by April Helms

Special Products Editor

Sean O'Donnell's artistic talent emerged at an early age and was encouraged by his parents.

"I drew a lot as a kid, and my parents enrolled me in classes," said O'Donnell, 23, of Cuyahoga Falls. "I just went from there."

Today, O'Donnell is a senior art student at The University of Akron, and is one of three featured artists at Summit Artspace's latest gallery exhibit.

Through April 17, Summit Artspace Gallery will present Narratives, an exhibition of paintings with elements of storytelling.

The other featured artists are Frank Bell White and John Sokol.

O'Donnell said he received a lot of inspiration from "The Society of the Spectacle" author Guy Debord.

"I'm influenced by politics," he said. "I try not to be too political because that would be a one-liner. But I also am inspired by organics and architecture."

O'Donnell added he hoped his works would inspire dialogue between people. Seven of his works are on display at Summit Artspace.

His future goals include enrolling in graduate school.

Workshop 
and other events

On April 10, John Sokol will give a workshop on painting with natural materials. This free workshop, designed for older teens and adults, is from 1 to 3 p.m. To register, e-mail psargent@neo.rr.com.

The gallery will be open 5 to 9 p.m. on April 3 for the First Saturday Artwalk. A city of Akron trolley will transport people between arts and entertainment venues along East Market Street and in the Northside District. This is a free event.

Summit Artspace, a project of the Arts Alliance in cooperation with Summit County government, is located in a historic downtown Akron building at 140 E. Market Street, one block east of the Akron Art Museum. It is dedicated to displaying local art and presents seven exhibitions per year. Admission and parking are free. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m.

The BOX gallery

Art enthusiasts also can check out another art gallery on the third floor of the Summit Artspace Building.

Among the artists currently on exhibit in this newer gallery are George Reuter, Janet Snell and Mark Joseph Jaroszewski.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153