Why does your business support the Akron Art Museum?

METRO supports the arts community in general and looks for ways to partner with area art groups and organizations. We have rotating public art displays at our Transit Center in downtown Akron and have allowed our bus shelters to be used as canvases to enhance neighborhoods in our service areas. Giving back to our community in a variety of ways is vital to our future and our ability to continue to offer fair and equitable services.

I also like that the Akron Art Museum and METRO’s Transit Center are two modern structures welcoming people on different sides of the downtown Akron footprint. We help balance out the landscape of the area, one that’s rich in history but moving forward in innovative and captivating ways.

What benefit of Art Works Business Membership do you most appreciate?

The biggest benefit is the ability to stop in and see the displays and get inspired by all the Akron Art Museum has to offer. Creativity and inspiration come in many forms and present themselves in a variety of ways. The Museum engages all the senses. It is a vibrant part of the ever-changing backdrop of downtown Akron.

Why is the Museum important for individuals, families, communities, and your employees?

The Museum is important because the arts are important. Any one person, community, or organization is better because of the arts. The arts offer a well-rounded outlook and are a true reflection of the people in the community. Akron is known for many things, and the Museum is vital to embracing a community of open-minded freethinkers who truly value artful experiences.

Are particular works in the collection or in exhibitions special to you?

Obviously, the Keith Haring exhibition is near and dear to our hearts at METRO. His art started on the streets and seemed a perfect way for us to partner with the Museum to further its reach. We were honored to be approached and enjoyed brainstorming ways to further ignite the passion for his work. The fully wrapped bus is a magnificent example of how you can take the arts to the streets and create an artful experience just about anywhere. I guess you could say we are driven to see our community succeed and to do what we can to assist in a shared vision. The smattering of Keith Haring characters and dogs has truly elevated the presence of our shelters all over town.

I cannot wait until there is an exhibition on public transportation, though. I’ll be there for that one for sure!

Do you have a story or memory to share about the Museum?

My favorite memory is not one I experienced, but one I helped others experience. During my time as a downtown bus operator, many of my passengers were headed to the Akron Art Museum. I always enjoyed seeing families, college students, older adults, and people just like me headed to the Museum for a day out. Shared experiences are some of the most memorable ones. Being a part of someone’s experience is an honor I do not take lightly.