Taking it Outside

Beauty can be found all around us in The 330. Gorgeous works of art rest in the boundaries of their frames, safely tucked into the Akron Art Museum, while just outside the walls of the museum the area boasts natural beauty to dazzle the eyes. Usually, you wouldn’t think that the two could be combined, however the museum’s Inside|Out project takes the artwork off the walls and onto those of the surrounding communities.

Inside|Out brings 30 reproductions of artwork outside, with 10 pieces placed throughout North Hill, Downtown Akron, and the Towpath Trail and Summit Metro Parks. Roza Maille, the project coordinator of Inside|Out, says that this project was actually started in Detroit in 2010 at the Detroit Institute of Art. “They have been doing the project very successfully and last year, through the Knight Foundation, a few of the other Knight cities got the chance to apply to do the project also. Akron is one of those,” says Maille.

The 30 pieces of art provide a sample of over 5,000 pieces in the museum’s collection. A contemporary and modern art museum, objects range from 1850 to present day. 

These beautiful additions to the city are hung on walls and supported by posts. The reproductions are weather proof and able to handle our finicky climate. “They were printed onto an aluminum material so they are all weather-proof. They have laminate on top and the frames are all clear-coated to protect them from the weather and moisture,” says Maille.

Though extremely detailed, Maille says that nothing takes the place of checking out an original. “We’re hoping people will be inspired to come see the original artwork. Even though the reproductions are very high quality, seeing the actual artwork in person is very important to make that direct connection.”

When strolling through downtown, be sure to look for the 10 pieces featured. “We’re trying to get people to want to explore different neighborhoods and see where the artwork is, as well as try to get them to appreciate the museum and come spend some time here,” says Maille.

The program will run for two years and will change neighborhoods. For more information about Inside|Out, as well as a map of locations, visit akronartmuseum.org/inside-out.