Artists design new deck of Akron playing cards
Mac is back with a brand-new pack.
Artist and marketing consultant Mac Love and his wife, Allyse, co-founders of the Bath creative agency Art x Love, have released a second deck of Akron playing cards picturing Akron landmarks, businesses and icons.
Akron on Deck II features 54 new card designs from local artists who will equally split the royalties from 40% of gross sales, paid annually. More than 800 decks have already been sold online and another 700 will be available for the holidays before the next shipment arrives in January.
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The new deck includes such local landmarks as Bob’s Hamburg, I Promise School, Mary Coyle, Ohio & Erie Canal, Pav’s Creamery, Sand Run Metro Park, Akron Art Museum, Ido Bar & Grill, Temple Square, Papa Joe’s, Rubber Bowl, First Congregational Church, Firestone Community Learning Center, Akron Rubber Worker Sculpture, the Sword in the Stump and dozens more.
“We’re thrilled to launch Akron on Deck II and showcase more awesome artists, icons and landmarks this holiday season,” Mac Love said. “Akron on Deck II has something for everyone, just like our community. We know this playing card set will inspire more memories, stories and exploration of this city we love and are proud to call home.”
The original Akron on Deck project, which began with a $5,000 Kickstarter campaign in 2020 to support local creatives and businesses during the pandemic, drew 360 submissions from 62 artists. Since 2020, the project has sold over 9,000 decks and raised more than $60,000 for artists and retailers.
To make the process equitable for all potential artists, submissions were free and unlimited. Royalties are paid to each of the featured artists at the start of each new year. As with the first deck, the card suits represent the North (♣️), South (♠️), East, (♥️) and West (♦️) sides of Akron.
The backs of the new cards are dark blue while the backs of the inaugural set are black.
The decks, which retail for $15, can be ordered online at https://artxlove.com/shop/akron-on-deck-ii or at select locations, including Zeber-Martell, Smile Inside, Artisan Coffee, Summit County Historical Society, Mustill Store, the Peanut Shoppe, Rubber City Comics, Sand Run Pharmacy, Angel Falls Coffee, the Bomb Shelter, Kenmore Komics & Games, Gypsy Grace & the Vintage Goat, Taylor Band & Orchestra, Don Drumm Studioes & Gallery, Summit Artspace, University of Akron Alumni Association, Marigold Sol, Square Records, Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Trail Mix, Akron Children’s Museum, Reverie, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Rubber City Clothing, Tuesday Photography and Akron Art Museum.
Art x Love has dealt another hand. Don’t be surprised if there’s an Akron on Deck III.
