The Interiors Student Alliance's week-long annual fundraising auction Light For Hope will conclude this Friday, featuring live music, catering and a student design competition for those choosing to donate light fixtures at L.S. Neeb Hall.
The charity auction, which started in 2017, encourages students and staff to handcraft a unique light fixture with found items, such as old cameras and knife blocks. The finished fixtures are now on display after being donated to the Light For Hope event.
“We’ll present the lights in our gallery space on campus so students can view it while also hosting an online auction,” said Audrey Shearer, philanthropy director for ISA and senior majoring in interior design.
The ISA said volunteers who wanted to make their own light fixtures were able to follow instructional videos produced by the organization.
“We made a bunch of YouTube videos, for if someone wants to laser cut or 3D print or mold concrete,” Shearer said. “It just kind of helps them and gives them ideas of what they can do and how they can make the light.”
Potential bidders can put money on their favorite lights and donate on the organization’s website. The organization hopes to raise at least $2,000.
“The auction is live for a week and then on Friday, we do an in-person event from 6 to (9) p.m., where all the lights are displayed and we have local jurors come and judge them,” Shearer said. “There will also be first, second and third place and a fan favorite who will win a gift card to Blick.”
The auction website launched on Oct. 29, and all proceeds raised will go to Free Arts Arizona, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help child victims of abuse, neglect and homelessness cope with trauma through art programs.
“We partnered with the incredible Free Arts Arizona that first year and over the years have raised nearly $10,000 on their behalf,” said Brie Smith, clinical assistant professor at The Design School and faculty advisor for ISA, in an email. “Free Arts transforms children's trauma into resilience through the arts; a mission that resonates with many of our students,”
In addition to raising money for Free Arts, ISA members hope that the event will allow volunteers to form an interest in interior design.
“The biggest thing is just seeing that you can use the things that you enjoy doing to help others,” said Chloe Cobb, a junior interior design major and philanthropy assistant for ISA.
According to Cobb, the event is a way for current students in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts to add to their portfolio and network with local designers.
“I think it helps spread an interest in making things with your hands and having an opportunity to create an end product that will satisfy you when it lights up,” Cobb said.
Reach the reporter at rkalale@asu.edu and follow @pokefanrithwik on Twitter.
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