Thursday, May 31, 2012

Metamorphosis: the 300ft long, 70+ window Kickstarter project

YSU Design Students & YBI Collaborate to Launch Kickstarter for Downtown Mural

Do you live in the Youngstown metro area, or do you live outside of Youngstown and have a fondness for our town?

Have you ever thought...

what is a small way that I can personally improve this unique place?


well, here is a unique project that was just launched tonight on Kickstarter.



The goal: construct a mural along Federal Street downtown that will consist of 70 plus vinyl segments spanning over 300 feet in length, all created by graphic design students at YSU.

The theme: METAMORPHOSIS, and the urban development growing up all throughout the city of Youngstown.

Here's how Kickstarter works...people propose a project, any individual from around the world can donate, and when the goal is reached, only then will all donors be charged. If the goal is not reached, no previous donor is charged. (it was pretty easy too, paid with the ol' Amazon account as opposed to typing in another credit card number)

Also, there are some unique gifts for the various funding levels.

$25 or more - A 3"x5" oval "Metamorphosis Butterfly" sticker to show your support for local street art in Youngstown, OH!

$100 or more - A 3"x5" oval "Metamorphosis Butterfly" sticker, plus a collectable poster showcasing the designs used in the mural.

$250 or more - A 3"x5" oval "Metamorphosis Butterfly" sticker, plus a collectable poster showcasing the designs used in the mural, plus a tour of the Youngstown Business Incubator with Chief Evangelist, Jim Cossler

$1,000 or more
- A 3"x5" oval "Metamorphosis Butterfly" sticker, plus a collectable poster showcasing the designs used in the mural, plus a tour of the Youngstown Business Incubator, plus lunch with Chief Evangelist of the YBI, Jim Cossler

What do you think, Diaspora?
Can you support it?

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Friday, May 04, 2012

Youngstown's first ever "Jane's Walk" in a neighborhood to take place on Saturday May 5

Moving to the Mahoning Valley from Rhode Island, YSU graduate student Kasey Johnson is working with one local neighborhood group, The Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association, to organize a walk this Saturday afternoon which will highlight the culture, history, and future investments of this distinct section of the west side of the city of Youngstown.

“Jane's Walk” is in honor of the late urban activist Jane Jacobs and her writings on how people influence a place and place influences people.
The walk through a portion of Rocky Ridge will join similarly structured events taking place that weekend in hundreds of cities across the world.

The two hour walking tour will include the following stops:
  • The Shrine of Our Lady (start point and parking) will highlight the religious and ethnic contributions to Rocky Ridge
  • Chaney High School, its academic and sports history
  • The amazing backyard landscaping of 2011's “Volney Rodgers Emerald Pierogi Award” for home beautification
  • Aspects of Mill Creek Park, including the Robinson Sugar Maple Grove, Morley Pavilion and the actual geologic formation which comprises the actual “Rock Ridge”
  • Industrial and settlement history in the neighborhood by Bill Lawson, Executive Director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society
  • Showing of plans for the upcoming extensive renovations to the Children's play area at the Wick Recreation Area in Mill Creek MetroParks
All interested residents of the region are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event, with ample parking at the start point.

waking path of the Rocky Ridge Jane's Walk
WHAT: Local neighborhood group collaborates with YSU graduate student to host the first local “Jane's Walk”, making Youngstown one of hundreds of participating cities across the world.

WHEN: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012

WHERE: Shrine of Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted, 517 S. Belle Vista Avenue, Youngstown