This Saturday, Dec 15th, 11am -2pm 

Sandy Relief Pop-Up Shop in the Lobby of 2W 13th st.

Julia Gorton and her Graphic Design 1 AAS students will be selling their custom designed and screen printed tote bags. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to non-profits in the communities hardest hit by the storm. Come and rep your own community, or show your support for all the communities you care about by buying a bag…or bags! They’ll make truly meaningful gifts for your nearest and dearest, wherever they live! 

Adding to the bold and affecting aesthetic of the shop will be the work of first year BFA Photography students in Light 1  (instructor: Keith Ellenbogen). 

Graphic Design 1’s Sandy Story: During the first class to meet after Hurricane Sandy (November 5th). Gorton told the class about her visits to Red Hook and Coney Island on November 2nd and 3rd, and the devastation that she had witnessed first hand. As makeup class work was discussed, the class came up with a plan to use design to help those affected by the storm. Each of the 15 students researched a unique neighborhood: Red Hook, Atlantic City, Westbeth, Brighton Beach, Coney Island, Sea Bright, Long Beach Island, Hoboken, Staten Island, Alphabet City, Battery Park City, Chelsea, The Rockaways, The Seaport and the Downtown Financial District. After presenting their neighborhood research and sketchbook work, the students looked at precedents of other disaster related design projects, including Milton Glaser’s, “I Love New York More Than Ever.” Soon the final designs for the totes were chosen, and a small team, including students Aaron Knapp, Jeremy Hanover (William Street Dorm evacuee) and Lea Kaplan, developed the  brand identity and logo. Kim Dumo (Hoboken resident)’s suggestion of “Sand-Aid” was the chosen name. Final files were sent to the in-house screen maker Kelli Glancey (Hoboken resident), 400 tote bags were purchased from Muji, the SAND-AID tumblr launched, and the screen printing happened on November 18th. It is phenomenal that all of this came together in just under 2 weeks!

Light 1’s Sandy Story: The students were recently assigned to photograph areas affected by Hurricane Sandy and capture the devastation in a more unique way than the photos that have already been featured in the news. One group from this class will be hosting a “Parsons Sandy Relief Art Show” as part of the Sandy Pop-Up, in order to raise awareness of the areas still in need, share the victims’ stories, and collect donations and volunteers.

Please come to 2W 13th this Saturday to show your support, see some great art, and buy some great custom totes! And if you’re into gaming, also check out the Game On event happening all weekend at 6 East 16th Street, 12th floor.