Look for challenges to this year’s Ohio Arts Council budget as recommended by Gov. John R. Kasich.
Earlier this month, Kasich released his official overall budget recommendation for the council’s 2014-15 biennium: $19,198,408, which represents an 11.5 percent increase to the budget from the agency’s 2012-13 budget of $17,211,408.
Some Ohio arts advocates think the proposed budget is too low and will campaign to get it raised.
During the last biennial budget process, the council received a 30 percent increase over the 2010-11 budget ($13,188,580) for the current FY2012/2013 budget ($17,211,408).
In December at the annual meeting of Ohio Citizens for the Arts, the membership voted unanimously to set the budget goal for the council at $22.4 million. If achieved, the citizens group’s proposed budget would return state funding of the council to where it was “before the disastrous cuts began over the last three biennia,” according to the group’s website, http://ohiocitizensforthearts.wordpress.com .
The budget is now before the Ohio House Finance and Appropriations Committee. It will then be sent to a subcommittee where representatives from the Ohio Citizens for the Arts will testify on the importance of public funding to the arts.
Following House approval, the bill will move to the Senate Finance Committee (usually by April) where arts council representatives will testify. The main operating budget is then sent to conference committee in June to resolve conflicts between the House and Senate recommendations.
But even that amount isn’t set in stone. Once both houses agree to the conference committee report, the bill is reviewed by the governor, who can sign, veto or line item veto any item in the bill.
A three-fifths majority of both houses is required to override a veto. A budget approved by the governor and both houses will be effective July 1.
GlassWorks Wants You
Akron Glass Works, 106 N. Main St., Northside Arts District, is holding a Facebook contest.
The local makers and teachers of fine art glass want folks to “like” them on Facebook between Feb. 2 and March in order to enter their names in a drawing to win an original glass bowl ($200 value) made in the Glass Works studio by Jack Baker.
The drawing will be held March 2 during the Downtown Akron Art Walk. Even if the winner doesn’t live nearby, the bowl will be shipped. 330-353-5888, www.akronglassworks.com .
Thursday
Reception — United Disability Services (UDS), publisher of Kaleidoscope Magazine, will hold an art reception displaying a selection of pieces from the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Art Collection from 3-6 p.m. at the agency’s 701 S. Main St., Akron, location. 330-762-9755.
Film Screening — Akron Film+Pixel and the Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., will offer a free 7 p.m. screening of Old Dog at the museum. 330-603-1520, www.akronfilm.com .
Exhibit Opening — Paul O’Keeffe: Recent Work will open with a 5-7 p.m. free reception at Kent State University Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St. On view through March 9. 330-676-1549, http://galleries.kent.edu .
Friday
Artists Wanted — Young Audiences is seeking teaching artists for 2012-2013. Special interest in photographers, theater artists and digital media artists. A meet-and-greet information session will be held at 2 p.m. at the group’s office at 13110 Shaker Square, Suite C203, Cleveland. For information, call Danielle Kimble at 216-561-5005, ext. 14. RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/s/G8X95WC .
Free Talk on John Cage — Discrete Spectrum’s modern music lectures return with a look at the life and work of composer John Cage, presented by Bob Ethington from 7 to 9 p.m. at Annabell’s, 784 W. Market St., Akron.
Sunday
Wedding Showcase — Acme Fresh Market Catering will host a Wedding Showcase in the McDowell Grand Lobby of the Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., from 2 to 4 p.m. today. The showcase will feature food samples, champagne, wedding cakes, flowers, decor ideas, music and more. Reservations are required for the bride and one guest. Call 330-645-6222, ext. 2, to make reservations.
Deadlines
Cups Runneth Under? — Kent State University Downtown Gallery is looking for artists to participate in its 12th Annual National Juried Cup Show on view March 13 to April 20. Deadline for entry is today. For more information and to download an application go to www.dept.kent.edu/art or contact Anderson Turner at 330-672-1369 or haturner@kent.edu .
All Hail ‘Q’ — The 2013 Fresh Art Show is looking for artists to include the letter “Q” in their artwork. Sponsored by Summa Foundation, the show will run March 8 to April 13. All media, 2-D and 3-D are welcome. The drop-off date is Feb. 27, noon to 7 p.m. Information at www.akronareaarts.org or call 330-376-8480.
Dorothy Shinn writes about art and architecture for the Akron Beacon Journal. Send information to her at the Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640 or dtgshinn@att.net .
