According to Signal Akron and the University of Akron, seven Akron Public Schools students spent a week working with professional artists over the summer to transform blank skateboard decks into original works of art through the university’s Arts LIFT program. The finished skateboards were displayed in August at Need Skateshop in downtown Akron, marking the 25th year of the community-engaged youth arts education initiative.
Arts LIFT Program History and Funding
The Arts LIFT program, which stands for the Lola Isroff Fund for Teens, was established 25 years ago at the University of Akron. Funding for the program originated from the estate of Lola Isroff, a self-taught professional folk artist and occasional writer from Akron, according to program records. Dr. Elisa Gargarella, an associate professor of art education at the university, joined the institution to help create the program for Akron Public Schools students. According to Gargarella, the initiative was created to give students opportunities to work with professional artists and experience environments outside a standard high school classroom.
Student Artists and Skateboard Designs
Students utilized the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art print studio to learn printmaking, mixed media, and skateboard design techniques. Participating students included Nora Himmelright, 14, who attended the program from Firestone Community Learning Center. Himmelright created an animal-print design featuring a character with an unusually long neck, incorporating acrylic paint and cut metal necklaces. According to Himmelright’s mother, Allyson Himmelright, the program offered her daughter a chance to try something new and connect with the local art community.
Marian Steeber, also 14 and a student at Firestone CLC, based her two skateboards on her interest in comics and a favorite song’s album cover. Gwyneth Currie, 15, drew inspiration from nature for her boards, utilizing bold colors, paint, glitter, and screen printing. Currie stated an intention to pursue fashion design and sewing using recycled materials. Olivia Walje, 15, designed a skateboard featuring a unicorn set against a galaxy of black, blue, and purple to represent her interests in magic and skateboard art.
Community Collaboration with Need Skateshop
The program partnered with Need Skateshop, a new downtown Akron business owned by Kyle Mowery, located at 30 N. High Street. Mowery provided blank skateboard decks for the students and welcomed them into the shop to experience the intersection of art and skate culture. Students met Jay Croft, a former University of Akron Myers School of Art student, artist, muralist, skater, and founder of the creative business Street Canoe, who discussed his design process and current exhibition at the shop. Meryl Engler, a printmaking faculty member and professional artist at the university, served as the technical instructor, guiding students through linoleum cutting, screen printing, and the history of skateboard graphics alongside Owen McSparran, a university art education major and Arts LIFT artist assistant.
Did you know? The Arts LIFT program is funded by the estate of Lola Isroff, an Akron folk artist and occasional writer, and has operated through the University of Akron for 25 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arts LIFT program?
Arts LIFT is a 25-year-old youth arts education program based in the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron that connects area high school students with professional artists, university faculty, and community partners.
Who funds Arts LIFT?
The program is funded by the estate of Lola Isroff, a self-taught professional folk artist and occasional writer from Akron.
Where was the student artwork displayed?
The finished skateboard designs were displayed at Need Skateshop in downtown Akron, following a public closing reception held on August 21.
What techniques did students learn during the program?
Students learned printmaking, mixed media, linoleum cutting, and screen printing, using these processes to transfer their designs onto skateboard decks provided by Need Skateshop.
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