Release Date: Friday, November 13th 2009
First Night Akron 2010 Button Art Unveiled
Button art supports First Night theme, “A Night of Firsts”
Today Downtown Akron Partnership unveiled the First Night Akron 2010 artwork that thousands of revelers will wear in button form on New Year’s Eve. The theme of First Night Akron 2010 is, “A Night of Firsts.” The Admission Button truly embodies this theme, looking unlike any First Night button art in the 14 year history of the event. It is full of new colors and vibrancy, evoking a feeling of warmth, even in the depth of the cold winter months in Ohio!
The First Night Akron 2010 button artist, who was chosen by a committee of previous button artists, is Julienne Hogarth, an art teacher with Akron Public Schools. The inspiration for Hogarth’s First Night Button came from a series of small paintings centered around patterns. She experimented with different fabrics, patterned paper, food coloring and fabric dye to create her growth-themed piece. She specifically studied the contrast between warm and cool colors.
"Through the years, I‘ve been involved with First Night by creating artwork in windows with my students, painting a banner and making art for the black light exhibit. Never did I think I would be asked to submit a portfolio for the button art,” Hogarth said. “I’m honored to be among former button artists I know and admire. This whole process has been a delightful, exciting journey. The button art reflects my current work, which celebrates so much. It fits so well with the First Night celebration!"
Hogarth, an Akron native, studied art at the University of Akron and her work has been on display throughout the state. She collaborated with Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts in creating a horse for “A Horse of a Different Color” (Children’s Hospital), several pieces for Summit County Family Court and a mixed media piece highlighting the collection at the Akron Art Museum, currently on view in the Corbin Gallery at the museum (Be sure to check this exhibition out at First Night!). Hogarth also has an exhibition on display in the lobby of the Nantucket Building, 17 S. Main St., on view through January. Her work can be viewed at www.juliennehogarth.com.
Hogarth taught visual art for 15 years at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts. She currently teaches art at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with Akron Public Schools.
About First Night Akron
Now in its 14th year, First Night Akron is a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other! This family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts brings the community together to experience a brief moment in time while creating lasting New Year’s Eve memories. Indoor entertainment and fun featuring music, dance, theater, visual and interactive arts will delight everyone! For a complete schedule of events, visit www.firstnightakron.org.
Admission buttons are $10 and children under 10 are admitted free when accompanied by a button-wearing adult. Buttons go on sale Friday, November 27 at Acme Fresh Markets, participating FirstMerit Bank branches, Akron Art Museum, Akron Beacon Journal Customer Service Desk, Borders Books & Music at Chapel Hill, Carolyn’s Cupboard in Wadsworth, The Library Shop on Main, Lock 3 and Stage Left Boutique at the Akron Civic Theatre.
Buttons and First Night Akron logo items may also be purchased online at www.firstnightakron.org.
First Night Akron is a program of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Founding partners are the City of Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal.