KENT, Ohio — Kent State University’s College of the Arts will host Art Without Limits on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, in University Auditorium at Cartwright Hall.
The free, daylong event focuses on arts entrepreneurship and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset across creative disciplines. Speakers will share professional experiences and connect with attendees through presentations designed to support skill building, idea development and expanded creative networks.
Art Without Limits is open to Kent State students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni, community members and members of the public throughout Northeast Ohio. The event will feature speakers from the fields of art, music, fashion, theatre and dance, animation game design, visual communication design and marketing and branding.
Art Without Limits is expected to provide approximately 700 high school students with access to the arts through presentations, workshops and hands-on sessions led by Kent State faculty and staff. Students also will learn about educational and professional pathways across creative fields.
The 2026 Art Without Limits speakers include:
• Jessica Pinsky, artist, educator and executive director of Praxis Fiber Workshop
• Giuseppe Guarrera, pianist and chamber musician
• Lisa Smedley-Calderon, costume designer and celebrity stylist
• Aveena Sawyer, performer and arts educator
• Mikey Burton, designer and illustrator
• Christian Woltman, graphic designer and founder of Reference
• Michael Caparanis, Marketing/Branding Expert, founder and chief executive officer
of JAC Creative
Art Without Limits will conclude with a panel discussion featuring all guest speakers. The panel will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear the speakers discuss shared themes across disciplines, including creative practice, entrepreneurship and professional pathways in the arts. A networking reception will follow the panel discussion.
All speaker presentations will take place the University Auditorium at Cartwright Hall.
Art Without Limits is presented in partnership with the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship and the Arts Entrepreneurship Podcast: Making Art Work.
The program reflects the College of the Arts’ commitment to preparing students for creative careers through applied learning, professional engagement and cross-disciplinary exploration. For more information, visit https://www.kent.edu/artscollege/art-without-limits-2026.
Media Contact: Jen Crabtree, jcrabt13@kent.edu
