“I have made so many new connections with upcoming artists through this exhibition. The community building around this exhibition is especially exciting to me as an artist and gallery manager in the greater NEO region. I’ve made countless artists friends through this exhibition and greatly appreciate The Groundhog Show giving emerging artists a chance to connect with others!

Through my experience, the exhibition has always been well curated, professionally installed and heavily promoted. There has been a strong emphasis on the opening reception and it really shows. I have met many artists and art enthusiasts at these receptions. I strongly encourage my peers to apply for future exhibitions!”

-Celeste Stauber

“I was so excited to participate in The Groundhog Show this year. It was amazing to see a space filled up with so many NEO artists and a great way to meet other artists from Akron, Cleveland and surrounding areas. What I appreciated the most was how accessible it felt. There were artists in all stages of their careers and it was great to feel the positive and supportive energy we all shared at the opening. Truly impressed how easy it was to participate in this show too! Clear, easy communications - it’s no wonder it’s such a successful and impactful event.”

-MOO

“I had the great fortune of having a painting accepted into the 2023 Groundhog Show. An attendee, during the final hours on the final day, came and saw my work. They went home to be sure it would fit their space, then reached out through Instagram, since that information was included in the exhibition, to inquire as to whether it was still available. They did indeed purchase the work and it is now gracing the wall of their home. I am so grateful to Hope Hickman and Taylor Clapp for all of their hard work in putting this wonderful exhibition together.”

-Andrea Schepis

“I absolutely love The Groundhog Show! It’s always a fun time with incredible art. I love love love being able to feel connected with the local artistic community, the opening is such a wonderful gathering of artists that wouldn’t have even known about each other without it! Not only that, but the accessibility of it is really fantastic. There’s always established artists participating, but there’s also new artists that get in and are given the chance to grow.”

-Mary Clark, Tiny Cloud Ceramics

The Groundhog Show was an idea that came to Hope Hickman in the spring of 2021 to have an art show/party in her father’s warehouse celebrating socialization, domesticity, and relationships. The show got its name because it is as if us artists are popping our heads out “post-covid” and claiming back the summer. Hope made a quick story on Instagram sharing the idea and Taylor Clapp soon joined the project to assist with the logistics of putting on an exhibition. The dynamic duo co-curated and organized this passion project celebrating the artists of NE Ohio for three years in a row at Hope’s father’s warehouse in Portage Lakes.

After three successful years Hope has decided to pursue other opportunities and Taylor will be relocated the show to Downtown Akron partnering with Curated Storefront.

(Image left to right: Taylor Clapp and Hope Hickman, 2022)