PRESS: Chicago Collection, Spring 2010

3CC, Asrai Garden, the Rebuilding Exchange, and others featured in the Spring 2010 Edition of Chicago Collection Magazine!

MWC: Rough Draft Lighting

Starting to dabble with the use of heavy timbers salvaged from project sites diverting the lumber from land fills. We also removed and restored door and window hardware in an attempt to reclaim and UpCycle the waste produced from our construction sites. The intention is to produce fixtures fabricated with salvaged materials with an approachable design aesthetic that evokes comfort, a warmth, and doesn't hurt the wallet. We are currently structuring a program of designs based upon readily available materials that are on the way to the trash bin. There is still much work to be done to get the prototype fixture glowing.

MWC: a Middle West Collective project | The Violet hour Facade

The artist Kristen Romaniszak is the local artist who completed the art work on the facade. Kristens work can also be seen and purchased at Asrai Garden. We also want to thank the Violet Hour for the opportunity.


Artist
Kristen Romaniszak
www.krittenchild.com
krittenchild@gmail.com

The Violet Hour
www.theviolethour.com

Reclaimed Material Source
www.rebuildingexchange.org
info@rebuildingexchange.org

Up-Cycler
www.3rdcoastconstrcution.com
info@3rdcoastconstruction.com

Design Consultant
Elizabeth Cronin
www.asraigarden.com
asraigarden@sbcglobal.net

A Middle West Collective Project

We, A Middle West Collective Project, have facilitated and completed the preparatory wall design work on the last two art installations for the Violet hour facade and each has maintained an environmentally conscious approach while promoting local artists and community thoughtfulness. More to share about the Middle West Collective Project soon.

THOUGHTS: A favorite

Asrai Garden is one of my favorite local Chicago business. Owner Elizabeth Cronin has a selection of regional and local flowers, plants, eclectic art and cards (most of which are made by local designers and artists), hand crafted candles and apothecary, amongst many other great little items. Some of the cards that are sold are produced by her staff, including my favorite, Mid West card, which one staff member (Rose) produced the art work and the final product.

The aesthetic that Asrai garden produces (in my humble opinion) is forward thinking, comforting, familiar, classic, and with all of the local artists and designer goods packed into the little shop, it's a special place. I would buy just about everything in the store. It's Chicago, it's home grown and it's one of a kind.