Do it for others. Do it for love. Do it for kindness. We don’t really care why you do it — just Mask Up, RVA. Sporting a facemask isn’t political, it’s smart. It shows self-discipline and a commitment to community. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Nick Davis Photography to launch the “Mask Up, RVA” series. We’re combining powerful images and words that Nick has collected from local, small businesses responsible for creating a variety of face shields and masks that are helping us push through the current pandemic. These are the people who roll up their sleeves during a crisis. These are the people who proactively find solutions and look for ways to use their unique talents. These are the people that give us no excuse not to mask up.
Studio Two Three
Studio Two Three gives Richmonders the space, tools and classes they need to find that thing they love — and make it. Studio Two Three features studio facilities, co-making workspace, classes and workshops, community events, lectures, and artist memberships, just to name a few. Over the past 12 weeks, Studio Two Three has used its space and talents to make and distribute 10,000 masks. “We have long argued that artists have a unique capacity to use their hands and their creativity to address complex community issues,” explains Kate Fowler, development director of Studio Two Three. Fowler says the Scott’s Addition nonprofit recognized that they were fortunate to have the space and facilities to safely distance volunteers and coordinate a mask making effort driven by their committed community of artists who are skilled with their hands. It was a natural fit.
Matthew Hawthorne launched Wheelborne Bag Co. in 2015 in an effort to create motorcycle gear that could accentuate the timeless aesthetic of his favorite two-wheel machines. Today, his high-quality motorcycle bags are sought after for their rugged and durable design. Made in Richmond, Matt’s gear is designed to last a lifetime of adventure. All leatherwork that he cranks out is hand-punched, all fabric is hand-cut, and all hardware is hand-set. In recent months, Matt has turned these skills toward creating over 500 face masks that are not only stylish but durable. “Process is everything,” says Matt. “Quality and quantity ultimately meet at a crossroads and I think I’ve found a solid spot in between with the masks I’ve been making.”
Founded in 1969, Kenmore’s team of over 85 employees create large, medium and small envelopes from all paper types with special windows. They offer everything from large format printing, jet press and enhanced flexo printing to digital pre-press, die cutting and folding. And now, they make face shields – to the tune of 250,000 as part of the “Kenmore Cares” initiative. After seeing that PPE was in low supply, Kenmore realized they had the equipment and manpower to create face shields by using rolls of anti-fog plastic. The Kenmore team turns anti-fog rolls into flat sheets and puts them through their die-cutter to create individual shields. Everything following the cutting of the plastic is done by hand. The Kenmore team then places comfort foam, attaches elastic bands and individually wraps each shield. Kenmore has donated shields to hospitals, first responders, nurses, senior centers, dental offices, manufacturers and many small businesses. Send an email to donations@kenmore-envelope.com if you're in need.
Here Weekly and Richmond Grid will continue the "Mask Up, RVA" series in the weeks ahead featuring Shockoe Atelier, U-Fab, Morris & Norris, Jillian Rene, and more.
