McElf GlassWorks

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Ray of Light: An Intense Public Art Project on the Horizon

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Yesterday I had the honor of meeting the staff and artists from Buffalo Arts Studio that are making the Ray of Light Project possible.  I’ve been brought on board to bring the proposed mosaic portion of the project into reality if that much funding can be secured.

So… What is the Ray of Light Project?

On October 1, 2014, the Goldsmith family of Buffalo lost a beloved family member, Jerald (Dee Dee) Goldsmith, to a violent crime that took her life at just 52 years old and left her seven children without a mother. Now, Dee Dee’s family is turning their grief into action for good by joining forces with members of the community to create a mural at Masten Park, the location where Dee Dee lost her life, and an area that is described by neighbors as being known for vandalism and crime. In memory of Dee Dee, the mural will be created to shed a “ray of light” on her memory, promote peace, and provide information on anti-violence and anti-bullying resources for the public. The Ray of Light mural project has quickly become a city-wide campaign to revitalize and beautify a dismal area, and take a stand against domestic violence and bullying. In addition to the artwork adding to the beautification of the site, the area will be cleaned out, landscaping will be added, and increased lighting will serve as a deterrent to prevent such incidents from recurring – making it a safer environment for all. The mural’s positive imagery and safer conditions at the location will be inspiring to the public, making the area one of reflection and remembrance for victims of violence, bullying, and their families. The vision of Dee Dee’s family is to do something to turn a situation from hopeless into something that can provide hope for others.

Many local organizations have come together to support this very important community project including: Buffalo Arts Studio (BAS), Buffalo Public Schools, City Parks Department, the Family Justice Center, and YWCA of Niagara County. It is anticipated that more groups will come on board as the project evolves.

Recently, BAS issued an open call for mural artists to submit proposals, and after careful review of the submissions, local artist Augustina Droze was selected to create the design for the Ray of Light mural project. Her proposed design displays a strong but serene message of non-violence.

A very special component of the Ray of Light mural project is the involvement of BAS Jump Start program students. The Jump Start program offers artistic education to middle and high-school students who display an exceptional interest in the arts, and have limited access to advanced art instruction. The Jump Start program empowers youth to explore their interest in art, develop a portfolio, and prepare for entry into college. Students who are selected to receive tuition sponsorships are chosen because they are truly gifted, but need financial assistance.

BAS will offer stipends to Jump Start high-school students who come from low-income families, to work on the mural project as part of their hands-on education and training. Students will have the opportunity to be part of the entire process, from instruction on the many steps involved in project development and budget creation, to wall preparation and mural painting.

Once the mural and the site improvements are complete, a public unveiling and dedication ceremony will be held at the site in October, 2015. October is not only the same month that Dee Dee was killed, it is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. BAS is currently working on a collaborative effort to include local domestic violence and anti-bullying organizations in the ceremony.

So here’s the design and the plan:

Ray of Light Mural Design arrow columns

I’ve got red arrows pointing to the proposed mosaic columns.  These columns measure approximately 4 feet wide by 14 feet tall and there is talk of wrapping the design around the column.

Wow.  Talk about a monumental task ahead!

So into fundraising we go! Even though I’m really just a subcontractor here, I have a lot of interest in this topic from my “previous life” working in forensic science and always feeling strongly about the needs for the rights and recognition of rape and domestic violence victims and their families.  So I’ve got some phone calls to make…

… and I’ve got some thinking and designing to do to figure out some technicalities and make a plan.  If funded, it seems like we won’t have a lot of time to build this thing out.  The hope seems to be a completion in time for an October (yes, of THIS YEAR) dedication…

Stay tuned!

 

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