Children: In Their Best Interest – Art Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Paul M. Henry

Community Outreach Director

phenry@drcourt.org

330-643-7845

ArtsNow Awards $10,000 ArtsForward Grant to Transform Summit County Domestic Relations Court Through Student Art

Akron, Ohio (July 15, 2025) – ArtsNow has awarded a $10,000 ArtsForward grant to support Children: In Their Best Interest, a new initiative that will bring a juried student art exhibition to the Summit County Domestic Relations Court.

This unique project centers on one of the Court’s guiding principles, prioritizing the best interests of children, by featuring original artwork created by local high school students. The exhibition will transform areas of the courthouse into a non-traditional public art gallery, offering visitors moments of reflection, hope, and emotional connection as they navigate the often-complex realities of domestic relations proceedings.

By integrating student art into a civic space, Children: In Their Best Interest seeks to humanize the courthouse experience. The project not only expands access to the arts, but also invites young people to engage with their community in a meaningful way, amplifying their voices in a space where the outcomes often deeply affect children’s lives.

“They say that art soothes the savage soul. People that cross the threshold of the Summit County Domestic Relations Court – be it the staff, the attorneys, the victim advocates, the witnesses, the children and the parties themselves – all have a certain level of anxiety upon entering the courthouse. If they can leave with one small positive experience, even if it’s just a painting on the wall, that moment matters.”

In addition to the exhibition, the project includes a public art acquisition budget that will allow for the purchase of select student works. These pieces will become part of a permanent, locally sourced collection, ensuring that the voices of young artists continue to resonate throughout the Court long after the initial installation.

For more information on Summit County Domestic Relations Court, visit https://drcourt.org/wp/. To learn more about ArtsNow, visit https://artsnow.org/.

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About Summit County Domestic Relations Court

Summit County Domestic Relations Court handles matters of divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, and family law. The Court is dedicated to serving families with fairness, accessibility, and integrity.

About ArtsNow

ArtsNow is a nonprofit organization that strengthens and supports the arts and culture sector in Summit County through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic investment. The ArtsForward grant program is designed to fund innovative projects that deepen community connection and expand access to the arts.