HAL SCROGGY’S WATERCOLORS

News, ARTS & Culture

HAL SCROGGY’S WATERCOLORS DEPICT AKRON IN TIMES GONE BY cropping. Then there are some that exhibit at the Peninsula Art Academy says. Much of what Hal left behind photographer Beth Becker for help. As a young boy, Hal liked to draw and three large portfolios full of art. When asked if Hal was a prodigy, subjective. I am sure it is fair to say was able to develop it more fully than he might have otherwise. At the same time, I think for Hal, art was a strong component of a well-rounded childhood and teenage time. He had a normal variety of interest, and lots of friends. So if being a prodigy conjures up an image of a youngster focused solely on art, obsessed by it, then that wasn’t Dad.

“But to say that his talent was recognized early is true,” David adds. “Wilhelm knew a special talent when he saw one, and helped bring it forward. Wilhelm provided a recommendation that helped Hal gain admission at the Cleveland School of Art, now the Cleveland Institute of

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Art.” It’s quite possible that Hal would have graduated from art school and gone on to have an average artist life of drawing, painting and trying to make a living out of his craft. He might have lived on or near Crosby Street in West Hill, like his parents, and gone on to enjoy his slice of the American Dream. Instead, Hal joined the United States Army and was shipped out as part of the 104th Infantry Division to

REPORTING AND WRITING BY YOLY MILLER

David Scroggy is a former Akronite living in Scotland and trying to host an art for his late father, award-winning watercolorist Hal Scroggy — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unable to do any international traveling, and with much of Hal’s work still in storage, David has had to lean on his brother Jim and local

Jim brought the artwork out of storage while Beth agreed to take on the bulk of the work for setting up the show. David joined via Skype to help them sifted through four boxes

In addition to choosing which art pieces to use for the show, the paintings had to be resized, matted and framed. to make some decisions as far as to how to maintain the quality in the Hal, bless his heart, he had done the picture and then he drew where he should want to crop it,” Beth says.

People find Hal’s work so captivating they are buying it up almost as fast as Beth can put it on display, she is so well-executed and so soughtafter, one is left to wonder why his name is not better known in his own hometown.

and paint. He had raw talent and, thanks to an introduction from one of his parents’ acquaintances, prominent watercolorist Roy Wilhelm cheering him on as both a mentor and teacher.

his son David shies away from the label, preferring a more conservative description: “Whether you could call Hal a prodigy or not is somewhat fight in World War II.

that he showed artistic talent at an early age, and thanks to Mr. Wilhelm Even as he made his way through Belgium and Germany, Hal continued to sketch and draw. Most of his war sketchbooks were either destroyed in action or were lost in the chaos of war. A watercolor painting he did of a church in France did survive. Hal had rolled it up and sent it to his parents in Akron, where they kept it safe.

Upon his return to the states, Hal took on several jobs, working as a fashion illustrator and a photographer as well as in television and film. His careers in the military and public sectors allowed for much travel. At one point, Hal took a job with Kevin Donovan Films in Glastonbury, CT. David remembers his dad working on films and commuting between Glastonbury and New York City.

“I recall my dad was working on a film for the U.S. Air Force on the DEW Line radar installations in the Arctic. Hal spent a few months up there, very close to the North Pole. He grew a beard on the trip and said that when he returned home that I did not recognize him at first, which really bothered him.” As David recalls, “something went south” for the film company, and his father wanted to spend more time with his children. He could have gone anywhere, but ultimately it was Akron where he chose to raise his family.

It was this move back to Akron that landed Hal at B.F. Goodrich as a photographer and Art Director of Publications. He spent 20 years working for Goodrich before taking early retirement to work full-time on his art.

In the treasure trove of paintings and sketches that he left behind are hundreds of photographs of iconic Akron places and institutions, as well as the people who helped to make Akron the place we know today. There are sketches of houses in Akron that are still standing, a painting of a house that was featured as an architectural magazine cover, and some nearly finished pieces. The nearly done look is an aesthetically pleasing quality. The art looks fresh, and the colors are modern.

Perhaps this is why collectors and art dealers from all over the world take pleasure in the finding and acquiring of an original and complete piece by Hal Scroggy. Perhaps, but that is speculation. The truth is this: Hal was born in 1921. He drew things. He fought in the war to end all wars. He worked for the man, he made good art, and then he died. He left behind a cache of art that we as Akronites can find pleasure in.

Hal wanted his art to be accessible to everyone because it was his truest form of expression. David remembers that Hal used to say “I paint adjectives rather than nouns,” and that is exactly what he left behind: art by which we can describe how we wish to see this world.

To see Hal’s show, “RetroRenown Watercolorist Hal Scroggy,” visit the Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 Mill St West., Peninsula. The show runs through Oct. 18.

// Yoly Miller is writing poetry, dancing salsa, and talking people into sharing their stories.

'We were meant for each other'

CURTIS AND CHANELL HUMPHREYS SELL TACOS A BLOCK FROM WHERE THEY WERE MARRIED

REPORTING, WRITING AND PHOTOS BY CHARLEE HARRIS

Have you been to Summit Lake lately? It is becoming the goto for fun new activities and adventures. And since International Jerk has opened, it’s now the new taco spot! Let’s face it, we can always use a new taco spot.

International Jerk is a food truck with the perfect fusion of Caribbean spice and Latin flavors. Their menu consists of jerk chicken tacos and nachos.

Owners Curtis and Chanell Humphreys wanted to bring the popular Chicago jerk taco to Akron, but with a soulful twist.

“My husband spent a lot of time researching his sauce and marinade,” Chanell says. “We wanted to infuse different nations and kind of be diverse culturally.”

The husband-and-wife duo opened their food truck during a very difficult time and say they have had a lot of success in spite of the pandemic. “It’s been a blessing, we have been able to operate our business without real issues and having a food truck helps,” Chanell says. The Humphreys closely follow the social distancing guidelines: “We wear proper PPE, which is something we would do regardless of there being a pandemic or not just for safety precautions.”

International Jerk is located on the corner of Old Main Street and Miller Road across from the Akron Masjid. This location is significant because it’s the neighborhood where Curtis Humphreys spent his childhood. The couple was married at the mosque almost three years ago.

“We had both prayed specifically for qualities and attributes we wanted in a mate,” Chanell says. After being introduced by mutual friends, she says they found the qualities they prayed for in each other. “It was plain as day: We were meant for each other.”

“I’ve been blessed ever since I meant her,” Curtis says. was only right that their food truck be located directly across the street as they embark on this new journey together. The Humphreys have a strong sense of community and hope to be an inspiration to Summit Lake.

“I grew up in Summit Lake and I never seen anyone from here become an entrepreneur,” Curtis says. “For me, it’s about showing the kids here that they can do it to and there is more than one way to make a dollar.”

The couple also hopes to grow their business so that they can hire disenfranchised individuals who can’t otherwise find work.

“I’ve gotten second chances in life. It’s important to give people the opportunity to grow and blossom just like a rose from the concrete,” Curtis says. “Everybody’s turning point happens at different times. Just never give up and stay positive.”

Talking with the Humphrey family was truly delightful, and it was made better when the jerk chicken tacos filled my mouth. The jerk sauce is strong yet flavorful and perfectly complements all of the fresh toppings. If spicy isn’t your thing, don’t worry; you can get it without jerk sauce. I, on the other hand, got extra sauce and jalapenos (I was feeling spicy). The portion size was large and the price was even better.

International Jerk is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11-7 pm. A word to the wise: Get there early because they can sell out.

International Jerk 1147 S Main St., Akron Facebook.com/ InternationalJerk330 Instagram: @international_jerk330 internationaljerk330@gmail.com (234) 237-4742

// Charlee Harris was born and raised in Akron. She loves her family, her community and has a passion for creative expression. As an avid arts advocate, she is the creative director for the East Ave. Flea Market and an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance.