...a lot of painted wood scraps!

For the past few weeks i've had the honor to do volunteer art work at the School of the Holy Childhood, here in Rochester.  It's a not for profit agency with a school and work programs serving children and adults with special needs and disabilities for over 60 years.

Holy Childhood has a very special place in my heart.  When i was a junior in high school, i was a classroom volunteer working with school age kids there!  My dad was on their Board of Directors for years.  In 1984 when the school grew out of their space, he, along with the director, Sister Seraphine, found empty school building for sale.  It's now their current location.

It's such a magical place, with vibrant energy and the kind of joy in the air that you can feel deep in your bones.

 I wanted to go back and volunteer to do something artful and unique.  They have a huge annual craft show and it was a perfect venue to "make stuff".  For the past few weeks i spent several days in the art room coordinating this painting project.  We used all the recycled SCRAP wood from the schools Woodworking program and magically created this product!  The students, their art teacher and volunteers base painted and decorated the wood, and I then hand lettered each one.  

The students shop at this sale the day before it opens seeking gifts and treasures for their families and friends.  Every item was just a few dollars so they could afford something really special, inspirational with  heartfelt messages.  Here are a ton of fun photos, i couldn't pick!

 …at the sale...

 Each one, truly a masterpiece painted with love.

  I was so proud of the success of this project and how well it was received.  It was such a hit!  We raised several hundred dollars for the school with beautiful recycled SCRAP WOOD!!!   There are still some available if you're local.  We sent the leftovers to the agency's volunteer retail shop The Generosity Store.  Check out the website, their mission is an incredible story of giving back.

We have plans to expand this project concept to benefit the School of the Holy Childhood, so stay tuned!