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Local Artists Showcase Work in Stark ARThology

12
Jul
2010

Local Artists Showcase Work in Stark ARThology

Posted ByJessica Bennett, Art Editor
CategoriesHeadlines
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Sixty-nine artists have been selected to appear in this November’s Stark ARThology, the first art anthology dedicated to the many talented and eclectic artists of Stark County, Ohio.  The book is published by Indigo Ink, an independent non-profit publisher of poetry, fiction and artistic non-fiction (such as visual-art books).

Stark ARThology

Stark ARThology

Artists selected for the book will receive two free copies and professional photography services for the selected piece(s), as well as a professional artist headshot photo.  In addition, Indigo Ink Press and the Canton Museum of Art are collaborating to host an exhibit featuring the work of the artists at the museum from Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010.  The Stark ARThology exhibit will showcase the work featured in the book for each artist. “Promoting the accomplished artists of our community has been the goal of Stark ARThology from day one.  Adding this exhibit to the mix is the best way to up the ante – to increase the visibility of these worthy 69,” says Jessica Bennett, Founder, volunteer Executive Director and Publisher of Indigo Ink Press. Bennett is also currently the PR & Marketing Manager for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where her work includes writing and editing two publications.  A graduate from Walsh University, Bennett has two bachelor’s degrees, one in corporate communication and the other in English.  The degrees go hand-in-hand for Bennett, a savvy businesswoman with a strong passion for literature and art. “We know that there are incredible artists in all corners of Stark County. Our hope is that through Stark ARThology we can introduce this work to our community, as well as reinforce the idea of buying art locally,” she says. The book will first be available at the ticketed launch event and exhibit opening the evening of Friday, Nov. 19, with free admission for all on Saturday, Nov. 20 and Sunday Nov. 21. After that, the book will be sold through local galleries, studios, art venues, specialty retailers and online through the Indigo Ink website and Amazon.com. The book will also be made available for free to high schools and Stark County District Libraries. The book will feature artists in almost every genre of visual art, including painting, photography, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramic art, sculpture, glass, jewelry and digital design. A total of 162 artists answered the call for submissions and were evaluated by an advisory committee. “The concept of creating an original publication dedicated to the work of our finest local and regional artists was certainly a laudable one, and I was honored to play a role in the selection process,” says M.J. Albacete, Executive Director of the Canton Museum of Art, one of the advisory committee members. “And for the kick-off celebration of the book, what better setting than an exhibition in the galleries of The Canton Museum of Art featuring this very collection?” Other committee members include Robb Hankins, President and CEO of ArtsinStark, Gail Martino of the Stark County Educational Service Center, Margo Miller of Mt. Union College, Christine Shearer of the Massillon Museum and Todd Walburn, owner of 2nd April Galerie. The anthology is funded in part by a $6,000 special projects grant from ArtsinStark, and a portion of the proceeds from the publication will benefit ArtsinStark’s SmArts Program. “The grant from ArtsinStark is essential for launching our first title, Stark ARThology,” Bennett says. “We wouldn’t be able to get started with Indigo Ink without their generous support.” These Special Project Grants are part of the approximately $1.1 million in grants that the County Arts Council will give out to more than 100 Stark County non-profit organizations and artists. “We are delighted in these challenging times that we can continue our commitment to keeping the arts here growing and strong,” says ArtsinStark Board Chair Bob Timken. In 2011, Indigo Ink plans to publish the first of its fiction titles. Ultimately, Indigo Ink aims to publish between five and six titles per year in fiction, poetry and non-fiction, with the potential to grow even more over time with community support and literary acclaim. Indigo Ink accepts submissions year-round from local authors and artists. They take full-length novels, poetry and art but steer clear of short stories and genres like fantasy, sci-fi, horror and western. They are especially interested in talented burgeoning storytellers but will consider submissions from both new and previously published authors. For more information about Indigo Ink or Stark ARThology, contact Jessica Bennett via email at editor@indigoinkpress.org, or call (330) 417-7715.