Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Put it in Stone.

The Stone Sculpture workshop, in conjunction with Bridgeport Beautfies and Global Youth Service Day, was facilitated by Public Allies and local artist Andy Davis. We had 5 youth ranging from 7 to 16, including students with Bridgeport International Academy.  


The 3-hour workshop included a discussion on what a community means and the role that art can play in strengthening it. This was followed by a sketch of ideas for the stone sculpture to be placed in the new garden at the downtown Bridgeport Public Library. 



Andy Davis then worked with the youth to help them carve: first with soap and 
then with stone. 


The group came up with a design and began marking the stone which will be installed during the Park City Sweep on April 30th.


 If you'd like to learn more about our Park City Sweep and how you can help, e-mail bridgeportpact@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Seed Starting Workshop

In Bridgeport, Sal Gilbertie of Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens, Inc. and members of Public Allies Connecticut led a youth workshop at the Bridgeport Public Library Garden.  Over 40 volunteers were on hand, including representatives from the Green Village Initiative, Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens, Inc., the Bridgeport Public Library, CT NOFA, Public Allies Connecticut, Cook & Grow, Friends of the Bridgeport Public Library and local families.



Even the Mayor of Bridgeport, Bill Finch, joined the group and brought along some family members!  The workshop began with a discussion of what community means to the youth, followed by a lesson and demonstration on seedlings and outdoor plantings in the garden. 



Modeled after First Lady Michelle Obama’s White House garden, the newly installed garden will grow a variety of produce, including onions, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, eggplant, peppers, beans, peas and various salad greens.  This workshop is one of many initiatives of Bridgeport Beautifies, a major collaborative effort towards youth empowerment and beautification in the City of Bridgeport, created and coordinated by the Public Allies in Bridgeport.



 
Take a walk to the downtown Bridgeport Library and be sure to check it out!