Meet the Artists behind Barberton Community Foundation’s Student Art Gallery 2025

Meet the Artists behind Barberton Community Foundation’s Student Art Gallery 2025

Barberton Community Foundation Logo

 

Student Art Gallery

Barberton Community Foundation presents our third annual Student Art Gallery.

Cassie Moore
18 years old, Graduated 2025
Studying Interior Design at Kent State University
Swans

Cassie sees art as the careful choreography of focus and atmosphere. “What inspires me is the space around the main idea of the art—getting all the details to come to life,” she says. Drawn to exploring different media, she loves “the way you can make art move with the shadows,” using light and value shifts to create motion you can almost feel.

For her featured piece, Cassie leaned into meticulous observation: “I wanted to see all the details of the animal and the space around it.” Every texture—fur, whiskers, branches, background negative space—works together so the subject feels present in its environment, not just placed on a page. That attention to context is also why Interior Design calls to her; she’s excited to shape spaces that tell stories and make people feel at home.

Community, for Cassie, is simple and strong: “Family and friends mean everything to me—helping and being there for each other is everything.” Whether she’s sketching an animal study or planning a room, her goal is the same: bring the details to life so people feel seen, connected, and cared for.

Kaylee Wright
18 years old, Graduated 2025
Ceramic Vase

Kaylee channels focus and feeling into her work. She credits her drive to her biggest inspiration, her mom, “who has shown me working hard pays off.” That determination shows up in her studio, where art becomes a way to communicate what’s hard to say out loud. “Expression, story—you can show so much expression and emotion,” she says.

Her featured piece is ceramic pottery – hands-on, patient, and precise. The form, weight, and surface tell a quiet story about balance and care, qualities that also draw her toward a future in anesthesiology. Kaylee defines community as “friends, family, places, school”, the people and spaces that steady you. Whether she’s shaping clay or shaping a goal, she’s guided by the same idea: crafting something that supports others and stands the test of time.

 

Ayelet Lopez
11 years old, Grade 6
Barberton Middle School
Lake Collage

When he grows up, Ayelet wants to be a doctor or an artist. He says art inspires him to be creative, and his favorite parts are “the colors and the shading.” For his lake collage, Ayelet was thinking about Lake Anna and all the colors you see around the water. He layered pieces of construction paper to build the scene, letting shapes and shades do the

storytelling. When he thinks of community, Ayelet says it means his family and “the good people here.”

Eva Roberts
12 years old, Grade 7
Barberton Middle School
Starry Night

When she grows up, Eva wants to be a small business owner so she can make art to sell. She finds inspiration in “art on the street and the things I see all around me,” and she loves how art can tell a story. For her “Starry Night” piece, Eva admits she was thinking, “I hope it turns out okay”—and it did! Swirls of sky and glowing stars come together to share a calm nighttime story. When she thinks about community, Eva says it’s a big part of what art is to her—and her family is a big part, too.

Dani Wilson
18 years old, Graduated 2025
Necklace & Bracelet Set​

Dani hopes to become an elementary school teacher—“because I love to help students in any way possible and inspire the future.” Her work is shaped by the people around her: “the people around me have a big impact on my work.”

What Dani loves most about art is the creativity of making jewelry and “watching it all come together.” For these pendant pieces, she set a goal: try something new in both. That spirit of experimentation shows in the forms and finishes—thoughtful choices that turn small materials into meaningful keepsakes. To Dani, community is full of “great people who inspire others to follow their goals and celebrate their achievements,” a lesson she carries into both the studio and the classroom she hopes to lead one day.

Addison Stovall
14 years old, Grade 9
Barberton High School
Koi Fish

Addison brings calm focus to the page. “Art is a way to show how you feel and tell how you feel without talking,” she says. Music fuels her creativity—Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator are on repeat—while drawing helps her reset: “I did it to get my mind off of school and have something to do.”

Her koi fish in charcoal leans into contrast and movement—the sweep of fins, the soft ripple of water, the quiet space around the fish—so the mood does the talking. Community, for Addison, is simple and strong: “my close friends,” the people who show her “who and what I can be.”

From STEM to Seniors: Foundation Awards $149,000 for Community Health and Wellness

From STEM to Seniors: Foundation Awards $149,000 for Community Health and Wellness

From STEM to Seniors: Foundation Awards $149,000 for Community Health and Wellness

[Barberton, September 29, 2025] – Barberton Community Foundation’s September board meeting kicked off with a burst of creativity, as board members were asked to assemble and decorate their own wooden boats — a hands-on activity led by the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Representatives Marissa Metz and Chris McIntyre shared how Camp Invention uses the same spirit of play and problem-solving to spark curiosity for Barberton’s young learners. Now in its 15th year locally, the program has grown into the largest Vanguard site in the country, piloting next year’s STEM curriculum before it launches nationwide. The Vanguard site designation makes Barberton City Schools an elite partner organization and gives children in the Magic City the opportunity to access state-of-the-art learning materials and content before the rest of the United States. Barberton Community Foundation has been a consistent supporter of Camp Invention, providing scholarships so that any Barberton child can attend and experience the excitement of hands-on innovation.

Following this presentation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved $149,025.27 in Health and Wellness grants, with the largest award — $36,000 to the Early Childhood Resource Center — supporting the new Unified Early Learning System. This nearly $1 million regional initiative, funded by more than a dozen public and private partners including the City of Akron, GAR Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, Greater Akron Chamber, and more, will provide resources to childcare providers and families, working toward the goal of universal preschool and ensuring every child enters kindergarten ready to learn. Bright Hopes Community Childcare in Barberton is the only provider outside Akron participating in the pilot.

“We want to do everything we can to align educational opportunities with our families to help our children succeed,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “Our grant partnership with Early Childhood Resource Center ensures that Barberton is part of this groundbreaking effort to strengthen childcare providers and their talented educators, lift up families, and give our youngest learners the strong start they deserve. If children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, they not only start ahead, they stay ahead.”

Additional Grant Awards

$25,000 was awarded to Victim Assistance Program – Victim Advocacy Program (the award is funded by the Foundation’s endowment and the Stefan-Leightner Endowment Fund at Barberton Community Foundation). This funding supports free advocacy services for Barberton residents impacted by crisis, violence, or tragedy. Advocates provide safety planning, victim rights education, court accompaniment, and referrals, directly serving an estimated 225 residents through the Barberton Municipal Court office.

$15,000 was awarded to Portage Path Behavioral Health – Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Program to expand treatment for Barberton residents living with both mental health and substance use disorders. Portage Path is now the only provider offering dual diagnosis treatment in Barberton. The program integrates outpatient treatment, group therapy, and peer support to help clients regardless of their ability to pay.

$15,000 was awarded to Child Guidance & Family Solutions – Support Mental and Behavioral Health Program to strengthen services at its Barberton location. The grant will fund advanced trauma and grief training for therapists and provide therapeutic supplies such as art and sensory materials, enhancing services for the 300+ Barberton residents the organization served in 2024.

$12,525.27 was awarded to Humane Society of Summit County – MABEL Mobile Veterinary Clinic for Barberton to continue providing affordable veterinary care, including spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations. Last year, 90 Barberton-owned pets were treated through MABEL, and this grant will support more than 275 additional procedures to keep pets and families healthy.

$12,000 was awarded to Embracing Futures – Orthodontic Care Program to provide no-cost orthodontic treatment for two Barberton children. The program improves both health and selfesteem for children from low-income families who would otherwise go without care.

$7,500 was awarded to Axess Family Services – Mobile Meals Program to provide nearly 2,000 nutritious meals to low-income seniors and disabled adults in Barberton. The program addresses food insecurity and supports the independence of vulnerable residents.

$7,500 was awarded to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank – 2026 Barberton Direct Food Distribution Program (funding support provided by the Foundation’s endowment and the Merrillee and Jimmy Anthe Endowment Fund at Barberton Community Foundation). Monthly food distributions at The Salvation Army Barberton provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce and pantry staples, serving over 1,000 households each year.

$7,000 was awarded to Greenleaf Family Center – Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program to continue prevention programming for more than 1,300 Barberton middle and high school students. The grant also supports teacher training and participation in the Barberton City Schools Wellness Collaborative and Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

$6,500 was awarded to Ben Curtis Family Foundation – Birdie Bag Program (with funding provided by the Foundation’s endowment and the Birdie Bag Pass-Through Fund at Barberton Community Foundation) to provide consistent meals and snacks to Barberton students in Pre-K through 8th grade and stock the high school food pantry. Support also covers summer feeding programs, which delivered more than 1,000 Birdie Bags in 2025.

$5,000 was awarded to Vantage Aging – More than a Meal for Barberton Seniors to provide more than 5,200 meals for Barberton seniors through Meals on Wheels. In addition to nutrition, the program offers wellness checks and social connections that help aging adults remain independent.

Barberton Community Foundation is proud to stand alongside these partners in strengthening the community. These grants represent more than financial support, they are investments in children, families, and neighbors across Barberton. By prioritizing early learning, promoting health and wellness, and addressing essential needs, the Foundation continues its mission to improve lives by creating opportunity, building resilience, and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded more than 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $110 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs.

To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.

From STEM to Seniors: Foundation Awards $149,000 for Community Health and Wellness

Barberton Community Foundation Issues Request for Proposal for Investment Consultant Services

Comprehensive Review Process Reflects Foundation’s Commitment to Excellence and Strategic Growth

[Barberton, June 2, 2025] – Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) has announced the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select an investment consultant to advise on the Foundation’s investment portfolio. This process underscores BCF’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and investment excellence.

The decision to conduct this RFP reflects several key factors that position the Foundation for continued success. It has been five years since the Foundation’s last consultant selection process, making this review both timely and prudent under established best practices for institutional investment management. Additionally, the Foundation’s leadership team has evolved, bringing fresh perspectives and strategic vision that warrant a thorough evaluation of consultant partnerships.

“This RFP process represents a natural progression in our commitment to excellence,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director at the Foundation. “Our leadership team is focused on ensuring that every aspect of our investing aligns with our mission and serves the Foundation’s best interests now and into the future.”

The consultant selection process will run parallel with the development of BCF’s new strategic plan, ensuring that the chosen firm is well-positioned to support the Foundation’s goals.

The Foundation’s approach emphasizes thorough research and evaluation, transparency, and alignment with organizational values and long-term objectives. Proposals will be evaluated on a range of criteria, including investment philosophy, analytical capabilities, service delivery, performance, and cultural fit with BCF’s mission.

“We view this process as an opportunity to strengthen our investment portfolio and ensure we have the right partnership in place to navigate today’s complex market environment,” added Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance. “Our stakeholders can be confident that this review reflects our proactive approach to governance and our unwavering focus on achieving superior long-term results.”

The RFP process is expected to conclude in late 2025, with the selected firm beginning shortly thereafter. The Foundation team has a transition plan to ensure continuity of portfolio management throughout the transition.

2024 The Year of Pathways

2024 The Year of Pathways

2024 The Year of Pathways – Read our 2024 Annual Report

Like Barberton Community Foundation, pathways are connectors. They bridge past progress with future possibilities. In 2024, we created new pathways forward—welcoming new leadership, supporting students with scholarships, and investing in the projects and partnerships that move our community ahead.

Pathways to Learning 

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We launched initiatives like the Polymer Pathway with $125,000 in matching funds, providing the first preK-12 public school polymer education pathway tied to a federal tech hub. 

Pathways to Leadership 

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In 2024, we welcomed new leadership with Executive Director Josh Gordon and added key staff members Melissa Naglic, Office Manager, and Gil Gonzales, Director of Special Projects. 

Pathways to Opportunity

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We awarded $318,024 in scholarships to Barberton students through 119 awards, including 84 new scholarships—with a total commitment of nearly $482,000. Since our founding, we’ve given over $5.2 million in scholarships!

Pathways to Growth

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Our investments supported local businesses and city improvements through more than $495,000 in economic and community development initiatives this year alone. Since 2022, we’ve committed over $1.43 million to development efforts.

Pathways to Connection

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Through 80 grants totaling $588,985 and support for 117 funds, we connected donors to meaningful causes—fueling projects in education, arts, revitalization, and more. Generous donors contributed $724,267 to make it all possible.

Make a lasting impact—donate to our endowment today!

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Your gift helps grow the Foundation’s mission and ensures we can continue supporting the Barberton community for generations to come.

Barberton Community Foundation Awards $100,000 in Grants, Prioritizing Early Learning Support

Barberton Community Foundation Awards $100,000 in Grants, Prioritizing Early Learning Support

BARBERTON, OH -– On May 15, 2025, the Barberton Community Foundation Board of Directors approved $100,000 in grant funding through its Education, Workforce, and Economic Development Grant Cycle, with more than half of the awarded funds—$55,000—dedicated to supporting Barberton’s youngest learners, ages birth to 5.

This funding aligns with the Foundation’s emerging strategic priority around early childhood education, one of three focus areas currently being explored through its strategic planning process.

The data is compelling: in 2023, just over 22% of Barberton students were identified as “demonstrating readiness” for kindergarten according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s required Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). Students who start behind in their proficiency often remain behind throughout their academic careers, scoring lower in 3rd grade reading, 5th grade science, and other important education milestones. The Foundation’s funding strategy aims to interrupt that cycle by supporting high-impact programs for children before they even enter kindergarten.

Executive Director Josh Gordon shared additional context for this early learning investment: “If we want to help our students succeed, we must provide more support as early as possible,” Gordon said. “Imagine what’s possible if our youngest learners began school already equipped with the skills they need?” “We celebrate our school district’s ability to close substantial learning gaps for our students. We also know that if our students arrive on day one of kindergarten with the skills they need to excel, they will start ahead of the curve – and be able to stay ahead!”

Grants supporting ages birth to 5:

  • $25,000 to Early Childhood Resource Center – SPARK Program
    SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) is a no-cost, in-home kindergarten readiness program that assigns a trained “parent partner” to each participating family. These child development professionals conduct monthly learning sessions with parents and children, focused on literacy, math, social-emotional development, and school readiness. Each visit includes a take-home SPARK kit with books and activities to extend learning.
    SPARK has served more than 20,000 Ohio children and is backed by 19 years of data showing statistically significant gains on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Barberton’s grant will fully fund 10 children and their families through August 2026.
  • $20,000 to Child Guidance & Family Solutions – TAPS Program
    TAPS (Toddlers and Preschoolers Succeeding) offers in-classroom support for early childhood educators to help reduce suspensions and expulsions from preschool settings. Through on-site modeling, coaching, and professional development, TAPS helps teachers manage challenging behaviors while promoting emotional resilience, stability for the
    student, and overall classroom success. The program engages the entire family, further strengthening school readiness outcomes for young children.
  • $10,000 to Summit Education Initiative – Barberton Preschool Collaborative
    This new collaborative will bring together Barberton’s preschool providers—many of whom currently operate in isolation—to align instruction, pool data, and offer joint professional development while discussing other potential support. The goal is to create a unified system that better prepares preschoolers for kindergarten by increasing consistency and quality across programs. The initiative aims to support the nearly 1,000 preschool-aged children in Barberton, many of whom currently enter school without meeting basic readiness benchmarks.

Additional Youth Development Grants:

  • $10,000 to National Inventors Hall of Fame – Camp Invention 2025
    Now in its 15th year in Barberton, Camp Invention brings hands-on STEM learning to students in grades K–6 through fun, high-energy summer programming led by local teachers. The Foundation’s grant will fund full or partial scholarships for up to 55 students, ensuring continued access despite the loss of state-level funding that previously supported the program. Barberton’s Camp is also slated to serve as a Vanguard site, piloting the 2026 curriculum ahead of national rollout.
  • $20,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio – Afterschool Program
    This funding supports free, high-quality out of school time (OST) programming for 80 under-resourced K–5 Barberton students through the end of 2025. Focused on three pillars—academic success, health & wellness, and character & leadership—the program offers reading tutoring, math tutoring, STEM activities, literacy support, healthy meals, fitness, mental wellness, and community service opportunities, helping students stay safe, supported, and engaged after school.
  • $15,000 to Limitless Ambition – Purposely Chosen Teen Program
    Serving up to 50 girls ages 11–18 in Barberton City School District during the 2025–26 school year, this program empowers young women through mentorship and social- emotional learning (also known as emotional literacy). Facilitated by women who have overcome adversity themselves, the program equips participants with leadership skills, resilience, and confidence. Executive Director Alicia Robinson describes the program in this way:
    “Few other populations face so many hurdles while holding so much promise within them. And no other organization brings Social-Emotional Learning Theory to life in such an interactive and meaningful way.”
4 Barberton students standing in the library with a handmade sign listing "unhealthy" and "healthy" behavior.
6th grade students in Limitless Ambition, Spring 2024.

This round of grants reflects Barberton Community Foundation’s deepening commitment to youth development and kindergarten readiness, and lays the groundwork for long-term, transformational change in the lives of Barberton’s children and families.

About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded more than 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs.

To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on
Facebook
.