AKRON, Ohio — The many changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic caused Akron-based artist Chardae Slater to turn to what brings her comfort. 

What You Need To Know

  • An Akron artist whose work caught the attention of LeBron James is celebrating the opening of her first exhibit

  • Chardae Slater said this exhibit, which includes bold, bright colors and designs, was created to connect with exhibit visitors of all ages

  • Slater has been commissioned to create a second mural located inside of the I Promise Institute on the University of Akron campus

“COVID kind of pushed me to take a break and focus on myself, my own art,” Slater said. 

In the past year, Slater has done a lot of it, starting with a mural of LeBron James, who many in Akron call a hometown hero.

“I had realized Space Jam was coming out and that LeBron was going to be in it. Thought that that would be a big opportunity, then I realized LeBron doesn't have a mural in Akron, and I’m like, wow,” Slater said. 

The mural, which is located not far from the I Promise School that James helped fund, generated a lot of buzz for Slater, including a shoutout from the star athlete himself and recognition from the LeBron James Family Foundation. They've even tapped her to create a second mural in the city this year. 

“LeBron represents a strength — a pillar of strength and that you can do whatever you put your mind to. You just have to go really hard,” Slater said. 

But that was just the start. She’s now showcasing her art in a solo exhibition at 1474 Art Inc gallery. Slater said this exhibit, which includes bold, bright colors and designs, was created to connect with exhibit visitors of all ages. 

She said she hopes the stories these images tell spark the imagination of current and future creators in Akron. 

“I hope for the city, it brings people together in that we can do more, you know, exhibitions and experiences similar to this one. And just bringing people together, you know, especially the younger generation and the kids is very important for them,” Slater said.