Fundraiser

Red Cross unveils steel ‘gardenscape’ in Dansville

The Clara Barton No. 1 Chapter of American Red Cross held a preview of its steel sculpture installation Saturday, April 21 at the Star Theatre in Dansville.

The sculptures, created by Genesee Valley Educational Partnership students, will be on display throughout May and will be auctioned off on June 2 to benefit the chapter.

Last year, GVEP metal trades teacher Olie Olson helepd launch the “Angels in the Village” project in Mount Morris. Due to the fundraiser’s success, Olson suggested a similar idea for Dansville.

Over the course of the semester, 46 students created sculptures that would be auctioned off for charity. The theme is “Gardenscapes Through the Eyes of Our Youth.”

To honor the work done by the students, Red Cross chapter president Barry Haywood said “Gardenscapes” will also be the theme for the Dogwood Festival in May.

Two students from Greg McMaster’s art class at Dansville Central School helped with some of the concepts for the sculptures.

Mayor Peter Vogt opened the preview event. “This is a very important endeavor for our community.”

Livingston County Deputy Director of Economic Development, Julie Marshall, described the project as “an opportunity to showcase the revitalization efforts here in Dansville”.

Forty businesses will display the sculptures for six weeks prior to the auction. While the majority of participating businesses are located on Main Street, sculptures can also be found at select locations on Perine, Ossian, Clara Barton, Elizabeth, Red Jacket, and Franklin Streets. Valley View Enterprises on Hornell Road also has a sculpture on display.

The students’ creativity led to a variety of designs, including flowers, animals, insects, a bird cage, corn stalks, musical notes, and more.

Sandy Shaw, Executive Director of the Clara Barton Chapter No. 1 said, “I watched these statues develop… I think Clara Barton would be proud of these students.”

Melanie Barnas-Simmons (of the American Red Cross) also noted, “This is such a wonderful projecct. we are very excited about it.”

As an incentive for the community to tour the sculptures, there are several opportunities to win. Collect at least ten signatures from participating businesses and enter for a chance to win $100 in gift certificates provided by local businesses.

Sculpture maps (which will need to be signed) can be found at participating locations. Signed entry forms may be returned to the Star Theatre for a free ticket (with the purchase of a ticket) or Dansville Stationers.

The entry deadline is June 1. The drawing will be held at the auction on June 2. The winner does not have to be present to win. The auction will be held on June 2 at 6 p.m. at the Dansville Moose Lodge.

Click on a thumbnail below to launch a slideshow by Courtney Veaunt.