The Connection Project
For 2021, Gather:Make:Shelter is offering a limited series of 400 handcrafted bowls in black and white, made with love by artists experiencing houselessness and poverty.
GIVE THE GIFT OF HUMAN CONNECTION
If the past couple years have taught us anything, it’s the value of our human connections. Now we know that seeing our friends, family, neighbors, and even a friendly face on the street has a tremendous impact on our wellbeing and happiness.
The CONNECTION Project gives you an opportunity to celebrate your relationships through the gift of handmade objects. Linking potter to painter to giver to receiver, each unique handcrafted bowl creates new human networks and spreads delight.
each bowl sale helps artists gain independence through the arts, earn income, and build networks.
ESTABLISHED
2021
LOCATION
Portland, OR
PARTNERS / COLLABORATORS
“My tile company Design and Direct Source was purchased by RAF Industries in 2016. That year I approached RAF management about changing our gifting protocol from “baskets of Portland’s finest” to something that would connect us with our customers in a more meaningful way. RAF generously and enthusiastically approved our gifting of handcrafted bowls from Gather:Make: Shelter, a Portland nonprofit founded by local artist Dana Lynn Louis.
Gather:Make:Shelter’s CONNECTION project is a path to independence for homeless residents leveraging their creativity and determination by creating stunning pottery to be sent as corporate gifts. Each bowl includes the artist’s photo and story; each is a positive example of a hand up leading to meaningful change.
My first experience was overwhelmingly positive, with CEOs of the world’s largest design firms and developers of luxury hotels describing our gift as “moving and beautiful” and a meaningful expression of our appreciation for their support.
Thanks to Dana and her students, and to Rick Horowitz of RAF, we created a movement to gift with art and meaning. Join us this year.”
— Ann Sacks
A MEANINGFUL WAY TO HONOR YOUR COLLEAGUES AND CLIENTS
More about Alternative Shelters
