Top designers gathered to bid on upcycled quilts to benefit local organization Publicolor.
On Wednesday, March 15th, the New York Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA NY) hosted its 9th annual Sustainable Quilt Auction where the interior design community came out to celebrate the time-honored tradition of quilt making.
The event, which was held at the Steelcase WorkLife Center overlooking Columbus Circle, brought together designers and others from the industry. to bid on extravagant quilts created from discarded fabric samples. Organized by event co-chairs Mike Iovinelli of G3 Architecture and Abigail French of Steelcase (the event sponsor), the evening showcased the union between design and philanthropy while celebrating the great design epicenter that is New York City.
For the second year, proceeds from the quilts and pieces went to benefit Publicolor, a long-term youth development program that engages high-risk students through design education. Using design as a vehicle for involvement, Publicolor’s multi-year continuum of programs encourages academic achievement, college preparation, job readiness, and community service. In 2016, 94% of Publicolor’s high school seniors graduated on time vs. 67% city wide and 100% of those graduates now attend college.
Made up of designers from leading firms like Gensler, IA Interior Architects, and C3 Designs, amongst others, the teams logged over 2,000 hours of quilting for their one-of-a-kind masterpieces made from discarded materials from fabric showrooms, product libraries, and industry samples.Following the theme “What’s Your Pattern?,” eight quilts were up for grabs at the silent auction, ranging in inspiration from Marilyn Monroe and Emilio Pucci to apartment building facades and health-mapping for Asthma awareness. Additionally, for the first time, corresponding quilted purses were created and raffled off at the event.
When two organizations such as the IIDA NY and Publicolor team up, great things happen. Thanks to the proceeds raised at the quilt auction, New York City youth will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in design, a chance they might not have had without these efforts in place.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.