Unboxing Unbox Akron… Again!
After receiving the first Unbox Akron package in December, I couldn’t wait for the next one. The crew hosted a pick-up party for the January box last week at The Office City Tavern. I couldn’t make it, but I knew my box would soon arrive in the mail… while I was hours away in Washington, DC. Over the weekend, I half worried about someone snitching the box off my doorstep and half wondered what the box would be filled with this time.
I got back to Akron late at night, grabbed the box from atop the cluster of apartment mailboxes, and went right to sleep. Then I waited some more, so I could properly Snapchat the experience. (When your tweeps request another video, you listen.)
I finally cut through the duct tape seal, brushed aside the tissue paper, and sorted through the treasures within. I’m a wannabe art nerd, so I really appreciated this box. Watch the delightfully goofy Snapchat story below, and then read on for details about what I found inside. And be sure to visit the Unbox Akron website to find out how to get your own box! {Tell them I sent you! ❤}
First up, can we talk about the box itself? One panel features The Rune of Akron by Jessica Loftus. She designed it specially for Unbox Akron! It’s so interesting, I can’t part with the box. *headed to Pinterest for display ideas*
The items were nestled inside a reusable tote from the Akron Art Museum. It folds up into a tiny ball, so it’s perfect to stash in a purse or the car for when the time calls. If you don’t know about their Inside|Out initiative, it’s an amazing project that brings the museum’s artwork to the neighborhoods and outdoor spaces of Akron. I found out about it last spring when I stumbled upon a painting in Sand Run and let out an audible gasp.
The Devil Strip’s Annual Manual was at the bottom of the box. (Did they save the best for last?) This edition is the “insider’s guide to Akron.” I flipped through it and have SO MUCH #FOMO. Grab your coat (and mittens and stocking hat) — we’re going Akron adventuring! Who’s with me?!
Cute rubber duckies — in bowling outfits, no less — may seem like an odd addition to the box… However that is what’s so great about Unbox Akron. Not only do you learn about people and places you might not be aware of, you learn a little history too. According to the box’s pamphlet of almighty info, “rubber duck toys were first manufactured in Akron in the 1950s.” But wait! There’s more! “The Pro Bowlers Association was founded in Akron in 1958.” Mind. Blown.
The Unbox Akron sticker is highly reflective. I’ve been trying to think of the perfect place to stick it so it gets the most eyeballs. But now I’m thinking I should keep it in my wallet. That way if I’m ever stranded on a deserted island I can flag down a biplane.
This small print is of Raphael Gleitsmann’s “Winter Evening” from c. 1932. I could stare at this for hours, imagining where all of the people are going and what they are doing. The original is in the Akron Art Museum. Anyone up for a field trip?
A variety of postcards were sent in the boxes. (Who has a gator one they’d like to trade?!) They feature artwork by Mark Mothersbaugh, who is a founding member of DEVO. (This box has layers, I tell ya!) Mothersbaugh’s art exhibit will be at the Akron Art Museum from May 27 — August 28.
“Sincerely, PV Reese” is a documentary about how “Dear Mothman,” was made. I haven’t seen either, so I’m smelling some popcorn in my future…
I’m still trying to figure out who to take to the Verb Ballet performance at the Akron Civic Theatre. On February 19, they’ll be celebrating the career of Heinz Poll, who founded the Ohio Ballet.
There were pins with the Unbox Akron and Devil Strip logos, as well as bottle cap magnets feature Akron landmarks. The latter were also featured in last month’s box. I hope these will be a recurring item.
OSC Tech Lab is a coworking space in downtown Akron. The box included a one-month membership. On February 9, they’re hosting a Popup Tech Lab at the Akron Art Museum. I have no choice but to go since it’s all of my favorite things combined. ❤
Any time there’s a pop-up market in Akron I hear about Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce. And for a while, I couldn’t scroll through Twitter or Instagram without seeing a mention of Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce. Suffice it to say that I am over the moon that a bottle of Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce is in this month’s box. I love hot sauce on scrambled eggs, and I seem to eat them daily. Cross your fingers that my breakfast gets kicked up a notch.
Like I said in the video, super duper shout out to Chris Horne and Roger Riddle and everyone who helps make Unbox Akron such a fun surprise each month. And in case you’ve forgotten since the beginning of the post, check out the Unbox Akron website.
Have you experienced any of the items in the box? What do you hope is in the next one? I’d love to hear: comment below or tweet me. ❤