SHANI RICHARDS

Shani is an artist and trained metalsmith. She has an BFA in metalsmithing from the University of Akron. In 2016 Shani graduated with in MFA in Metal from SUNY New Paltz. Her Thesis art show titled “Make it Plain” addressed issues of racism, sexism, and stereotypes to provoke the viewer into critical engagement. She is currently back in her hometown of Akron where she plans to continue her mission to make art, educate, and uplift her community. Learn more about her art.

SHANI'S MENTOR:
Erin Molnar, Director of Local Food Programs, Countryside Conservancy

2018 FELLOW PROJECT

Akron's Growing Chefs

Teach kids how to cook and inspire a healthy community.

I utilized on-site cooking at selected events at a community garden to nurture the growth of the conversation about health and wellness in the East Akron community. Young chefs were able to cook and prepare food grown in the community garden with a certified chef, and enjoy other creative endeavors such as pumpkin painting, dancing, printmaking, and making portraits from food.