Sarah Barnard organized a pro bono art and design project featuring local artists and the National Immigration Law Center, one of the leading organizations in the U.S. dedicated to defending and advancing the rights to low-income immigrants.

Gardeners, Exodus, and Nabe by Jose Ramirez. Photo by Chas Metivier. — *Gardeners*, *Exodus*, and *Nabe* by Jose Ramirez. Photo by Chas Metivier.

Overview

National Immigration Law Center recently expanded/relocated. Their new suite would nearly triple the square footage of their existing space (almost 13,000). NILC is a non-profit and has minimal financial resources. Sarah Barnard Design was asked to take on the project on a pro-bono basis through the 1% for the Design Program. In addition to creating specifications for the construction project and overseeing the interior design/furnishings purchasing, Barnard curated a long term exhibition for the organization that would feature 16 artists from around the globe. The artworks were created specifically for NILC’s space and with their organization mission in mind.

Cherry Picker I and Cherry Picker II by Narsiso C. Martinez. Photo: Chas Metivier — *Cherry Picker I* and *Cherry Picker II* by Narsiso C. Martinez. Photo: Chas Metivier

Goals

Defend & Advance is a temporary exhibit of 39 original artworks by 16 artists that celebrates the establishment of the National Immigration Law Center’s permanent art collection. With broadly varied approaches and narratives, the artists in this exhibition explore current conditions of immigration and migration, displacement and labor, and struggle against collective amnesia. The artists are from a diverse range of geographic, political and social backgrounds. Considering their work in dialogue allows us not only to reflect on their differences but also to discuss their shared concerns. The exhibit offers new perspectives on issues we may have previously thought familiar. The curation seeks to discover shared experiences that can be explored in conversation and used to promote intellectual and emotional engagement with the presented subjects. The artwork becomes a critical component in the overall design experience.

Soul of Food and Nutrition by Jose Ramirez. Photo: Chas Metivier. — *Soul of Food* and *Nutrition* by Jose Ramirez. Photo: Chas Metivier.

Process

The designer was entirely responsible for curating the works made only for this space. Sixteen exceptional artists were selected from a pool of nearly 300 and commissioned to create site-specific works for the National Immigration Law Center. Working closely with the fine artists, Barnard encouraged works that explore controversial political themes and offer opportunities to contemplate socio-political issues that affect us all. Access to healthy foods and education, farmworker rights, border politics, the terror of uncertainty, domestic worker rights, transportation issues, and the plight of the refugee are some of the many poignant themes explored in the works exhibited. Painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media installation and fiber sculpture are among the mediums employed by the participating artists. The curator/designer held an artist potluck at her home so that the artists might form permanent relationships with one another before the show opening. While the design project helps NILC staff to work more productively, the art installation encourages hope by way of connecting people with ideas and each other. This collaboration of designers, artists and non-profit attorneys to promote social justice may be the first partnership of its kind.

With Her Own Hands by Xilomen Rios. Photo: Chas Metivier. — *With Her Own Hands* by Xilomen Rios. Photo: Chas Metivier.

Additional Info

Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. NILC believes that all people who live in the U.S.—regardless of their race, gender, immigration or economic status—should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Over the years NILC has been at the forefront of many of the country’s most significant challenges when it comes to immigration issues and plays a vital leadership role in addressing the real-life impact of policies that affect the ability of low-income immigrants to prosper and thrive.

https://www.codaworx.com/project/national-immigration-law-center-national-immigration-law-center

Book Consultation

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Burnett, Cindi. Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On. LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016. — Burnett, Cindi. *Repurposed/Renewal. Life Rolls On.* LADESIGN Magazine. P30-31. June 2016.

Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, works to inspire others to see the boundless possibilities beyond paralysis through adaptive sports programs such as surfing, skateboarding, and skiing. Giving careful consideration to the organization’s financial limitations and environmental responsibilities, Sarah Barnard Design re-used the building’s existing carpet, specified inexpensive materials, and rallied donations of recycled items and labor. Inspired by LRO’s signature adaptive surf/skate program, the design is a catalyst of hope; creating a fun, energetic space that includes columns and counters made from salvaged skateboards and surfboards painted by LRO youth and a visual timeline chronicling LRO’s history and achievements. By combining local, non-toxic materials with salvaged finishes and fixtures, SBD’s design reinforces the organization’s core purpose of promoting accessibility, interaction, and wellness.

SBD worked closely with the organization to understand their specific needs, as well as their core mission so that the design solutions would promote that mission. Throughout the design process, SBD sought to create better working environments, focusing on ergonomics, daylighting, indoor air quality, and human connectivity. This space is designed to foster community within the organization and by extension to the people they serve.