Canstruction® Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank, today announced the launch of its 19 th annual art exhibition program and philanthropic event in association with the American Institute of Architects (AIA, Atlanta Chapter) and Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Design Administration (SDA). The announcement kicks-off months of advanced planning and participation on the parts of CanstructionAtlanta committee members, a variety of sponsors, and numerous design teams, resulting in massive art structures madeof canned food goods at three office towers adjacent to Atlantic Station, in Atlanta, Nov. 5-17, 2017. The exhibition will be open to the general public and free of charge.
The Canstruction Atlanta organization, which comprises Architectural, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) industry members and a wide range of related community members, inspires and facilitates metro-area participants to create and build the food can art displays. The program raises awareness of Atlanta-area hunger insecurity and generates food and funds for the Food Bank, while shedding a spotlight on the local design industry.
The can structures art exhibition will commence with an initial build-out day Nov. 4, during which up to 20 design teams will have 10 hours to assemble their individual can structures. They will be enabled to use canned goods of all sizes, wood, tape, rubber bands, wire, and Velcro to create self-supporting structures. The creative displays may be reminiscent of, but not limited to, such edifices as futuristic cars and airplanes; popular cartoon characters; items related to Atlanta’s burgeoning film industry; iconic area landmarks; and any number of other highly imaginative ideas.
“The Canstruction Atlanta 2017 art exhibition will transform otherwise ordinary building interiors into creative galleries that are colorful, vibrant and entertaining to visit,” said Chris Yueh, Canstruction Atlanta 2017 committee chair and AIA Atlanta director of programs. “The can displays exhibition will offer a fun activity for families with children, visitors to the city, and Atlantans of all walks of life.”
The art structures will feature design expertise from some of Georgia’s most talented architects, engineers, construction professionals, and designers. Each canned food art display will showcase a unique design concept as a standalone part of the exhibition’s entire series.
Design teams’gigantic art structures will bring temporary art to public spaces in the lobbies of the Atlantic Station office buildings, including 171, 201 and 271 17 th Street NW, Atlanta.
Free entrance for the public will take place seven days a week, Nov. 5-17, 2017, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. During weekends, access will be granted by pressing the intercom button next to each main office lobby door.
The annual program involves a juried design competition, culminating in an awards gala. One winner will be awarded in each of six Canstruction International categories to include “Best Meal,” “Most Cans,”“People's Choice,” “Best Use of Labels,” “Structural Ingenuity,” and a new award this year for “Best Original Design.” A seventh winner will be presented with the “Can-ambassador Award” by the Canstruction Atlanta local committee.
The awards gala is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, 6-9 p.m. EST, on the Nelson Mullin® office rooftop patio at 201 17 th Street, NW, Atlanta. The public is invited to attend the gala. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at www.canstructionatl.com or at the door.
The annual program and event activities will draw to a close with a special Disassembly and Donation Day, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, when all can structures will be dismantled and bestowed to the Food Bank for distribution to hundreds of interrelated, nonprofit organizations with hunger-relief programs benefitting Metropolitan Atlanta and North Georgia citizens.
Canstruction Atlanta is seeking individual and corporate sponsors to provide participatory support. Seven sponsorship packages are available in exchange for applicable benefits. Sponsorship levels include “Elite,” “Corporate,” “Platinum,” “Diamond,” “Gold,” “Silver,” and “Bronze.” Sponsorships and donations are tax deductible and can be attained through www.canstructionatl.com/sponsors.
“The annual Canstruction Atlanta program and canned food exhibitions help enrich the Atlanta-area community and bring together people from different design-oriented industries,” said Yueh. “Most of all, the program provides a sense of unity which lends to the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s goal of conquering area hunger.”
About Canstruction® Atlanta: Canstruction Atlanta is a unique charity which hosts competitions, exhibitions and events showcasing colossal structures made of full cans of food. After the structures are built, the creations go on display free of charge for the public as a giant art exhibition. At the conclusion of the event, all food is donated to local hunger relief organizations. Recognized for commitment to innovation, hunger relief and collaboration, the organization has helped raise more than 25 million pounds of food since 1992. Learn more at www.canstructionatl.com.
About Atlanta Community Food Bank: The Atlanta Community Food Bank works to end hunger with the food, people and big ideas needed to ensure neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in the community experience hunger every day, including children, seniors and working families. Through more than 600 nonprofit partners, the Food Bank helps more than 755,000 people get healthy food every year. The Food Bank’s goal is that, by 2025, all hungry people across metro Atlanta and North Georgia will have access to the nutritious meals they need, when they need them. It takes the power of the whole community to make that possible. Learn more at www.acfb.org.
