2025 New Children's Art Advocacy Exhibit: "We Can Do It! Create! Stamp Out Boredom & Hate!"

(March 1, 2025, Albany, NY) NYS Office of General Services Special Events Department contracted Alessandra Payne dba Salvage & Shine to host an art advocacy exhibit at the Hannaford Kidz Expo 2025 on Saturday, March 1, 2025.    In this art advocacy exhibit, Salvage & Shine popped up with a purpose to teach metal stamping to children and celebrated Women's Right to Work and everyone's right to work doing something they love regardless of how gooey, sticking, dirty, and dangerous that job can be!

This exhibit was originally cohosted by two women owned businesses Salvage & Shine and Dandelion Jewelry.  The hostesses dressed as "Rosies" in honor of "Rosie the Riveter" and taught the children about a time in American history were women were not allowed to work outside of the home.  This art advocacy exhibit featured decorations provided by three Black women owned businesses - Elite Floral Decor, Celebrations of Albany LLC, and Salvage & Shine.

"I like to pop up with a purpose!  As a wearable artist, I like to empower and educate people through arts!  I was ecstatic to see all of the happy parents and children and all of their bright smiling faces after they finished their custom piece(s).  In this exhibit, I wanted children to experience the artistic work environment.  So, I incorporated HR elements like a skills/qualifications test and a metal stamping worksite.  I am grateful to the NYS Office of General Services Special Events Department for sponsoring my concept and hope to showcase this exhibit at future children's events." said Alessandra Payne, owner of Salvage & Shine.