SUNY Purchase students install Art in Vacant Spaces.

30 Days of Giving, Day 8 – Art in Vacant Spaces From Purchase College

This holiday season, Purchase College graphic design students have collaborated with the White Plains BID (Business Improvement District) to create Art in Vacant Spaces, an innovative art project installed in empty storefronts across downtown White Plains.

Professor Lehrer worked with his Community Design class to populate the storefronts with visual poetry by poet Judith Sloan about working and living in White Plains. Part of the students’ pro-bono work for the semester, the project helps the community by creating a more vibrant environment for those who live, work, and shop downtown.

Ten works were installed, including video projections and animation. Student designers include Gunnar Artin, Alexander Beach, Danielle Foti, Melissa Murillo, Paige Nehlsen, Emily Seto, Julianne Waber, Ashley Yalaju, and Sarah Yalaju.

White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said, “We are pleased to be able to showcase the wonderful art of SUNY Purchase Community Design students in our downtown. Their work has enlivened our streetscape and created inspiring and thought-provoking messages about community and place.”

“At the heart of Community Design is the opportunity to serve the public, while providing students with challenging professional experiences. We’re honored that the White Plains BID once again trusted our students with this important project,” says Lehrer.