Akron Public Schools artist Aaron Porter is a sophomore at Firestone CLC who has been sketching, drawing and growing his craft since sixth grade. His meeting the renowned sculptor from Akron, Woodrow Nash, was nothing short of inspirational.
Aaron met Nash after hearing about him at a visit to the proposed location for the Sojourner Truth statue and plaza. Nash, who was born in Akron in the late 1940s, is known for his pit-fired ceramic figures that evoke an expression of the human soul. On a field trip to learn more about the Sojourner Truth Project, the suffrage movement and the history of Akron, APS scholars were given details on the now-three-plus-year project to create a tribute to Sojourner Truth. They learned of the suffrage movement, the international sculptor Woodrow Nash who will be creating the piece and the life of Sojourner Truth.
Upon seeing the sketch of the location for the sculpture, Aaron's curiosity and interest were piqued. He took a moment to inquire of their guest speaker -- and the chair of the Sojourner Truth project, Towanda Mullins -- to ensure that she knew that he was "an artist" himself. Their conversation led to Mullins asking Aaron if he would like to meet Woodrow Nash. Aaron replied with a resounding yes and a smile.
The Sojourner Truth committee tells us the students who attended the field trip came away with TikTok videos, speeches on Truth and rap songs inspired by their experience. The pieces showcased at Nash's studio were "mind blowing" according to Mullins. She tells us all in attendance listened intently as Nash explained what he called his God-given talent.
Mullins writes, "Aaron also brought his expertise to the meet-and-greet, and we were all impressed. Woodrow took his time to pour into the young artist and provided life-changing edification. Aaron and Woodrow were interviewed by Spectrum News and will be a part of a documentary. Aaron was able to see the early work of Woodrow's on the Sojourner Truth prototype. He was given a signed color photo, signed book, Woodrow Nash T-shirt, and 2022 Woodrow Nash calendar featuring his latest work and the art that was included in the Grammy-Award-Winning project with Beyonce (Top Grammy winner of all time).
https://www.artshelp.net/art-of-the-black-diaspora-in-black-is-king/
Video of Woodrow Nash signing