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HUMAN & cO.
ARTICLES
 2003 LOCK 3 Summer Art Experience
During Summer school break, Dan Cuthbert led nine teens in rewriting the history of Akron, Ohio. The story was only the beginning. They also created origingal artwork now on permanent display in the park. Here is there creation.
 The Brothers Above a great Ohio valley, two god brothers resided, and their names were Ak and Ron. One day, each brother decided that a temple would be built for each of them, and they both set their eyes on an area called Summit, the highest point of the valley. When they both started to build on the same spot, each cried to the other that he had seen it first. One brother refused to give way to the other, so each began to create a large army to fight for them. A war was about to envelop the great valley. The great goddess De al Manic, the mother of the two godsons, heard the argument and descended. She grabbed Ak and Ron by their sun-adorned collars, and commanded through the heavens that they “are to play nice.” Both sons, out of fear for their mother, decided then to build one temple, and name it for both of them, and the temple on the Summit became known as the temple of Ak-Ron. The brothers both agreed water was to adorn their temple area, so they commanded canals all along Ohio to be formed, and it was so. Soon stories of the beauty of the temple at Summit spread over the lands, and barges filled with people began to float down (or up) to Ak-Ron at Summit. Many of these barges had large buildings built on them so the people to live comfortably on their travels, and on arriving; they moved these buildings from the great boats on to the land around the temple. The city of Akron was born. Above the land of Summit, the god of warm air, (Paul Eh-Tic) wanted to give the city a great gift, so he created a lighter than air craft (which he called Goodyear, because he hoped it would deliver many to the city) and used this craft to deliver his gift. It was a magnificent building of brick and glass, filled with the art of man, and in celebration the city of Akron held a First night celebration. Revelry and parties, fireworks and music, filled the evening sky. The city of Akron flourished. The city of Akron became so large they decided to elect a leader and the people of the city chose a man named Doin Pla-Sqall-ick as their mayor. The mayor loved sports, but knew also the value of learning and the arts, and tried his best to make the city “good”. Industry then appeared, two great companies emerged, Firestone and Good year (the latter named after the craft that brought us art) and rubber was their gift to the world. Along with this a master of grain, Qua-Kor built a palace where the average man may now reside. Railroads and machines, parts and ball bearings soon flourished in the city of Akron. In time, two men named Bass and Quette decided they wanted to build for the city a coliseum for the art of the athletes. Soon they began to fight over the design of the building and one day, in an argument, Bass took a ball and threw it at Quette, Quette took the ball and threw it back at Bass. Soon they made a wager, whoever could throw the ball through the whole over the temple door would decide the fate of the design. After several throws, the friends determined it was fun, and Bass-Quette Ball was born (both of them then compromised on the building design). Later a young man emerged that dazzled the world with his knowledge of Bass-Quette ball, and he became known as King James. Soon the stadium became the home another sport, it was called Bass-ball (created by Bass himself while playing with his sons) and the team was called the Aeros. They brought much pleasure to the city of Akron. Over time, and after several wars, the temple of Akron fell into disrepair, and then disappeared altogether. Mayor Pla-Squall-ick then asked the great city to create a park in its place. It was beautiful, situated next to the great canal, and they called it Lock 3. All that remains of the original temple are these two pillars where this story is written. To open the park, the Mayor called for the Great Ability Jamboree where the city masters gathered talent from around the land and asked them to write plays, perform those plays, to write music and create fashion, to create masks for dancing. It was a time when all the Muses hugged as one and it was called the Lock Three Summer Arts Experience. Also in this city lived a man and wife. The man could take the metal from ladders and buckets and create suns (among other things). The wife took her husband’s suns (and other things) and placed them in a building for all the world to see, and a Drumm Sun shone over all of it. Soon many in the outside world knew him also. Doctors and judges worked together so those burdened of mind and soul could somehow find peace. One of their greatest advocates was a woman named Marsh-Stormer. Many organizations arose to help those in need and to care for those with a physical and mental hurdle. One way to combat some of these hurdles surfaced from this city and went out to the world, one was called it AA. As the notoriety of Akron spread throughout the then known world, people began to flock into the city to enjoy the concerts, festivals, parks and parties. With this brought some rowdy outsiders (and insiders), and soon fights began to break out as well as some intentional fires. Good Samaritans quickly rushed in to help to break up the conflicts as well as extinguish the fires. These good Samaritans formed groups to insure this never happened again, these became known as policepersons and firepersons. With them came the postal workers and city workers, and the Akron Downtown Partnership, which was formed for a safe and clean city. Other good Samaritans decided they needed to teach people the facts of the world, to educate them, and they became known as teachers. During the first outbreak, there lived a man from faraway China, Huas-pi-Tau. He was kind, and insisted any of the wounded and hurt be brought to his house for care. Soon large buildings were erected in Akron for this sole purpose; today we know them as hospitals. Also around this time, in other parts of the world, slaves were escaping persecution, and a man named John Brown gave them refuge and safety. Akron was known as a kind city. At this time, as people from all over moved into Akron, they brought with them the colors of their first homes. Soon the idea came to combine these colors into small glass orbs as a reminder of where they had come. These became known as marbles, and huge factories sprang up along the great canal to manufacture them. Afterward all arguments were settled in public marble tournaments with the winning color proven right. With the museum, the library, the Civic, the parks, Lock 3, Don Drumm, the symphony, the ballet, and the myriad of arts organizations that sprang up, it only made sense that a center for these be developed. Ja-em Mc Karthee decided a building be set aside for this, and it became known as the Summit Art Space (named after the place where the brothers wanted their temple). The daily papyrus for news started in this building (later the Akron Beacon Journal). The great businesses of Akron stepped in to assist this great endeavor. Many great artists were seen, heard and read here. To bring the idea of science (as Akron became known as a home of inventions, and a great center for inventions was created here) and fun, the Soap Box Derby was born. This allowed little ones (and older ones) to create a small vehicle with wheels to race down the Summit. The world took notice, and watched with eager anticipation. In addition, for the young (and the older) the Akron Zoo was built so animals that may not ever be seen by populace could be watched in comfortable environment. It was very good. This knowledge and sense of exploration spilled over to the great success of the University of Akron as those who thirsted for more knowledge enrolled and then graduated, moving out into the world. With the waning transition of the great rubber industry, a new substance was researched, a Poly-more. This, with rubber, and other great industries allowed the residents to work and flourish. These workers make Akron great. A great war involved every nation of the world. As the men women bravely went to fight that war, those that were deaf came in to take their places in the many industries and kept Akron running. Sandro Hatibovic who is deaf, from Bosnia, and fourteen at this time, (also add author and very good artist) created this for them. Thank you Akron Beacon Journal, Firestone, Goodyear, and the Postal Service, and all who put their confidence in our deaf friends.
ILLUSTRATING KIDS' BOOKS LATEST PROJECT FOR ARTIST
His own daughter has called him "a poster child for middle age" and "a child cleverly disguised as an adult."
But Dan Cuthbert is the first to agree that when it comes to his art, he has never lost his fresh childlike way of looking at the world. Cuthbert is a versatile self-taught artist.
At Don Drumm Studios and Gallery, you will find his work, ranging from painted furniture to whimsical wood trinket boxes. One box features Mona Lisa sporting a Cindy Crawford-like beauty mark and another a plump Marilyn Monroe in angel wings. The inscription says: "Those that went to heaven and saw Marilyn say she gained a little
weight, but is very happy at last."
At the new Channel 23 television studios, Cuthbert's work can be seen on a four-part panel sometimes used as a backdrop during the newscast. He collaborated with artists Don Drumm, John Evans and Michael Gearhart on that project.
But most of Cuthbert's time these days is spent illustrating children's books, based on his own story ideas. Because writing isn't his forte, he has enlisted the help of an established writer, Mary Ann Myers, to bring the text to final form.
One book, featuring black-and-white illustrations and a rhyming text, is about an eccentric old woman named Madame Doobwasay. The other book in progress is called the Shipbuilders of Sing, a highly imaginative tale about an island where the world's only known flying machines are built. Readers will likely be engrossed by Cuthbert's highly detailed, candy-colored illustrations.
Cuthbert's first foray into children's literature began in 1992, when author Thomas Tedrow asked him to help write and illustrate a new Wizard of Oz series. Cuthbert felt the new series, featuring the adventures of Dorothy's great-niece, had lots of potential. But the writing started taking a back seat to concerns about toy marketing, and the project was put on hold.
Cuthbert traces his love of children's literature to the days when he read bedtime stories to his son and daughter, who are now both in college.
He admired the work of author/illustrators Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express, Jumanji) and soon began making up his own stories.
"I would make up stories as my kids would create things with Legos," Cuthbert said. "I also loved going into their classrooms and helping the kids create their own books. I would throw out ideas like 'Siblings,' 'Things not yet invented,' or 'Robot teacher' and watch their imagination go wild."
Cuthbert, who lives in Akron's Highland Square area and works at Don Drumm Studios and Gallery, has never limited himself to one medium.
"I use colored pencils, pastels, acrylic paints, stamps, glitter crayons -- whatever I can get my hands on," he said.
As complex as his illustrations are, he never makes a preliminary drawing.
In recent years, Cuthbert has garnered several honors for his work, including being named one of 1995's best artists by Ohio Designer Craftsmen, having his work shown at the National Women's Democratic Club in 1994 and being featured in a full-page ad in American Woodcrafts Gallery, a 1994 magazine published by Better Homes and Gardens.
A few years back, Cuthbert organized a show called Art Without Exemption, which featured artwork with lots of texture and was
designed to be enjoyed as much by the sense of touch as the eyes.
The show was inspired by a meeting Cuthbert had with a cousin he hadn't seen in years.
"My cousin is blind, and we started talking about our lives and work. When I starting thinking that he would never be able to see what was important to me, my artwork, the Art Without Exemption project was born."
Perhaps his greatest satisfaction in recent years has been the time he has spent working with clients of United Disability Services. Cuthbert has worked with men and women who also consider themselves artists but whose disabilities prevent them from expressing themselves fully.
"I want to start a program that would take the work of the UDS people and, without altering their effort, give it to other artists to enhance and help take it out of its childlike image," he said. Proceeds from the sale of the work would go back to UDS.
Cuthbert said he thinks it's important to take a chance on these artists the same way others in the art community have taken a chance on him.
For more information about Cuthbert's artwork and current projects,visit his Web site at www.akrobiz.com/-unhinged.
Program participants help create TV23 backdrop
Several consumers from the agency's employment services and SociAbilities programs participated in a unique opportunity to express what Akron means to them. With the guidance of local artist, Dan Cuthbert,consumer were able to create their vision of Akron that was included on panels that make up the new backdrop for the TV23 news set. Two participants in the project represented their fellow artists at a reception held at the station. Channel 23's new studios are located across from the Federal Building in downtown Akron. Cuthbert was so inspired by the experience that he is planning to work on additional projects with consumers in the future including some items to be auctioned at an upcoming Akron Area Arts Alliance event.  Twelve panels created by area artists and nonprofit organizations, including United Disabilities Services (above 2nd line - 1st row & last line - 3rd row), were put together to form one of the backdrops that can be seen behind the anchor desk on Akron's evening news. The panels represent what Akron means to each of the artists who participated in the project.  Artist Dan Cuthbert works with participants of the agency's social/recreational program to help create the art that was used on two of the panels that make up the backdrop for Akron's new newscast on PAX TV23.
One-of-a-Kind Whimsy
Dan Cuthbert, a self-taught artist, lets his prolific imagination wander freely on his truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Each work has it's own pictorial theme that Dan develops in mixed media (pencils, paints, etc.), then protectively seals. Woodworkers David and Loretta Layfield provide Dan with clocks, tables, and toys to colorfully finish. "Since I value the stories as much as my drawings, I like to discuss color and content with customers," says Dan of his work.
Artist appearing at area gallery
Dover artist Dan Cuthbert will appear at McDonald Nicklaus, a gallery, framing and gift shop at Dover, Sunday from noon to 4. His art will be on display at that time. Cuthbert, a native of Cleveland Heights, has lived in Dover since 1976. Since 1989 he has been giving free art shows for students at Dover Ave. Elementary. During the 1991-1992 school year he and professional writer Bessie Raynor of Akron co-authored a book dealing with viewpoints of life according to 3rd graders at the school. The book is currently under consideration by three major publishing houses. Cuthbert has permanent gallery representation at Don Drumm Studio and Gallery at Akron, Susi's Gallery in Cambridge, Mass., the Michael Stone Collection in Georgetown, Washington, D. C. and McDonald Nicklaus. He is now concentrating on making furniture with Dover resident Randy Hayfield (sic). He (sic) artwork is drawn directly onto the furniture and the sealed for everyday use.
Dan Cuthbert: He's among the best in the state
The area will be represented Sunday when "Best of 1995", a juried statewide exhibition sponsored by Ohio Designer Craftsmen, opens at Columbus. Dan Cuthbert of Dover is among 107 artists selected to display their works in the Ohio Craft Museum through June 25. The museum at 1665 W. 5th Ave. is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5. It is closed Saturdays and holidays. Cuthbert, who operates a studio at Dover called Unhinged Almost Human and Company, said his work, titled "Manatee Time," is a grandfather clock design he came up with. The handcrafted clocks are 70 inches tall and feature artwork done in pastels, acrylics and tempera paints. "I'm a whimsical artist," said Cuthbert, referring to the type of paintings he uses on the clocks which have been sold nationally for about a year. The clocks are displayed in approximately 30 galleries from San Diego to the East Coast. "Best of 1995" was juried by Lloyd Herman, a founding director of the Remwick Gallery in the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D.C. The exhibition showcases Ohio artists' contemporary crafts in glass, metal, wood, ceramics, fiber, and mixed media. Works include jewelry, metals, wood sculpture, furniture, unusual baskets, art garments, glass sculpture, decorative and functional ceramics and contemporary art quilts. "I've always been interested in art, but I only studied art briefly," said Cuthbert. "Mainly, I'm self-taught. My wife encouraged me to pursue art, and in the last two years things have really taken off at an unbelievable pace." Cuthbert said he first exhibited his works in Don Drumm's studio at Akron. "They encouraged me to get a preview by Ohio Designer Craftsmen," je (sic) said. "They have five stores in Ohio, and once you are accepted there, they promote you on a national level." In September 1994 Better Homes and Gardens magazine began publishing a magazine called American Woodcraft Gallery, and the premiere edition included a full-color page featuring Cuthbert's works. He also did a show last year for the National Women's Democratic Club at Washington, D.C. Several few years ago, Cuthbert worked with author Thomas L. Tedrow on a proposed continuation of the "Wizard of Oz" series of books which was eventually put on hold. Tedrow is the author of "Death at Chappaquiddick" and also continued the "Little House" series of books originally written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. He and ceramic artist Tom Radca of Peoli are collaborating and their works can be seen in Kimberly's Gallery at New Philadelphia. In May, Radca will be be (sic) going to Bangkok, Thailand for his second one-man show there. This year, the crown prince of Thailand will preside over a reception for Radca. Cuthbert will attend an awards reception Sunday during which winning artists will be honored. Ohio Designer Craftsmen Outstanding Achievement Awards will also be presented. After June 25, the exhibition will move from Columbus to the Southern Ohio Museum at Portsmouth where it will be on display July 2 to Sept. 2.
Artist signs with national company
Io (pronounced Eye-Oh), a company which represents wearable and functional artists, is now the official representative of New Philadelphia artist Dan Cuthbert. The company, which has representatives on the East and West coasts, as well as in Chicago, recently acquired the rights to Cuthbert's ceramic line, called "Unhinged and Almost Human" which features modern interpretations of ancient symbols and icons. Cuthbert has a number of gallery shows to his credit, including the May show in the Mansfield Art Center, an exhibit which was juried by Annette Maciezones, senior curator of the Columbus Museum of Art, and painter Rich Andres. His work also has been featured in Animalia, a gallery at Saugatuck, Mich., and in the Sun , Moon and Star Exhibit at Erie, Pa. Cuthbert has a line of furniture which can be viewed on the Internet through Susi's Gallery for Children at Cambridge, Mass. A show is planned in October in Don Drumm's Gallery at Akron. Among other artists represented by Io is Remi Rubel, a designer known for her bottle cap dresses and jewelry made completely from recycled materials which are available in Georgio's of Beverly Hills, a boutique on famous Rodeo Dr. The company also handles a hand-woven, one-of-a-kind line of clothing favored by the likes of Bette Midler, Lauren Bacall, and Carrie Fisher. Several of the ceramic artists who currently show with the Garth Gallery in New York City have created wxclusive lines for Io to carry. All of the work represented is handcrafted by American artists.
Dan Cuthbert 1999 A.C. |
