opportunities for the creative community.
Participating Visual Artist Organizations in CreativeCONNECT:
CreativeCONNECT @ Akron Zoo
On a picture-perfect day at the Akron Zoo, five CreativeCONNECT member organizations came together for a vibrant, collaborative arts event, Chalk-a-Palooza, that brought hundreds of visitors into direct connection with our artist groups. Participating groups included Akron Society of Artists, Akron Soul Train, Hudson Society of Artists, Akron Makerspace, and Cuyahoga Valley Art Center.
Each organization embraced the event’s theme with creativity and enthusiasm, creating unique chalk art installations that reflected their individual missions and artistic voices. In addition to their sidewalk masterpieces, the groups joined forces to design a large interactive chalk gallery. Framed by hand-drawn borders, this space invited guests of all ages to leave their own mark—fostering participation, play, and a deeper connection to the arts.
Beyond engaging with zoo guests, the event provided a meaningful opportunity for the participating organizations to connect with one another—sharing ideas, strengthening relationships, and celebrating the power of collaboration. Events like this embody the spirit of CreativeCONNECT: building community through creativity and creating visibility for the visual artists organizations across our region.
Hundreds of community members gathered, igniting the spark of our unified creative journey. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all for the dedication and unwavering support for our creative community. The evening was a heartwarming collection of smiles, stories, and boundless creativity. This resounding success wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of all seven visual artists’ organizations and the unwavering support of the Akron Art Museum. As we move forward, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of our creative community. Let’s continue to inspire and connect through the arts!