sharing great design with the world
Shaw co-founded and is President of Operation Design, a not-for-profit that creates mentorships and creative programs between architects, designers and artists and New York City public schools. With a mandate to bring architecture, design and art to public schools, Operation Design received recognition and a proclamation from the Bloomberg administration.
Eames Inspiration
A collection of iconic Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs, as re-imagined by some of today’s most celebrated street artists, was auctioned online to benefit Operation Design. These one-of-a-kind chairs were featured in Barneys New York’s Madison Avenue windows and curated by Billi Kid and Luna Park.
Four Seasons Mural
Under the tutelage of professional ceramic artists, architects, graphic designers and in partnership with Operation Design, students, faculty and volunteers of this green school unveiled a massive ceramic tile installation in the school’s lobby, after nearly six months of preparation, in-class curriculum and after school workshops.
Imagined, designed and executed by nearly 500 students, the Four Seasons Mural, shows the school within an intricate scene of its neighborhood and surrounding iconic buildings, and entailed more than 5,000 hours including instruction on how to work with ceramic material, tile glazing, pointillism, blueprints, construction, working with a kiln and overall artistic collaboration upon completion. Each child painted a tile to be included within the spectacular scene, a 20’ x 8’ cityscape incorporating winter, spring, summer and fall.
Pongtopia
A dynamic three-day event combining the sport and art of table tennis with the spirit of charity and education. An incredible trove of one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork and a live auction was held for creatively painted Ping-Pong tables and paddles by high-profile street and graffiti artists and made possible by Brookfield Properties. Proceeds went to support creative programs in selected New York City public schools through Operation Design.
The Doors Project
Side by side, artists and students from lower Manhattan's High School of Leadership and Public Service created door-size artwork to enhance the school’s hallways. The students' artwork was installed on the classroom doors throughout the school, creating an inspiring atmosphere for the students with meaningful messages.
Selected by an esteemed panel of art world leaders, works were displayed at Art Basel Miami in the artistic Wynwood area of Miami. Five winning students were flown down to Miami to view their work on exhibit beside the work of professional artists, at this world-renowned art show.
