Artists’ reception marks public debut of Peg’s Foundation Park Lane headquarters

The nonprofit Peg’s Foundation opened its recently constructed Park Lane headquarters to the community with a Meet-the-Artist reception on Oct. 22. The works of more than 40 artists are featured in Peg’s new first-floor gallery, according to Courtney Cable, the foundation’s lead for arts and communications.

Akron residents Mary Bird and Bob Shield attend the reception in honor of Sheild’s late wife, Connie Bloom, an Akron Beacon writer and art quilter. One of Bloom’s fabric quilts is on display.

“It’s a retrospective show that brings together participants in one or more of Peg’s Gallery shows over the last 40 years,” Cable said. “Our intent today is to celebrate with a nod to the smaller gallery across the street and an unveiling of our new campus.”

Pat Barker (l) and Carol Lesko, both of Hudson, examine a piece of art at an Oct. 22 Meet-the-Artists Reception at the new Peg’s Gallery.  on the first-floor of the recently constructed 

In 2021, Peg’s Foundation announced its intent to build a new home base on the Park Lane Green and relocate from the nearby Margaret Clark Morgan Building, which also featured a first-floor art gallery. Located at the site of the former Prestige office building and Merino beverage store on the corner of First Street and Park Lane, the two-story building includes patios on each level, gardens with outdoor art exhibits and a walkway to the historic and newly restored Baldwin-Buss House.

Pianist Ethan Olaes performs as guest mill about light-filled Peg’s Gallery.

Cable said the gallery is open to the public Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. It is not open holidays or Sundays, and hours are subject to change. The current exhibit, Timeline: A Retrospective will be on display through Feb. 7.

Among the Retrospective works are pieces by Hudson artists Karen Koch, Sandy Benny, Shannon Casey, Mindy Soulsby and the late Hilary Sheeter. For more information, visit pegsgallery.org.

Main Caption: Burton D. Morgan Foundation executives Gina Dotson (l) and Denise Griggs (r) explored the art gallery and office space.