06 18 20 Patch Mask Project

Patch June 18, 2020 “Academy of Art University Students Give Back” Fashion School students created 3D Printed Face Shields for front-line workers in addition to producing masks for underserved members of the community. https://patch.com/california/san-francisco/academy-artuniversity-students-give-back

Academy of Art University Students Give Back Academy of Art University's School of Fashion created facemasks in an effort to give back to the San Francisco community

By Angela Stevens, Neighbor Jun 18, 2020 7:12 pm PT

(Academy of Art University )

Academy of Art University and its students have long enjoyed many benefits from being located in the vibrant city of San Francisco. The city's rich heritage, diversity, and artistic flair contributes much to each student's experience while attending classes at the Academy. San Francisco has also been a significant friend to the Academy since its inception in 1929. So, when this great metropolitan center needed help, Academy students were quick to respond with overwhelming creativity and generosity.

Academy students quickly shifted from these woes to a focus on producing much-needed items for several entities in San Francisco, and partnering with local organizations to get them to those who need them the most.

Academy of Art University's School of Fashion Produces Facemasks As the San Francisco Bay Area began a mandatory public facemask requirement in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, TogetherSF called for volunteers to provide facemasks for underserved members of the community.

From early April through May 29, 2020, hundreds of new facemasks were created and distributed to The Salvation Army, Swords to Plowshares, SF Food Pantry, the Veterans Affairs Hospital, and MSC South— one of San Francisco's largest homeless shelters, which have all taken a significant hit due to the pandemic.

"I think it is our responsibility as humans, especially in a time of need, to be generous with our knowledge as well as our skills. We all have something to give, and sewing masks is a way I can share that," says Milijana Delic, MFA Fashion Design student.

The Fashion Design faculty at Academy of Art University, School of Fashion are volunteering to assemble hundreds of mask-making kits for students containing the items necessary, provided by the Academy. These kits are being delivered weekly to all student volunteers, and completed

masks are being picked up from each student and delivered by TogetherSF and UBCO Bikes volunteers.

"Being able to have the faculty and students partner with TogetherSF and UBCO Bikes felt like a perfect way to build a community for our students and to feel connected while knowing we are helping the homeless population of San Francisco." – Simon Ungless, Executive Director of School of Fashion.

The Academy School of Industrial Design Creates 3D Printed Face Shields In addition to creating sewed cloth facemasks that are much needed by the general population, the Academy's School of Industrial Design has been creating face shields from 3D printing machines. These face shields are worn as added protection by front line workers in healthcare, as well as first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement officers throughout San Francisco.

Max Niehaus, Shop Manager and Instructor at the Academy School of Industrial Design, came up with the idea to create these shields after seeing the rows of 3D printers at the Academy sitting idle due to COVID-19 restrictions that put all students into online classes for the remainder of the semester. Normally used for instruction in auto and product design, the Academy has 19 3D printers from various companies, ranging in price from $1,000 to $250,000.

After getting in touch with Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, Niehaus thought about how faculty and students could put the unused machines to good use by meeting an important demand. After choosing a design that is easily replicated and meets the approval of the medical community, Niehaus set the project in motion. The response has been overwhelming.

"I'm proud to see our entire university come together to produce potentially life-saving equipment," said Niehaus. "Students, faculty, and technicians from the Schools of Industrial Design, Jewelry, Architecture, and Sculpture have worked tirelessly to see this through. The online 3D-printing community's open source ethos allowed us to get started, and we look forward to sharing our work with other institutions."

With a goal to produce 100 masks per week to fulfill the incredible demand, Niehaus and his team have invited other students, faculty, and staff from other Academy schools who have access to a 3D printer to join their efforts. All face shields that are produced are collected, assembled, and sterilized at the Industrial Design Shop before delivery to their final destinations.

Academy of Art University is offering skills, knowledge, and resources to serve the San Francisco community and beyond during this unprecedented time of trial and need. Every person is important, and every person's talents, gifts, and skills are necessary to serve the greater good for all.