The Annual Groundhog Show Presents Local Art in Portage Lakes

By Grace Carter: Inspiration for the Groundhog Show struck artist Hope Hickman in the spring of 2021. She wanted to have an art show in her father’s warehouse celebrating socialization, domesticity, and relationships. The Groundhog Show earned its name from the idea that artists were popping their heads out after the pandemic and claiming back the summer. Hope made a quick Instagram story sharing the idea, and artist/graphic designer Taylor Clapp soon joined the project to assist with the logistics of putting on the exhibition. The dynamic duo now co-curate and organize this passion project celebrating the artists of Northeast Ohio annually.

In 2022, the Groundhog Show’s second year, over 70 artists participated, and more than 400 guests attended. Now in its third year, the Groundhog Show will take place from Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 11th at 509 Portage Lakes Drive. Hours are Friday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. with the reception beginning at 7 p.m. The reception is open to all. Visitors are encouraged to carpool as parking is limited. Public hrs on Saturday and Sunday will be from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

100% of art sales at the Groundhog Show go directly to the artists, and with an application fee of only $7, participating in the show is accessible for artists at all points in their creative careers. Submissions for the Groundhog Show are open now and close on Friday, May 26th at midnight. For more information about submissions and to apply, click here. Awards will be juried by Anna Young, co-founder of KINK Contemporary.

The Akron/Summit Cultural Plan identified Talent and Resources as top priorities among community members. Artists and creators are core to the health of our city, and the Cultural Plan shows a need to spread out opportunities across the county. In a thriving arts ecosystem, all participants have access to the resources they need to succeed in their work, and there are many types of success. Additionally, the Plan identified a need to invest in cultural hubs and venues. The Groundhog Show serves as a pop-up venue for artists and creatives to show and sell their work, network, and have fun.

"It brings me so much joy gathering people together to experience art, especially in such a nontraditional way. At the end of the day The Groundhog Show is a party celebrating our art community's uniqueness in our unique way,” said Taylor Clapp.

"Through positive arts experiences like the Groundhog Show, I hope that we can improve the quality of life for artists and residents of Ohio, foster a sense of community, and remove some of the red tape around enjoying contemporary art,” said Hope Hickman.

For more information about the Groundhog Show, visit https://www.clappforart.com/groundhog-show-2023.

Photo above by: Kerry Johnson

Photos below by: Taylor Clapp