Sabertooth Public Art Advocacy Program

Elisa Gargarella and Marissa McClellan bring over 25 years of combined work in public art making, education, creative programming and community outreach. The duo has been co-running the University of Akron’s Art Bomb Brigade for almost eight (8) years with thirty (30) completed public art projects. Art Bomb is Akron’s only education based public art program, and was established after being awarded the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Arts Challenge in both 2016 and 2019.  

Elisa and Marissa are the co-owners of a creative placemaking business called Sabertooth Public Art. Sabertooth Public Art was born out of their desire to expand their and share their successful framework for creative placemaking endeavors outside the University. Their business works with local and regional partners to create and enliven spaces inspired by local art, architecture, history and community. 

Sabertooth Public Art is dedicated to creating, educating, advocating for and curating (public) art. Their mission is to activate spaces, elevate accessibility to the arts and culture sector in the region, and share their craft with others. Sabertooth specifically seeks opportunities to work in environments where they can directly impact positive change and collaborate with others on an united mission to better serve their community through arts and culture initiatives. 

Since its inception in 2022, Sabertooth Public Art has served as artists in residence and teaching artists with ArtSparks, a non-profit community dance program. They’ve also collaborated on ten (10) community partnerships yielding a variety of public art installations ranging from traditional murals, to weavings, interior designs, and large scale sculptural works. For the upcoming year, Sabertooth Public Art committed to partnering with the Akron Zoo, Bounce Innovation Hub, ArtSparks and other regional arts and culture nonprofits to create multiple installations.

Beginning in 2024, Sabertooth Public Art is excited to extend their advocacy program by collaborating with Monochrome Canvas to act as our Art Advocate. In this role, Sabertooth will work with Monochrome Canvas to connect and engage them with new networking opportunities, collaborations and partnerships for their creative business!