The goal of the DIFFA fundraising charity event is to support Ward 86, the first hospital ward to diagnose AIDS. Ward 86 continues to assist patients with transportation and help throughout their treatment process. It was an honor to be selected to work for such a noble cause and the team we had was invaluable in making our designs a reality.

Our concept:

"We are all human and through our humanity and vulnerabilities we are all connected"

A CNC was used to expedite the cutting of our silhouettes from 1/2" foamboard. They would later be faced with inspirational quotes from AIDS patients reflecting on the impact the disease had on their life.

Our focal point, a 12'x5' canvas was framed with 2x4s. The canvas material was then stretched over the 1/8" luan used to support the face, then stretched and stapled into place.

I fabricated some simple supports to hold the foamboard cutouts and give them weight so they could not be accidentally knocked down.

Red acrylic was cut into a heart and installed with a bike light to the main silhouette that would be placed in the center of the entryway.

Guests were encouraged to use the suspended markers to create their silhouette on the canvas, leaving a trace of their presence and support for Ward 86, DIFFA, and all those suffering from AIDS.

As the silhouettes began to overlap and connect with each other, our concept was realized and a physical relic of the warm support for AIDS treatment and prevention was created.

The DIFFA student design team of myself, Alex Allen, Chantal Yakou, Riley Dean, and Fadi Alnumaani.

Flanked by the Academy of Art's DIFFA coordinators Agustin Sanders (left) and Ernest Mariotto (right).

Without a doubt, a good night was had by all. It was an honor to work for such a loving cause and I'm proud to have been a part of such an amazing night.