Collide at The Cricket

On Friday night Collide, the new arts group in Cuyahoga Falls, put on an event in collaboration with ArtsNow that included spoken word, poetry, music, live art and photography/art displays at the Cashmere Cricket. Food was provided by Flury's Cafe and great beer was for sale at the bar. Ace Epps was the MC and also read poetry with the backing of a trio from Falls Music School. The atmosphere in the room was amazing. The poets had people in stitches one moment and near tears the next.

Some of the great people that helped put the event on.(Matt & Molly of Collide in the center).

Falls Music School provided the smooth soundtrack to the evening.

Artist Kevin Smalley hanging his works.

Ace Epps killin' it. (Also - that is a photo of mine on the TV in the background - there was a slide show of Kevin and my work on the TVs).

"Front Row"

Matt from Collide kicking off the event.

"Martini Tower"

My photo exhibit. I showed six photos - paired a black and white with a color shot of a similar theme. The prints were all from nearby locations. This was the first time I showed any physical work - it was fun to get feedback and discuss my work with people. It didn't exactly feel bad selling a few pieces either!

Kevin painted multiple pieces throughout the night.

Nicole from ArtsNow.

Svetla and Sophie

"A Little Bit of Soul"

"Turnout"

"Laughter"

"Flury's Kim"

"Sara"

"Noor Hindi"

"Poet Insight"

"Sophie"

Ace getting some help.

The backroom at the Cashmere Cricket was the perfect spot for this event.

Mayor Don Walters taking in the art.

"Bron Shooting"

"The Mayor"

Another shot of Kevin working.

Damien

"Patio Selfie"

At the beginning of the event note pads were passed out and Ace announced a topic of "Love on the Rocks". People in attendance were encouraged to write their own poem on the topic and a few then read them at the end of the night - it was a really great idea to get the audience involved.

"Poetry Toast"

"Love on the Rocks"
ArtsNow and Collide really did an amazing job with this event - I was so happy to be involved with it.