Proud students, families, teachers and architects flocked to Saw Works studio to view the winning artwork, chow down, and receive their prizes.  The event would not have been possible without the generous support of the Alabama Power Foundation, Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds, Dungan Nequette Architects, Jim Griffo, Gresham Smith & Partners, Hendon + Huckstein, and Rob Walker Architects. To see all the photos from the ceremony, click here. To see all the artwork, click here.

Your membership dues support AIA Birmingham’s community outreach programs.
One of my favorite programs is dreamARCHITECTURE, our kindergarten – 5th grade art contest open to children in the Birmingham area. The competition encourages children to think about architecture and their built environment. The awards ceremony was held May 3rd.
Please read the letters below and find out how you are making a difference.

To Whom it May Concern,
On behalf of my daughter Preslei Coleman, from Robinson Elementary, I would like to say thank you for giving children the opportunity to participate in the dreamArchitecture competition and for her to have the chance to be one of 33 winners. At this time Preslei will not be able to attend the ceremony. She is currently an inpatient at Children’s Hospital and is undergoing skeletal traction for scoliosis and is scheduled for surgery in one week. When she was informed that she was selected as a winner she was overjoyed and exclaimed that she had never won anything in art before. This means a lot to her since she is not able to participate in a lot of physical activities. By winning this award my daughter will see that there are opportunities that span beyond the physical and that she can succeed! Please let me know if there is someone from your organization that may be able to come by the hospital and present her award to her or if I need to pick it up from her school. Thank you, this means a lot to us at this time.
Sincerely,
Ms. M. Coleman
Parent of Preslei Coleman

Dear Wonderful Staff, Rhea, Laurel, Architects,                                                             
Last night was fabulous. Every child there felt like a star. I don’t know if you realize what you do for so many children with this marvelous project. All the participants have an opportunity to express their dreams and share their creative visions with an appreciative audience.
Your special card for the little girl was so thoughtful. You gave all the children attending the event a chance be part a caring, concerned, and involved group. Did you realize you helped all the children be better people?

I remember a Penguin House, a 3rd grader submitted. He won a prize and saw his creation published in the newspaper. He is now a 25 year old college graduate working in Washington D.C.

Thank you so much for caring about children.
Many thanks,
Lee Stayer