The volunteer organization HandsOn Greater Buffalo has partnered with Blue Sky Design Supply for an Earth Day Project called Art for Earth Day.
The project involves collecting donated sample items such as fabric swatches, color boards, etc from local artists and design firms. Once collected, these items will be put on display for aspiring artists and students to take at no cost for to use in their own art and other projects. The event itself will take place on Saturday, April 16th at the new HandsOn Greater Buffalo Office in the Beals, McCarthy, and Rogers building located at 635 South Park Avenue. However, all materials must be collected by April 2nd.
“When we partnered with Blue Sky Design Supply to do a project for Earth Day, we wanted to do something that was a little ‘out of the box’,” said Doug Wasiura, Development Director for HandsOn Greater Buffalo. “Artists and students are very excited, and we will be planning an art show over the summer to showcase some of the work created by the recycled materials we collect during this event.”
The organization’s goal is that they will be able to place hundreds of volunteer opportunities in the Greater Buffalo Area on their website. Once that is fulfilled, volunteers will be able to go to the website and sign up for the various jobs.
They also work with local corporations as a part of Corporate Service. When local organizations give back to their communities, HandsOn Greater Buffalo assists the members of their team.
“We create and manage each project down to the last detail. Before we begin, we walk each member through their tasks for the day,” Wasiura said. “And after the event is over, we report back to the team about their impact on the community. It is an amazing team building experience for all involved, and we try to make it as turnkey and fun for them as possible.”
They also have signature projects with their most recent being the redevelopment of the Ontario Street United Methodist Church in Riverside taking place this summer. With the help of other groups they will restore the kitchen and cafeteria area and the gym and stage area. This will allow for dinners, youth theatre projects and classes that will benefit the community of Riverside.
As for the Art for Earth Day Project, several organizations have already signed on to use the sample materials including Autistic Services, Buffalo Public Schools, and other artist groups working out of the Tri-Main Center. An art show is being planned for the summer to showcase the art that is created by these materials.
“We want to work together with each and every group in the city, and help get real, meaningful work done. And at the end of the day, if we make a difference in people’s lives, then we have reached our goal,” Wasiura said. “I think the citizens of Buffalo embrace this better than any city in the country.”
To sign up and schedule a time to donate your items you can contact Wasiura at dwasiura@handsongreaterbuffalo.org or by calling 715-574-2728.