A Note from MAF President
Chuck Lewis, AIA:
Auction for Education Results,
and Ways to Get Involved with MAF

On behalf of the MAF Auction Committee, I want to express our gratitude to everyone who made a generous donation to the 2024 Auction for Education. The auction was held as two events: during the AIA Michigan/AGC Michigan Midsummer Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in August, and at the Annual Golf Outing at Plum Hollow Country Club in May. Over fifty different items were offered for bid, including a variety of sporting event tickets, concerts, exceptional wine, vacation getaways, jewelry, collectables, and golf trips. Together, this year’s auctions raised $20,000!

The auction is an important fundraiser for our organization, and for fulfilling MAF’s mission, “Advancing Public Awareness of How Architecture Enriches Life,” accomplished through programs that support architecture-related education, funding, and connections. We have worked to build our endowment to support publications that are physical, digital, and on film. We work to build imagination through books and video engagement with kids, as well as curriculum support for teachers. Our architecture awareness grants fund programs that engage the public in dialogue and appreciation of architecture in our lives.

Thank you again for your continued support of MAF!

 

On another note: Do you have a love for architecture? Like me, have you stumbled multiple times while walking and looking up at a building roof, facade, or an interesting detail? (which in my case happens frequently). If so, you share the same passion we do as members of the MAF organization. MAF is always striving to enhance our mission of advancing public awareness of how architecture enriches life, and to achieve this mission we need help from others who share our passion for architecture. We have a variety of ways for you to volunteer and get involved:

• Do you have an interest in education and mentoring students? Our Education Committee is actively working to revamp our approach to providing architectural resources for K12 students of all ages. They would welcome your talents in curating and developing architecture-related education materials for kids of all ages.
• Are you an aspiring architectural photographer or photography librarian? Our Michigan Architecture Committee is looking to form a group to curate exceptional photos of Michigan architecture.  We have a great start on our website catalog of images from photographers Baltazar Korab and Jim Haefner. Our goal is to add more photos to help promote awareness of Michigan architecture.
• Do you have a passion for writing? Our Communications Committee is always looking for new content for our website resources and newsletter articles about architecturally interesting places to visit in Michigan.

If you have a passion for architecture and are looking for a place to exercise your talents, consider getting involved with MAF. We are eager to hear from you!

Chuck Lewis, AIA                                                                                                                                                                2024/2025 MAF President