It’s that time of the season, when the sun shines bright over local art and performances. While multiple theater and art events were created last summer, only to be canceled, this year Collide: Cuyahoga Falls and the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls (DTCF) Partnership have ensured that the public will get to enjoy a cornucopia of different art styles, delivered to Front Street like a well-planned flash mob.
“Curated Art on Front St.” is a series of six curated performances through a collaboration of Collide: Cuyahoga Falls and the DTCF Partnership, including live painting, cooking music, dance, and theater, each occurring in a different location along Front Street during the summer.
“Originally we envisioned these to be more of a surprise, like a flash mob, but after discussing, we wanted to showcase and support these artists by promoting them so more of the community could be a part of it,” explains Kaylee Piper, Executive Director of the DTCF Partnership.
While the flash mob idea is the perfect summation of what each of these short performances will bring to the public, Collide: Cuyahoga Falls co-chair, Kathy Romito, states that this is also a common concept in other major cities.
“It allows us to showcase a variety of artists and hopefully encourage the community to become more acquainted with the artists,” Romito said. “Hosting them in different locations encourages people to explore all that Front Street has to offer.”
The series will begin today, July 1, with a dance performance from Ballet in the City near the fountain at the intersection of Front Street and Stow Avenue, across from Ohio Brewing Company and Leo’s Italian Social. While not the first dance program downtown, it is unlike the more common arts programming, which would often feature music or physical art presentations. Collide: Cuyahoga Falls co-founder Matt Weiss said “we want to do our best to recognize as many types of art as possible… some that might be considered less ‘traditional’ along with others that are more expected.”
Following this first performance, Houston Jazz and hip-hop artist Eric Jensen will perform on Saturday, July 17 between The Farmer’s Rail and Silver Eagle Antiques. Thursday, July 29 will bring a live painting demonstration to passersby near the pavilion from local artist Denny Stoiber. August shows will include a spoken word presentation from Ace Epps at the Jenks Building, a culinary arts program from Weezie’s Cakes at the Works, and a theater performance at High Bridge Glens Park.
“Art is good for the community,” remarked Romito. “It brings people together, helps create an identity for the city, it enriches people’s lives and so much more.”
For more information about “Curated Art on Front St.” or other future public art performances, visit Collide: Cuyahoga Falls and the DTCF Partnership.
