@PLAY Akron

In 2017, Art x Love was awarded a $240,000 Knight Cities grant for @PLAY Akron, an 18-month, 24-neighborhood, interactive art project designed to bring diverse people together and encourage deeper community connections. Our team walked and biked every street in the city, conducted thousands of street intercept interviews with residents and stakeholders, and produced more than 100 murals and 50 placemaking transformations across the city.

@PLAY Akron has inspired millions of dollars of new investment and systemic change across the City of Akron, and fundamentally changed the way local organizations and non-profits approach neighborhood research, community engagement, and creative collaboration.

Akron Stories Recognition

"The spirit of the nation is founded upon, and reflected in, its exciting and colorful past. Launched in 2019, this grassroots initiative (Akron Stories) has labored to collect, preserve, and celebrate the stories of local rubber workers and their descendants. Great care and considerable resources have been invested in this endeavor, and it is sure to become a source of pride for the whole community."

"All those associated with the Akron Stories project are to be commended for their tremendous efforts to guarantee that the past will not be forgotten, and the dedication of this new monument convincingly demonstrates how very much can be accomplished by a group of conscientious people with clear objectives and firm resolve. Indeed, they have distinguished themselves as concerned and responsible citizens and have, with admirable dedication, helped sustain the history of the area."

• Ohio House of Representatives •

7 Years

We founded Art x Love in 2015 to make a meaningful and sustainable impact through art and design. We believed that creative best practices could help systemically shift cultural and environmental dynamics, inspire others, and change the perception of art to a necessity rather than a luxury. We hoped this would forge a path for more creative professionals to be paid fairly and respected for their artistic vision. As we celebrate our 7th anniversary, we extend our most heartfelt thanks to our clients, the hundreds of artists we’ve been able to work with, and the many thousands of community members who’ve embraced art as an important part of their lives. Thank you for believing in us, in artists, and in the power of art. We're ready for the next 7!

Akron on Deck II

Akron on Deck II is the sequel to Art x Love’s popular playing card set, featuring 54 Akron landmarks and icons, with cards by 54 local artists.

Akron on Deck was launched as a Kickstarter in 2020 to support local artists and businesses during the pandemic. 40% of the proceeds from card sales go to the featured artists as annual royalty payments for life. Since 2020 we have sold more than 10,000 decks and raised more than $75,000 for local artists, businesses, and non-profits through this initiative.

A Dedication to Remember

On October 9, 2021, Art x Love hosted the Rubber Worker Statue & Stories dedication ceremony in downtown Akron. Hundreds of people gathered to honor family members, friends, and loved ones. We created this video to honor the occasion and help others understand the remarkable spirit and legacy of the rubber workers.

Since 2019, Art x Love has led and managed the Rubber Worker Statue & Stories Project in collaboration with the City of Akron, Summit County Historical Society, Akron-Summit County Public Library, and the University of Akron. We created Akron Stories as a grassroots initiative to advocate for the rubber worker statue and collect the stories of Akron’s rubber workers and their descendants. This project culminated in 2021 with the unveiling of Alan Cottrill’s rubber worker statue and the installation of the Akron Stories kiosk.

Visit AkronStories.com to learn more.

Leading Fitness

In 2022, Art x Love was engaged by the Akron Area YMCA to create a mural for their new Octagon Fitness Area, which used to be a racquetball court. Mac developed several concepts that were strategically designed to maximize the impact of the mural while complementing the space that the equipment would occupy. Most importantly, the mural had to be consistent with YMCA brand standards, and pass an upcoming audit by the YMCA’s national facilities and design team.

Mac completed the mural in one week, and developed all aspects of mural production to minimize disruption while staff and members used the nearby fitness areas. The new Octagon Fitness Area has opened to rave reviews, and the mural passed YMCA’s audit with flying colors.

@PLAY Silent Discos

Liven up your event with Silent Disco! Art x Love has 200 silent disco headsets and 3 transmitters that are available to rent for parties, events, fundraisers, and interactive experiences in northeast Ohio. We’ve used these headsets to produce interactive neighborhood cleanups, birthday parties, guided meditation, yoga, history tours, and more.

Email contact@artxlove.com or call 330.238.8588 to learn more about pricing and availability for your next event.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost?

It’s $5.00 per headset per day, and $20 per transmitter per day.

Shipping, delivery, and pickup

We do not ship our headsets. Pickup is available from Art x Love Studios, Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm or by appointment. Our address is 1969 N Cleveland Massillon Rd., Akron, OH 44333

We can deliver and pick-up the equipment for additional fee.

Do you provide DJ’s?

Yes, we can help you book DJ’s for an additional fee (typically $50/hr per DJ).

How do the headsets work?

Each cordless headset has a power switch, volume control, and three audio channels with LED lights that glow blue, red, or green depending on which channel you listen to. Each channel is specially tuned to the unique frequency of a transmitter.

How do the transmitters work?

Each transmitter has a power cable, power switch, antenna, channel control (1-3), left/right audio ports, and comes with an audio cable that can be plugged into computers, phones, microphones, and can be configured to work with all audio sources. Once plugged in and connected to an audio device, the transmitter sends that audio to whichever channel of the headset you’d like. We recommend using 2-3 transmitters for all Silent Disco events.

Still don’t get it?

Participants get to choose which channel of audio they want to listen to. If you rent 3 transmitters you can have Channel #1 connected to a DJ, Channel #2 connected to an iPod, and Channel #3 connected to a phone. This allows users three different and unique audio experiences to choose from.

What is the equipment’s range?

50-100 yards depending on the number of obstructions (floors, walls, buildings, etc.).

What happens if they get wet or break?

This equipment is NOT weatherproof. Any loss, damage, or breakage will result in a replacement fee of $40.00 per headset, $250.00 per transmitter, and $20.00 per audio cable.

What are the product specs & features?

Our @PLAY Silent Disco headsets are an open wireless RF stereo headphone system. Each headset has a folding design for easy storage, and vibrant LED lights on both sides. The headsets and transmitters use detailed analytical sound reproduction with strong bass response. Soft ear pads offer superior comfort and noise cancellation. The wireless headsets offer a range of freedom and movement with reception through walls and ceilings.

Can you give me the technical data?

System: UHF/RF 
Modulation: FM 
Mode: stereo 
Channel option: 3 channels 
LED lights: Blue, Red, Green 
Signal-to-noise ratio: >75dB 
THD: <1% 
Speaker: 40mm mylar 
Frequency response: 30~20000Hz 
Channel separation: >35dB 
Operation time: 10 hours 
Charging time: 3 hours 
Power supply: Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery (500mAh)

Reclaiming Akron

On April 28, 2018, a sit-in discussion was organized at Perkins Middle School to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. following the 50-year anniversary of his assassination. Akron and Summit County residents were invited to understand MLK’s legacy beyond his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, and encouraged to share their genuine concerns about the state of Akron’s community. Art x Love commissioned three artists to listen to what people had to say and create a painting that gives life to their words.

This artwork honor’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s transformative vision of a just and equal society, and is permanently on display at Akron City Hall.  It is designed to connect and empower people, and to promote public discussion about critical issues facing our community.

To learn more about the event and local organizations that are addressing these issues, please visit: http://artxlove.com/blog/btd

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Health Disparity

by Nichole Epps

This work is a snapshot of health disparities as it relates to class, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Figures on the bridge are representative of underserved groups directly impacted by disparities in health. Faces of women are prominent in this piece because women historically have been at the center of inequality. Community as a whole is responsible for the community as a whole, and holding those charged with bridging the gaps accountable is a social responsibility.

About the Artist

Nichole Epps is a self-taught visual artist born and raised in Akron, Ohio.  She is skilled in various mediums including, ink pen, acrylic, and sculpture. She prides herself on being a free hand artist and creating from a space of raw emotion.

Through art, Nichole addresses many social, political, and personal issues. Her art has a way of showing you something about yourself that was formerly invisible.  She believes that art is a powerful way to learn what we care about most through its ability to make you feel.  Nichole never shies away from subject matter that may lead you to feel uncomfortable, which she says is the most powerful emotion as it relates to art as a vehicle in effecting change.

In addition to understanding the importance art serves in enriching the physical, economic, social, and cultural elements of community.  Nichole is committed to social activism and currently works for a non-profit as a Board of Nursing certified Community Health Worker.

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Economic Disparity

by Anika Kent

This piece is meant to give viewers insight into various experiences and observations of economic disparity in Akron. The skyline is fixed in the horizon as stories from the Akron community emerge from the city. Through these stories, I examine social attitudes and institutional systems prevalent throughout our society that contribute to discrimination, racism, and economic disparities. Through the creation of this piece, I continue to engage in active self-reflection. I encourage the viewer to examine their own privileges, attitudes, biases, and actions.

About the Artist 

Anika Kent is a multi-disciplinary artist whose creative practice includes visual art, movement, and song-writing.

Born and raised in Akron, OH, to a South American mother and Californian father, Anika’s work is greatly influenced by her Latin American roots, growing up in a multicultural environment, and time spent living abroad.

After graduating from Firestone High School in 2008, Anika moved to Los Angeles, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2014; and returned to her hometown of Akron in 2015, where she lives today.

Anika’s visual art methods are focused on drawing, painting, sewing, and embroidery; as well as employing the use of textiles as a surface for these media. Through this visual art practice, Anika explores themes of everyday life, cultural identity, the human body, and the decisive reclamation of “domestic” art forms, historically categorized as “women’s work.”

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Education Disparity

by Lindsey Jo Scott

This piece is intended to convey the emotions and insights from those who have experienced educational inequality and discrimination. As a whole, educational inequality refers to the unequal distribution of academic and social resources, including but not limited to; school funding, qualified and experienced teachers, books, and access to technology. The words surrounding the images are direct quotes of those who shared their experiences at the “Beyond the Dream” event in April, 2018. I included these direct quotes in order to best represent the experiences and insights shared. Additionally, the piece includes quotes and ideas that were offered for solutions at the event, as we imagined what is needed for educational equality to become a reality. The hope for this piece is that it can serve as an educational tool about the pain of educational inequality and offer a place from which discussions for change can continue. 

About the Artist

Lindsey Jo Scott is an artist specializing in painting, illustration, writing, textiles, dance and social activism. A native to Northeast Ohio and a graduate of the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art, Lindsey Jo is best known for the way in which she animates the spirit of joy and lightness in her work through her use of vibrant colors and positive imagery and words. As an artist, she combines her creative practice with her work as a yoga teacher, focusing on the belief that art can help us to be more alive and more fully connected to ourselves and each other. Her work is influenced by her passion for spirituality, psychology, philosophy, poetry, travel, nature, midcentury design, pop art, and children's doodles. Through the use of a variety of materials, including acrylic, gouache, crayons, collage, and digital tools, Lindsey Jo creates pieces layered with emotion to convey a message of truth, beauty and hope. Lindsey Jo currently resides in Akron, Ohio with her husband, Brad, who works as a teacher and administrator for Akron Public Schools. Together, they are invested in their community and excited to continue working to make Akron the best it can be.

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Reclaiming Akron

by Dee McCall & Ashley Sherrod

This interactive painting was created by University of Akron students for “Beyond the Dream: Neighbors Reclaiming Akron,” a sit-in discussion organized in West Akron to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Attendees were encouraged to leave their mark as a gesture of commitment toward improving the state of our community.

This painting went on to tour Akron’s neighborhoods in 2018 as part of the @PLAY project, which helped restore and reinvigorate Akron’s public pools at Reservoir Park and Perkins Woods. In two days of celebration, @PLAY’s pool parties attracted more than 700 residents, many of whom left their mark on this painting, including Mayor Dan Horrigan and numerous City of Akron employees.

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by Mac Love and Dr. Oghenetoja Okoh, with special thanks to Project Ujima, CareSource, ProMedica, and the University of Akron’s EX[L] Center.

Stewart's Caring Place

Stewart’s Caring Place provides free cancer support services for individuals and families. Art x Love was engaged to develop the Art Plan for Stewart’s new Cancer Wellness Center in Fairlawn, Ohio. We developed a menu of local artists for consideration, then commissioned and oversaw development and installation of the select artist’s work.

Stewart’s Caring Place radiates with a healthy spirit of creativity, compassion, and community. Art x Love commissioned and purchased artwork by Kimmy Henderson and Leah Rzepka, and produced signature holographic paintings throughout the space, including the custom-designed donor wall.

We are delighted to support Stewart’s Caring Place, and look forward to developing more opportunities to encourage and inspire healing and communication through the arts. That work continues today with our management and curation of the Stewart’s Healing Arts Gallery, showcasing local artist’s work with 100% of the proceeds from art sales going to the artists. Email us at contact@artxlove.com to learn more.

Akron On Deck

Akron On Deck is a unique playing card set featuring 54 Akron businesses and landmarks, with cards designed by 54 local artists. We created Akron on Deck in 2020 as a Kickstarter project to support local creatives and businesses through the pandemic. 40% of the proceeds from card sales go directly to the artists as royalty payments for life.

Since 2020, Art x Love has sold 10,000 decks and raised more than $75,000 for local artists, businesses, and non-profits.

You can purchase Akron on Deck from our online store or the following local retailers.

Joy of Voting

In 2018, Art x Love was approached by Juleeah Vang and Asian Services In Action, Inc. (ASIA), to help Mai Lor with fulfilling her Joy of Voting grant project. The goal of the Joy of Voting project was to educate people about our election process, and to encourage and empower more people to vote. The multilingual text of the mural was created by Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the imagery was sourced from ASIA’s events, and feature residents from across northeast Ohio.

In addition to the VOTE mural, Art x Love made 8 double-sided sandwich boards with painting kits for ASIA to use with residents at various Joy of Voting community and cultural events. The mural panels were brought together and unveiled at a special celebration at Asian Services In Action’s new headquarters on East Market Street, in Akron’s University Park neighborhood.

The VOTE mural is permanently installed in ASIA’s offices, where familiar and new faces are always welcome.

Dawn Revisited

The University of Akron's Art Bomb Brigade and ArtsLIFT programs selected Mac Love as team leader for their Freedom Trail mural project for Summit Metro Parks. With nine months to prepare, we surveyed Akron's 2-mile stretch of trail and identified 24 areas for mural development. Recognizing the opportunity to create a unique experience in Akron's recreational corridor, we proposed a strategic plan that would include designs for all walls. We aligned on a literary mural concept that would celebrate and feature the work of Rita Dove – an Akron native, Pulitzer Prize Winning Poet, and Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.

Art x Love reached out to Rita Dove, who graciously offered a selection of poems specifically for the Freedom Trail. The Art Bomb Brigade selected "Dawn Revisited," which was then developed for several locations to accommodate construction. The final design was hand illustrated directly on the wall for the final location on southeast side of the Mill Street Bridge and underpass, in downtown Akron. Mac Love led the team of 25 college and high-school students in the production of the mural, working in collaboration with Elisa Gargarella and Dan Coffield, to paint everything in two weeks.

Dawn Revisited has since been prominently featured in local news, tourism, marketing, and social channels as a reflection of Akron's emerging identity as a national leader. We greatly look forward to the opening of the Freedom Trail so that visitors can safely and easily explore all that Akron and Northeast Ohio has to offer.