SILENCE THE VIOLENCE.

Design is powerful. It has the ability to transcend and alter our lives in many positive ways. Another powerful reality is the disturbing violence our city is experiencing.

For many of us, reading the headlines and stories in the news are as close as we’ve gotten to the crime and senseless murders taking place in Chicago on a daily basis. For many others, particularly innocent children living in these areas, it hits all too close to home.

Designing Hope For Chicago was born out of a shared belief that community and cause-based organizations can fundamentally improve the human condition. We partnered with the Design Museum of Chicago to create Designing Hope For Chicago, a poster series and fundraiser who's mission was to bring awareness to the violence in our city through inspiring art and design. Top Chicago artists and designers were asked to create an original work of art after watching the video below. The goal was to create works that addressed the violence in Chicago while also inspiring and communicating a sense of hope.

Designing Hope For Chicago | December 8th, 2014 | 6-9pm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gina Doctor gina@mnml.com 312.307.9773 #silencetheviolence The Ferrer Foundation and Chicago Design Museum Partner For A Fundraiser To Support Youth In Violent Chicago Communities Designing Hope For Chicago Features A One-Night Only Poster Exhibition Of Top Chicago Design Talent Chicago, IL — November 20, 2014 – On December 8th from 6-9pm, the Ferrer Foundation and Chicago Design Museum will partner for a very special fundraiser to support youth affected by violence in our city. With a shared belief that community and cause-based organizations can fundamentally improve the human condition, Designing Hope For Chicago aims to bring the community together for an evening of art, awareness and inspiration. The event includes a one-night only poster exhibition and silent auction featuring a dozen of Chicago’s finest designers, all who have donated their talent to create original works of art for the evening. The exclusive posters will be available for purchase via silent auction. Participating designers include Brandon Breaux, Sara Frisk, Upendo Taylor, Cody Hudson, Will Miller, Threadless, Jason Pickleman, Ishmael Adams, Kyle Poff, Mike Renaud, Nico Gibson, Elise Swopes, and Michael Savona. “There’s a whole group of children in a zip code that most of us only read about, and the support and awareness from this event will give them a chance to be heard,” said Ferrer Founder Meghan Olson. “The funds raised will directly impact their lives in such a positive way.” Tanner Woodford, co-founder of Chicago Design Museum said, “I find it humbling that our community consistently and generously supports causes, social issues, and one another. ChiDM is honored to work with the Ferrer Foundation to further two organizations that are making a difference.” Event Details: December 8th 6-9pm Chicago Design Museum @Block Thirty Seven 108 N State St, 3rd floor,  Chicago Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 via Eventbrite or for $25 at the door: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-hope-for-chicagosilence-the-violence-tickets-14158120319 All proceeds from the evening will be used to support Ferrer Foundation and Chicago Design Museum programming. About Ferrer Foundation: The Ferrer Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Chicago with a mission to inspire peace and hope for children living in these underserved communities whose lives are directly impacted by the headlines we read about. As a cause-based organization that is dedicated to empowering and enriching the lives of these Chicago youth, the Ferrer Foundation provides a range of programming and support including educational wellness, yoga, violence prevention, motivational tools, and mentoring. www.ferrerfoundation.org About Chicago Design Museum: The Chicago Design Museum is a nascent, non-profit, and non-traditional organization that aims to unite, inform, and inspire through limited-engagement exhibitions, events, and public programs. As a community-based organization, the Chicago Design Museum facilitates an open dialogue about contemporary and historical design and believes design should be accessible to everyone—including many of the Chicago youth who rarely get the opportunity to be exposed to creativity, design, and inspiration. www.chidm.com