Art for a Purpose

Friday, December 9, 2022 - OFS hosted the first annual Art for a Purpose event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in collaboration with embellish fine art and OTJ Architects. Led by Yonna Boyce, Leslie Pelzer, and Alvia Howard, the event was created as a silent art auction and fundraiser to support the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Foundation and its scholarship programs focused on helping students and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the design community.

“Art for a Purpose was born out of the desire to bring architecture, design, and art professionals together to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while giving back something meaningful to our local community. We ultimately chose to focus on supporting education because receiving an education is where it all begins. It is where we learn the foundation of our profession, where we are mentored, and grow.”

- Yonna Boyce (OFS) and Leslie Pelzer (embellish fine art)

Yonna Boyce, Alvia Howard, and Leslie Pelzer

Preston Sampson (Artist) and Kenneth Martin (NOMA Foundation) in front of Preston’s donated artwork titled "Just Lookn".

Yonna Boyce thanking guests and sponsors for supporting the Art for a Purpose event and the NOMA Foundation.

Kari Wekluk (OFS), Samantha Rose (Hord Coplan Macht), Sara Bracco (Officeworks), and Mary Hussain (OFS) standing in front of donated artwork created by Samantha.

Guests from all over the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area attended the event including designers, architects, dealers, and more. With over 300 people in attendance, the exciting evening included great food by Tish Cunningham of TasteLife Catering, live music from Heru Peacock (Trap Violinist) and Jeremiah Miles (Saxophonist), the opportunity to bid on inspiring original artwork, and connecting with industry professionals all for a great cause.

40 pieces of artwork were graciously donated by local professional artists and design industry colleagues. Many donations showcased the hidden artistic talent of fellow design community members from companies including HOK, Price Modern, Hord Coplan Macht, OFS, and more

“As members of the design industry, it's important to recognize the role that design plays in society. Designers have the power to create spaces that are inclusive and promote social justice. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, designers can help promote a more equitable and just society.”

- Samantha Rose (Hord Coplan Macht)

Guests admiring “Fragmentos de Frida Khalo” by Gustavo G

Tish Cunningham of TasteLife Catering

Jeremiah Miles (Saxophonist), Heru Peacock (Trap Violinist)

Donated artwork of talented fellow design community members including “The Chaise II” (2015) by Denise Cardwell at Price Modern.

Photography titled "Drop" by Will Nash, the talented 5-year-old son of Aly Nash at Price Modern.

Samantha Rose (Hord Coplan Macht) created “The First Rose” specifically for Art for a Purpose and ended up being the first piece of art she ever sold.

The event raised about $10,000 to support the NOMA Foundation. The donation went towards scholarships created to empower and attract diversity to the next generation of architecture, design, and engineering students. None of this would have been possible without the incredibly generous sponsorships and donations received from dealers, manufacturers, and more.

SPONSORS AND DONATIONS
D|Watts Construction, Patcraft, QWRK, Tri-Logistics, Officeworks, Bialek, COFCO, Dancker, KI, dHive, GPI, Hitt Contracting, Mohawk Group, MOII, Peabody Office, Washington Workplace, Carnegie, DAVIS Construction, Division 9 Associates, National Wallcovering, Price Modern, PLNTR, Pyrock Insurance Agency

VENDORS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Cross Museum Services, TasteLife Catering, CW's Pomp-n-Circumstance, Tiffany Severtson (Photographer), Heru Peacock (Trap Violinist), Jeremiah Miles (Saxophone), MarkSound (Sound system)

OFS Press Contact: Brooke Lueken - blueken@ofs.com

OFS Login

Art for a Purpose