Elmer Novotny, The Artist and His Wife, 1938. Reproduction installed 343 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, OH 44310. Photo courtesy of Chris Rutan Photography.

Framed reproductions of paintings – some relatively small and delightful when discovered, others impressively large and impactful – have suddenly emerged like spring flowers in the neighborhoods of Akron, Ohio. This is Inside|Out, a community activated art project funded by Knight Foundation that brings art reproductions from the Akron Art Museum’s collection into the streets and outdoor spaces of Akron. To celebrate the launch of Inside|Out, the art museum will host a block party May 7 in the middle of downtown.

The party will take place at the museum from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and will include live music, local food, art activities for all ages and guided tours of the museum galleries. Adding to the festivities, a trolley tour will bring party-goers to a number of Inside|Out installations in the downtown area. The party will also provide an excellent opportunity to meet representatives from the community partners who have worked with the museum to bring Inside|Out to their neighborhoods.

The spring 2015 phase of Inside|Out includes community partnerships with the International Institute of Akron, Akron Better Block, Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Ohio and Erie Canalway and the Summit Metro Parks. Additional programs related to Inside|Out, such as street festivals and bike tours, will be created by the community partners with support from the museum.

 “Inside|Out helps us to have a much deeper conversation about the value of the arts and culture in our community,” said Mark Masuoka, executive director and CEO of the Akron Art Museum. “The project also allows us to deepen the conversation between the museum and the community by offering numerous opportunities to build strong partnerships and friendships across Akron’s diverse communities.  Civic engagement is the focus of our vision and Inside|Out is the perfect project to demonstrate our mission to enrich lives through modern and contemporary art.”

The 30 art reproductions which have been installed in three neighborhoods and outdoor spaces are already having a positive impact. On the first day of installation, educators from the International Institute of Akron took the opportunity to use Abel G. Warshawsky’s painting, The Seine at Andelys to lead an impromptu English lesson with clients who had immigrated to the U.S.

Special travel-themed maps, brochures and an Inside|Out web app have helped spark growing interest in the artwork as well. Inside|Out project coordinator Roza Maille said, “One of the most exciting facets of Inside|Out is that it promotes exploration around Akron.”  Akron resident Jeneé Garlando said, “I wanted to share what a total hit Inside/Out is with our boys. The whole concept has them completely engaged. They are so proud to have already found 25 works out in the community!”

Other Inside|Out installations have helped to renew appreciation for the green spaces in which they have been placed. Lynne Van Nostran said, “Friday afternoon I took the dogs to Sand Run Trail [in the Summit Metro Parks] and had my first Inside|Out experience and what a fabulous one it was. The New Moon print [by Dwight Tryon] is a gem and I was especially delighted to see that it is displayed in my favorite niche on the trail. It definitely made our hike a special one on a beautiful sunny spring day.”

Community partners in the North Hill area plan to incorporate Inside|Out installations into their upcoming Better Block event, planned for May 15-17. Additional bike and walking tours are being planned by the partners, and the museum plans to hold special block parties for each neighborhood this summer.