Mike Egan Exhibition Explores Life, Death and Memory at Emily Davis Gallery
A bold new exhibition at the Emily Davis Gallery is bringing together art, storytelling and community collaboration this spring.
Mike Egan: Remember Me Forever is on view at the Myers School of Art at The University of Akron from March 19 through April 17, 2026, featuring work that blends fine art, tattoo aesthetics and spiritual symbolism.
Egan’s work is immediately striking. Vivid color, bold linework and layered imagery invite viewers to reflect on themes of mortality, devotion and the rituals that shape human experience.
Originally trained as a fine artist, Egan also worked as a funeral director and embalmer, an experience that continues to influence his artistic voice. His pieces balance reverence and irreverence, intimacy and spectacle, creating a visual language that feels both personal and universal.
“My drawings, paintings and found objects all act as memories that will be here long after I’m gone,” Egan said.
Art in action: student collaboration
Beyond the gallery walls, Egan is working directly with University of Akron students as the Spring 2026 Resident Artist.
Through the Art Bomb Brigade course, students are collaborating with him to design and create a 300-square-foot outdoor mural, set to be unveiled later this spring. The project connects classroom learning with real-world creative practice, reinforcing themes of identity, permanence and public art.
Two exhibitions, one shared influence
Alongside Egan’s exhibition, the gallery is also presenting Pretty Gritty in the Lower Gallery.
This companion exhibition features regional artists exploring tattoo culture, street art, comics, zines and punk aesthetics. Together, both exhibitions highlight how contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries between fine art and subcultural expression.
Plan your visit
Exhibition dates: March 19 – April 17, 2026
Location: Emily Davis Gallery, Folk Hall
Artist talk: April 8 at 6 p.m., Folk Hall Auditorium
Admission: Free and open to the public