Month: January 2019

“I have two pieces of art on display, the African Spitting Cobra and the Blue Bird. I do mostly paintings and graphic illustrations. I’d like to start a book with my illustrations. I also do wood burning, knitting, and crocheting. I’m in the process of making a blue tongue pillow. I made a devil’s tail and wore it for Halloween. I have a 6-foot bookshelf full of yarn at home.

“I used to work at the Transit Center when it first opened. I was the only cleaner on the weekend. How cool is it that 10 years ago I used to work here and now I have my art on display!”

Amanda was one artist who had artwork displayed in the Transit Center’s art cases as part of the Summit Board of Developmental Disabilities’ exhibit ‘Look Beyond: An Art Show For All Abilities.’

“I’m a freshman at Kenmore-Garfield High School. I joined the Build Akron crew in the summer of 2013. I was bored one day when I saw people painting and doing work on houses, so I asked if I could start volunteering. I’ve done a lot of work around the community. When I look around I get to tell people ‘Hey, I did that!’ I makes me feel influential.

“We started (Summit Lake) Build Corps about two years ago at the old Pump House. We’ve learned about building, painting, electrician work, insulation, plumbing, and more. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge in the field and I could see myself being successful in the future.

“The project on Ira Ave. started in September with the demolition of the inside. It took us until now (January) to finish. There will be two apartments upstairs for people to rent, a community room downstairs, and a library. The idea, too, is we’ll have tutors come in and help students.

“We’re all about giving back to the community. That’s what this key symbolizes. We invite all to come back and watch how this house progresses and how it will serve the community.”