Today’s Hidden Gem of Akron, Don Drumm Studios & Gallery, is within walking distance of campus – so there’s no excuse for not checking it out. Why not absorb some art during a break between classes? Much better than lounging at the Student Union for hours, am I right? The gallery is located near Infocision Stadium and the intersection of Crouse and E. Exchange streets, between Spicer and Brown streets.

Don Drumm is a full-time sculptor, designer, and craftsman living and working in Akron. He and his wife, Lisa Drumm, opened up Don Drumm Studios in the 1960s. He began using aluminum as an artistic medium in the 1950s and now his sun sculptures are internationally known, according to dondrummstudios.com. He recently appeared on the cover of the September issue of Akron Life Magazine and he has artwork placed all around our city like the sculpture outside of the Highland Square Library. This year marks the studio’s 45th anniversary.

According to the website, in 1971 the Drumms expanded the gallery and now the studio has eight buildings with gallery space, in which over 500 artists display their work. The building also serves as studio space for three resident artists. The main gallery features art from Northeast Ohio artists that Don and Lisa Drumm have personally selected.

Another gallery, called The Different Drummer, features a “worldwide unique selection of items that meet Don Drumm’s high standards of creativity and design,” according to the website. This gallery features a section with food, fiber, leather, paper art, and a toy room “filled with whimsies for the young and old.”

Drumm has received numerous awards for his work, such as Ohio Designer Craft’s “Lifetime Achievement Award,” “Outstanding Contributor of the Century,” “Outstanding Visual Artist Award” from the Akron Area Arts Alliance in 200, and he was the first recipient of the American Institute of Architecture “Artist and Craftsman Excellence” Award.

There is so much to look at here, and gifts and art are available in a wide range of prices. Small gifts, such as postcards, are a few dollars and some larger pieces can sell for thousands of dollars. Admission is free and the gallery has a parking lot.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.