The 31st annual Art in the Park festival brought together the Kent community with a variety of live music, multiple vendors selling pottery, jewelry, paintings and clothing, food trucks and performances. The event was held the weekend after Labor Day, Sept. 7 and 8, at Fred Fuller Park and highlighted both children and adult artists, showcasing the diverse art scene around the community. 

Monetary prizes were awarded for the “Best of Show” and the top three places of the adult art competition, demonstrating artistry in painting, woodworking, pottery, jewelry making and photography. Six awards were given to vendors in the Youth Artist category as well. 

On Saturday, the Sylvia Coogan Silent Auction was held. Donated items from exhibitors were auctioned off to collect proceeds that go towards the creation and revitalization of art programs for the community. 

The “Best in Show” prize was awarded to Lauri J. Anderson’s art, with her display showing her original watercolor paintings which featured bright colored sunflowers, mushrooms and clear blue waters. Anderson is a returning artist this year. 

“Her watercolors are very realistic, and her favorite things are in nature, so that is the focus of much of her work,” Anderson’s featured artist card said on Kent’s government website. 

Petal & Kiln Jewelry Co. took home the first place in the adult art competition with jewelry pieces made with resin and natural flowers, highlighting the nature around the area. Jennifer Knapp, a Northeast Ohio native, purchased one of the pieces when leaving the stand. 

“The natural aspect of the jewelry makes me excited to buy more pieces. It’s beautiful to see what artists around me can make,” Knapp said.

The Tree City Wood Carvers took home second place with their hand carved pieces. The group has weekly meetings where visitors are welcome to come and learn how to create their own pieces. 

Hazelmade, which specializes in creating illustrated papers and home goods, won the third place prize. Hazelmade is owned by Susan Hazel Rich, who has a studio in downtown Kent. 

The Youth Artist category highlighted children in the 3rd-6th grade school age group and a 7th-12th grade age group. The top three artists were awarded in each category. The winners in the 3rd-6th grade category featured jewelry making, origami and clay pieces. The winners in the 7th-12th category showcased painting, photography and clothing designs. 

The event included a community art installation that gave guests an opportunity to participate in the creation of art. With the “ART” sculpture guests had an opportunity to pour paint, add chalk drawings and add yarn to each specified letter. Nearby, the Young at Art area gave children a chance to explore the creation of art. 

When participating in the art creation, community members could hear music spreading through the park from the Main Stage. 

“The music really creates a cool atmosphere. It’s nice being able to look at all the art, but when you can hear music as well it makes the experience so much more,” John Petit, an Akron native, said while seated on the hill near the Main Stage. 

Further into Fred Fuller Park, guests entered the food truck area where they could purchase pumpkin funnel cakes, elephant ears, tacos, hotdogs, barbecue or burgers. When waiting in the food truck lines, guests could hear music coming from the backwoods stage. 

Visitors could also purchase commemorative shirts for the 31st event and head over to The Family Room entertainment area for a chance to be able to personalize and paint their shirts. 

The event brought together hundreds of community members who shared in the purchase and creation of art in and around Kent. 

“Art in the Park has become something that I look forward to with my kids every year,” Knapp said. “There are some vendors that keep coming back every year and I look to see what new things they have made. It’s wonderful to see the community come together, share their art and hear their music. It makes Northeast Ohio really feel like a home.”

Lindsay Collier is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].