Summit Metro Parks

HISTORY OF THE PORTAGE PATH AND ARTIST’S TALK
2024-10-06 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | TT/Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join us for a walk from Big Bend to the northernmost point of the Portage Path. You’ll learn about the history of this vital link between North American waterways as we walk, then enjoy a talk at the northern terminus by artist Peter Jones (Seneca/Onondaga). Jones created the statues of the portaging Indigenous person which can be seen at both the northern and southern termini of the Portage Path. This program is presented in coordination with the Portage Path Collaborative as part of a series of events in honor of North American First People’s Day. More information about events in the Akron area honoring North American First People’s Day can be found at https://walkportagepath.com.

Virtual: Nature Drawing for Adults
2024-10-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. Registration is required and begins on 9/26.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins on 9/26.

The Zine Zone
2024-09-28 15:00 - 17:00 | SLNC, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, OH, 44301, United States
Join us to design a nature-inspired zine. Using text and images, create a self-published booklet expressing your artistic vision that captures the essence and endearment of nature. This program is curated thanks to a collaboration with Akron Black Artist Guild. Registration is required and begins 9/19.

Let's Get Crafty: Nature Embroidery
2024-09-26 18:30 - 20:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Start an embroidery project with park staff while learning about the wildlife in your creation, then finish the project at your own pace. Guidance and supplies are included in the registration fee. For crafty people 16 and older. Cost is $10/person. Registration is required and begins on 9/20.

Virtual Nature Collage
2024-09-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Let’s make a beautiful, nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist online for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. Registration is required and begins on 9/19.

Nature Collage
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Let’s make a beautiful, nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and begins on 9/19.

Eco-Printing for Adults
2024-09-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-23 10:00 - 12:00 | LP/Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
We’ll explore printing with natural materials to create beautiful fall-inspired patterns on fabric and paper. Dress for a mess! Supplies will be provided. Cost: $5/per person. Registration is required and begins on 9/11.

Paint n Take
2024-09-21 10:30 - 12:30 | OH
Follow step-by-step instructions to complete a beautiful painting reflecting the fall season. Hot cider and all supplies will be provided free of charge. Registration is required and begins 9/11.

Virtual: Nature Drawing for Adults
2024-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. Registration is required and begins on 9/4.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2024-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins on 9/4.

What Is "Verdant Wonders"?
2024-09-12 18:00 - 19:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Do you have literary works laying around? Are you itching to write something fantastic? Join us for an information session about our newest endeavor, “Verdant Wonders,” a nature- and culture-based literary journal.

Nature Drawing for Adults
2024-09-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | OH
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins 9/4.

Submit Entries for Verdant Wonders
2024-09-12 00:00 - 2025-01-31 23:59 | Virtual
Ohio residents are invited to submit their creative works for publication in Verdant Wonders, the park district’s new literary journal that focuses on nature and culture. Submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction, personal essays and poetry are welcome September 12 through December 31, 2024. Learn more about submission guidelines and fill out a submission form: Verdant Wonders Submission Form

Virtual: Nature Drawing for Kids
2024-09-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. All you need is a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registration. Registration is required and begins on 8/30.

Nature Drawing for Kids
2024-09-08 12:00 - 13:30 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and begins on 8/30.

The Impression That I Get
2024-09-08 10:00 - 11:30 | GYH/Main Entrance, 2077 Newton St., Akron, OH, 44305, United States
Bark is beautiful! Drop by and capture the unique textures of trees in cheerful crayon or classy charcoal as we enjoy a tree-riffic day together.

Beading Workshop
2024-09-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-06 18:00 - 20:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Discover the ancient art of beadwork with Indigenous Artist LaDonna BlueEye. Participants will receive a brief introduction to Indigenous beadwork and hands-on training to learn how to bead a rosette using ladder stitch. Your rosette may then be displayed as created, or you can find your own use for this unique art, like a necklace or keychain. Participants must have the dexterity to use a needle, thread, and either Size 8° (2.5mm) or Size 10° (2.0mm) beads. Cost: $15. Registration is required and begins on 8/28.

Poetry Readings From The Valley
2024-09-05 18:30 - 19:30 | GYH/Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, OH, 44305, United States
Celebrate the beauty of Northeast Ohio with an evening of poetry. Join local poets at the Pioneer Shelter as they pay tribute to the non-human neighbors with which we share this land. This reading also celebrates the launch of “Light Enters the Grove: Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park through Poetry”, and The Poetic Inventory of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, projects of The Wick Poetry Center.

Submit Entries for the Children's Art Exhibit
2024-09-01 10:00 - 2024-09-22 17:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
From September 1 through September 22, children ages 5 to 18 may submit one entry for our Children’s Art Exhibit, which will be displayed at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Visitors Center October 6 through December 31. The theme for the exhibit is “How do you appreciate and connect with nature?” Artwork should not be matted or framed and should be one of the following sizes: 5” x 7”, 8.5” x 11” or 11” x 14.” Any and all media is acceptable. Entries may be dropped off at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Visitors Center, Liberty Park Nature Center or Summit Lake Nature Center, and should be accompanied by a submission form signed by an adult. Find the form here: Children’s Art Exhibit Form
An opening for the artists and their families will take place October 6. Light refreshments will be served.

Submit Entries for the Amateur Photography Exhibit
2024-09-01 00:00 - 2024-11-17 23:59 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
From September 1 through November 17, visitors may submit two entries for our Annual Amateur Photography Exhibit, which will be displayed at the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Visitors Center and by virtual exhibit. Only two printed photographs will be accepted, and all images must be taken in areas managed by Summit Metro Parks. Where possible, please do not share contact information with other entrants. Entries should not be matted, framed or include watermarks, and should be one of the following sizes: 5″x7″, 8″x10″ or 11″x14″ and printed on photo paper. You may drop off entries at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Visitors Center (1828 Smith Rd., Akron) or mail them to 975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron OH 44313, Attn: Amateur Photography Exhibit. A completed entry form is required. Find the form here: Amateur Photography Exhibit Form

Drawing Outdoors
2024-08-28 09:00 - 11:00 | FASN/Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Bring your drawing pad and pencils for an outdoor lesson in drawing. Beginners are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Portable chairs and drinking water are recommended. Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Virtual: Nature Collage
2024-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. Registration is required and begins 8/7.

Nature Collage
2024-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | OH
Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and begins 8/7.

Drawing Outdoors
2024-08-14 09:00, 2024-07-24 09:00 | OH

The Poetry Path: Creative Writing & Hiking Workshop With Poet Xposyur
2024-07-27 13:00 | OH
Ages 10 and up: Hike and explore using all five senses to contemplate life's journey. The workshop will encourage participants to pen poetry about life's challenges, pivots and aspirations while surrounded by nature. Journals and writing tools will be provided. This program is presented in partnership with Akron Black Artist Guild.
