Turn Plywood into Art for a Cause

Following the recent riots, businesses, residences, and other buildings throughout Washington, DC remained boarded up to protect property from the possibility of damage. We support the protestors and their efforts to press for change. But we could have ended up with an awful lot of plywood in area landfills when the boards came down.

What is next for the wood? This wood will have a second life and serve as a reminder of this landmark time in our nation’s history, instead of finding its way to a landfill. Through the creativity of artists and volunteers, we will be able to keep this moment in time fresh in our minds.

Shaw Main Streets launched the DC Wood for Good project by asking that businesses and property owners donate their unwanted plywood.

Local artists and creators were invited to transform this wood into art, useful items like benches and planters, and other items that are useful to the community. While some of the items would end up becoming part of community improvements, some of these artworks and other items will be auctioned and the proceeds used to support local movements that promote equality.

Details:

ARTISTS, CREATIVES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS:

Send an email to [email protected] with your contact information and proposed use for the wood. You will be contacted after inventory has been generated and is made ready for pick up. Based on your project description, quantity of wood provided, you may be asked to post images of your finished work on Instagram, using hashtag #woodforgood, or donate items for a charity auction.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to the National Geographic Society for donating 625 plywood sheets and 1044 2x4s.

Thanks to MCN Build for providing labor and vehicles for transportation of the lumber donated by the National Geographic Society.

Thanks to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor, for providing Parcel 42 for as the location for drop off and temporary storage space for the project.

Our Generous Sponsors

Our Funders

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor.

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is a project sponsor.

2016 Great American Main Street Award Winner

Shaw Main Streets is the winner of the 2016 Great American Main Street Award and the 2015 Innovation on Main Street Award, both conferred by the National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Shaw Main Streets is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

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