Calling All Artists!              Are you an emerging artist/crafts person seeking opportunities to exhibit and sell your work?   First Fridays Canton, sponsored by Arts in Stark, the County Arts Council, and the Canton Special Improvement District, is seeking artists and crafts persons to participate in this exciting monthly event.  First Fridays Canton is a growing arts event that attracts a variety of visitors to the downtown arts community in Canton, OH.  Participating artists are expected to either display work or demonstrate their talents during the hours of 6:00—10:00 PM on the First Friday of each month.  Prime downtown locations for exhibition include:  Court Ave. between 6th St. NW and 2nd St. NW; 4th St NW between Court Ave. and McKinley Ave.  At this time, there are no entrance fees and no juried acceptance, however, the committee reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of work for a public event.  Work must be hand crafted by the artist.  Tents and display set-up are the responsibility of the artist.  Spaces awarded on a first-come first-served basis.  Interested persons should contact Sarah Shumaker at:  (330) 453-1075, x207, or at: sarah@artsinstark.com.

The Guild's house band! " Tofu Lite" If you have been to the Guild Gallery during a First Friday event, then you have had the pleasure of being entertained by the musical group Tofu Lite.  Tofu Lite, an acoustical ensemble made up of musicians in the larger band Tofu Fighters, has been playing at the Guild for each First Friday since March 2008.  Tofu Lite musicians who have performed at the Guild are Art Mastin, Dave and Irene Stroh, Tom Schurr, Phillip Nabors, and Samuel Salisbury.    Playing many original songs and some standards, the group has delighted visitors at the Guild with a rich and folksy blend of acoustic music.  The group combines acoustical instruments including guitars, a violin, and an upright base with rich vocals.  Performing a wide range of music from rock and folk to originals and traditional, the Tofu Fighters are a close group of friends that have a long history of musical interaction. The group began playing together at a barn party 14 years ago.  They have played countless venues, and have collaborated with numerous musicians over the years in a monthly jam session called 3rd Saturdays.  Art Mastin, guitarist and lead vocalist, has participated in the annual Kent State Folk Festival Talent Contest, winning First Place in 2007 and Second in 2005.  On both occasions, he was accompanied by members of the Tofu Fighters. We are pleased and grateful to Tofu Lite and the more electric Tofu Fighters for making the artistic experience at the Guild so fun and enriching!