Salt Works provides its employees the opportunity to earn income and to further refine their artisanal skills.
Salt Works, a new social enterprise employing graduates of a local construction training program in the creation of artisanal furniture, will hold an official launch tonight from 5-7:30 p.m. at the headquarters of King + King Architects, 358 W. Jefferson St.
At the event, artisan furniture crafted by Near West Side residents from reclaimed materials will be unveiled and auctioned (both through silent and live auctions). The auctioneer will be Zeke Leonard, assistant professor of design in the College of Visual and Performing Arts who has worked closely with the enterprise and his Syracuse University classes to design the furniture.
Proceeds from the event will go back into the community, supporting workforce training programs and empowering residents to become agents for sustainable, long-term revitalization within their communities. Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement and Economic Development successfully obtained funds from the Kresge Foundation to help launch this enterprise.
The hand-built furniture is designed to showcase old growth timbers salvaged from historic industrial buildings, such as the Case and Lincoln Supply warehouses by the Near West Side Initiative. Salt Works provides its employees the opportunity to earn income and to further refine their artisanal skills.
The event will also feature food and drink provided by My Lucky Tummy.
Salt Works is a partnership between the Near Westside Initiative, Syracuse University, the Northside Urban Partnership and Syracuse Habitat for Humanity.
Event partners include the CenterState CEO, Syracuse Office Environments and King + King Architects.
