We invested in these wood centerpieces knowing they would infuse City Year’s brand into a wide range of events for years to come, from evening receptions to fundraising luncheons to recruitment nights. I worked closely with the fabricators to ensure the pieces would be self-supporting and also easy to pack away and transport.

This annual gala was centered around the concept of “widening the circle of those able to stand in the light of social justice.” My designs harnessed shimmering visuals of light and circles to infuse an elegant look while bringing the theme to life throughout the event spaces.

Appreciation Wall

Tasked with finding a new space- and cost-effective way to recognize annual sponsors, I created a full wall of appreciation. Magnetized red paint means the white block of logos can be swapped out (on magnetic substrate) and can accomodate any number of sponsors. A quote of gratitude, a “PITW” (a City Year maxim), and a bulletin board prompting staff and corps to post notes of appreciation all reference and play up aspects of the organization’s culture.

The 2012 City Year Boston annual gala design was inspired by the idea of representing emotions as colors. Through the event’s content and design, we explored the highs and lows of a year of service as experienced by students, City Year AmeriCorps members, parents, and school faculty.

For City Year Boston’s kickoff of their 25th anniversary year, we decided to throw our own version of homecoming: A weekend of events for currently serving AmeriCorps members, alumni, family, and supporters. The look I created for the weekend was one of nostalgia and emphasis on the organization’s foundational values.

This set of eight lightweight blocks can be arranged to create six different intended messages, making them a perfect way to bring life and branding into any event space for years.