Thank you for a Stellar Event.
Mike Dunn’s Rubble Telescope is an apt post script for the 22nd Leonardo Challenge: a new way of seeing things made out of found objects, wit and talent. The evening was a constellation of glittering creations – some small, some large that together assemble a story....and an enthusiastic audience. The story is that the risk taking and joy of creating is essential and should be shared.
Last night’s event will fund, in part or fully, workshops for 422 children: children from IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services); children from the 5 clinics of the Fair Haven Community Health, children from the many Title 1 schools we serve, children from families whose resources are too stretched to cover adventurous summer programs.
Constellations should be seen from every neighborhood.
A Clean Lens
A long time Board member has the motherly habit of taking off my glasses to wipe away the sawdust while we talk. An unconscious gesture perhaps, but with the certain message that seeing clearly has both practical and philosophical value. The Apprentices and staff welcome the ambitious labor of cleaning and organizing our site and spaces to welcome you. What we do, day-after-day, is unusual. The Leonardo Challenge is a rare opportunity to share the power of our workshop clearly. (Enhanced generously by visiting talents.)
The Extra Dimension
Artists contribute the vision that makes the evening memorable. Artists contribute the taste that makes the evening luxurious. Doug Coffin’s glorious Big Green Pizza Trucks and Catering, Caseus’ exquisite cheese, figs and Black Hog Beer, Small Kitchen, Big Taste’s elegant salads, Whole G’s fabulous breads and desserts, Koffee’s delightful new cocktails and, of course, robust coffee, the wine, 14 Hands from Chateau St. Michelle and Allan S. Goodman, Inc.
Focus
The Challenge succeeds efficiently because it is so thoroughly integrated with our work. Tomorrow the tents will move to the spaces in which they will shelter the summer programs that have adorned them with paint smudges. The small lights will be cut up to illuminate 3000 ElectriCity kits for schools. The design skills that created the invitation and installed the show – that’s just what Sally does. Her magnificent Camera Obscura invitation has already inspired a new design for our school programs and may find its own life in Museum Stores. With the Challenge, we earn and we learn.
Eye Contact
We come to the close of each Leonardo Challenge grateful for the ample crowds but frustrated that we cannot connect with each and every guest and contributor with sufficient focus. Please accept that your presence and support lingers. It will animate our workshops daily.
The show will remain up through May 15th and is available to view on Saturdays from 10-3 or Sundays from 12-5. Or call the office to see if you can come by another time when there aren't 65 children in that space.
Next Year! 4.27.17 – The 23rd Leonardo Challenge
And, yes, we hope to see you again then.
Bill & Sally
