Malone University Gallery Shows Local Artist

Malone University's, McFadden Gallery, will feature Up & Down photographs by Akron, Ohio artist, Micah Kraus, from September 30 - November 12. In a series of square prints Kraus's work focuses on the urban landscape where he lives. The pictures offer to the viewer a surprising perspective of beauty found in some decay around Kraus's Akron neighborhood. He writes, "In May of 2012, I began to investigate my neighborhood to find deconstructed and uninhabited properties to photograph, being drawn to decayed and blighted buildings, old weathered billboards, flaking hand-painted signage, wind-worn wood, cracked security glass, chipped brick, and other signs of entropy. . . . My intention for these photographs is to motivate viewers to seek out and appreciate similar images, patterns, textures and experiences in their own communities, neighborhoods, destinations and daily experiences. My hope is that in doing so, they will become more resistant to the culture of waste so prevalent in our society and more aware of the aesthetic and intrinsic value of their surroundings."

Kraus, a printmaker and photographer from Akron, Ohio, teaches printmaking, photography, digital media, and foundational art classes at Archbishop Hoban High School and is co-owner of the architectural salvage company Retread in Akron. In 2012 Kraus and a team of students completed a 40'x18' mural dedicated to East Akron resident, Mr. Art Minson, funded by a grant from the Neighborhood Development Corporation. From 2009-2011 he was a lead artist in the Lock 3 Summer Art Experience and worked with teenage apprentices to create community artworks for METRO at the Intermodal Transit Station in downtown Akron. From 2005-2009 Kraus was co-owner of the art and design company Campfire Goods. He was an artist-in-resident at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 2002. Kraus has shown his work in group and solo exhibitions at Zygote Press, Tri-C Western Campus, Kent State Stark Campus, Spaces Gallery, Millworks Gallery, Dead Horse Gallery, Square Records, and the McDonough Museum. Kraus has a BA in Art Education and an MA in Printmaking from Kent State University. More information on Kraus and his work can be found at http://www.micahkraus.com. The McFadden Gallery is located on the Malone University campus in the Johnson Center for Worship and the Arts. The Johnson Center is located at 2600 Cleveland Ave, N.W., Canton, Ohio 44709. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.