Diana Al-Hadid (b. 1981)

A Way with Words, 2019

Commissioned by Summa Health with a generous gift from the Lehner Family Foundation in honor of Gordon Ewers

Materials: Polymer gypsum, fiberglass, steel, plaster, gold leaf, aluminum leaf, copper leaf, pigment

Dimensions: 160.5" x 96" x 5.5"

Location: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Summa Health Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, Ground Floor, Main Lobby, Adjacent to Stairs

Summa Health is honored to showcase A Way with Words as part of our commitment to integrating art into healing spaces, enriching the patient experience, and celebrating the vibrant cultural fabric of our community.

About the Artwork & Artist

Summa Health is proud to feature A Way with Words, a striking commission by internationally recognized artist Diana Al-Hadid. This piece was awarded through a juried competition open to artists with an Ohio connection and was made possible through the generosity of the Lehner Family Foundation in honor of Gordon Ewers.

Al-Hadid drew inspiration from Akron’s natural and industrial landscapes, crafting an expansive three-dimensional “painting” that seamlessly integrates with the hospital’s welcoming environment. Located in the main lobby of Summa’s newest patient tower, this work is designed to resonate on both a personal and collective level, allowing each viewer to bring their own interpretation to its intricate forms and layered materials.

A renowned sculptor, Al-Hadid is known for her innovative use of unconventional materials such as wax, resin, polymer, and fiberglass, alongside traditional sculptural mediums like plaster, bronze, and steel. The materials used in A Way with Words subtly reference Akron’s historical significance in the rubber industry, while the imagery draws from the region’s waterways—most notably, the waterfall at Lock 3. This iconic downtown landmark not only reflects the beauty of the natural world but also pays homage to the Ohio & Erie Canal, a vital transportation and commercial artery that connected Akron to Cleveland, Lake Erie, and communities throughout the state.

An Immersive Experience

Beyond its historical and geographical references, A Way with Words is an invitation to experience light, form, and movement. The interplay of copper, silver, and gray tones shifts throughout the day, creating an ever-changing visual experience. The layering of materials builds depth and texture, drawing the eye into the piece while casting delicate shadows that change with the surrounding light.

Al-Hadid’s artistic practice is rooted in exploration—pushing materials to their expressive limits and layering forms to create rich visual narratives. Many of her works draw inspiration from art history, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. This layering of meaning invites viewers to engage deeply with A Way with Words, discovering new details and perspectives with each viewing.

About the Artist

Born in Aleppo, Syria, and raised in Canton, Ohio, Diana Al-Hadid has deep ties to the region. She graduated from GlenOak High School before pursuing degrees in sculpture (B.F.A. in studio art) and art history (B.A.) at Kent State University. She later earned her M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and has since established herself as a leading contemporary artist. Now based in New York, Al-Hadid operates a dynamic studio where she and her team manage the creation and logistics of her large-scale installations, commissioned works, and exhibitions worldwide.

Her work has been widely exhibited in museums, galleries, and public spaces around the globe. To explore more of her portfolio, visit her website at dianaalhadid.com or search her name online to discover articles, interviews, and documentation of her remarkable artistic journey.