Artists of all kinds showcased their skills Sept. 6-7 at the Art in the Park Festival. Held the weekend after Labor Day in Fred Fuller Park, the event hosted over 100 local and regional artists. This festival was free and open to the public. 

The walkways were lined with stands displaying the talents of Kent’s art community. The surrounding trees of Kent’s largest and oldest park added to the spirit of the festival.

Booths displayed jewelry, glassware, pottery, photography, woodwork and paintings. Various musicians performed, providing a soundtrack of country, folk and jazz music as customers shopped.

Food trucks provided customers and vendors alike with funnel cakes, coffee and street tacos. 

Of the 121 booths, nearly 30 were young artists. “Young at Art,” an area designated for young artists, featured the creations of those in third through twelfth grade. 

One young artist, fifth grader Penny Clapp of Penny’s Magnet World, shared why she loves setting up her art at the Art in the Park Festival.

“I get to meet so many great people, and I get to make everyone happy by selling magnets,” she said. “It’s a piece of silliness and happiness.” 

Her booth consisted of unique magnets with various designs, including flowers and zodiac signs. 

Many artists mentioned the connections they have found in the art community. Street Cat Creations, consisting of artists Alyssa Coyle, Antonia DiGiacomo and Angie Rice, shared this sentiment. 

“I think it brings a really fun community,” DiGiacomo said. “Every time we do one of these booths, it shows different connected interests throughout people.”

Coyle said her favorite part of the festival was being able to show people the trio’s creations and talking to them about their art. 

Street Cat Creations displayed a collection of crochet wearables, stuffed animals, photography, jewelry and drawings, making it “a little mix of everything we like to make and create,” Rice said.

Roy Jenkins, displaying his nautical and nature photography, said he has set up at the Art in the Park Festival for nearly 10 years and has been creating his art for nearly 40 years. He keeps coming back to the festival every year because “they keep letting [him] back in.”

Another artist, Janice Filipski of Plank House Art Studio, showcased her signature collection of metal, copper and crystal jewelry. She said she also loves returning to the festival. 

“Kent Art in the Park is my favorite show because there’s activities for the children, there’s fabulous music, there’s food and everyone does such a nice job here — and the vendors are great, too,” she said. “Kent Art in the Park really treats their vendors really nicely.”

The festival also featured a dedication to local artist Robert Wood, who passed away around 14 years ago. The dedication was hosted by Standing Rock Cultural Arts, a nonprofit organization located on N. Water Street in Kent. 

Heidi Weisel, a board member of Standing Rock Cultural Arts, described Wood’s legacy. 

“This year, here at Art in the Park, we are featuring his xerography work. We give him credit to be the first artist to use a Xerox machine to make art,” she said. 

Wood used the Xerox machine and computer files to create his novel prints. He completed his work by many late-night trips to The University of Akron, Kent State and the local Kinko’s. 

“He made friends everywhere he went,” Weisel said.

Patrons had the opportunity to share stories about Wood and view his original prints. In order to preserve his art, Weisel explained, no copies were made of his collection. Those wanting to learn more were also invited to visit the Standing Rock Cultural Arts website. 

Art in the Park also highlighted a way to give back to the community. The Annual Sylvia Coogan Silent Auction had donations made by vendors to benefit future art programs. 

Artists, like those of Street Cat Creations, enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the community and other artists at this event.

“It’s always a blast,” Coyle said.

Loreal Puleo is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].