Student project steps up to honor Akron’s rich
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WEST AKRON — Students who attend school at the Akron Public Schools’ (APS) Central Learning Center will be able to walk around Akron history thanks to a new art installation on the grounds of the school at 400 W. Market St.
On June 9, a series of tiles created by students from the former Fairlawn Elementary School and their families were unveiled. The tiles were created during workshops last summer, at which 35 families were given a year and a historical event in Akron to depict.
The families created the designs in clay, then artist Dominic Falcione cast the metal tiles at The University of Akron School of Art’s foundry. Falcione is pictured below right with his design reflected in his sunglasses.
Students from Fairlawn Elementary attended school at the Central Learning Center before moving to the new Judith A. Resnik Community Learning Center in December.
Shown above is a tile created by student Corinne Richards and her family that commemorates the year 1986, when Akron native Resnik, a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Challenger, died in the shuttle explosion.
Resnik student Josh Hoffman, pictured at top right, matches his foot with the footprint he left on his tile design.
Mazzy Falcione, a former Fairlawn student who is also the daughter of Dominic Falcione, is shown above as she demonstrates how hopscotch can be played on the tiles.
Organizers of the project said its purpose was to strengthen and encourage elementary students’ interest and skills in art and history.
The tiles are located adjacent to the main entrance of the school building, which is used to house students whose schools are part of the APS’ school rebuilding project. — By Kathleen Folkerth
Photo: Shane Wynn
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