MLAB MISSION STATEMENT


The Mobile Literacy Arts Bus (MLAB) is an artist-run, renovated recreational vehicle that exists as a flexible space open to community members’ proposals for alternative educational and cultural programming.

MLAB is the collaborative effort of the 2007-2008 Social Sculpture class at Syracuse University, comprised of 10 art and architecture students and lead by artist and Director of Community Initiatives in the Visual Arts of Syracuse University, Marion Wilson. Our mission was to transform a used, 1984 Recreational Vehicle Bus into a Mobile Literacy and Arts Bus for use by the Syracuse City School District and the greater Syracuse Community. MLAB serves as a physical manifestation of Syracuse University’s Scholarship in Action initiative, by pairing University resources with community needs in an attempt to address the staggering drop out rates in the Syracuse City School District High Schools. Through the School of Education at Syracuse University, incredible curricula that bridge photography, poetry and literacy currently exist within the public schools-- however due to a crisis of space, the schools don't always have the space or resources to house it. MLAB is this space. The bus serves as a mobile classroom, digital photo lab, gallery space, and community center. As a team, we did it all: demolition, design, and construction.

MLAB is made possible from the generous support of the School of Education at Syracuse University and Entitiative.


Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Updated Workplan and Tomorrow

This is what I can imagine that needs to be covered still and can be done tomorrow. I am sending this out now so people can respond in advance.

Workplan:
I am in the process of hiring David Clayton to work directly with Zach and me in the interim while Zach is recovering. This will keep the work flow moving and Zach involved as the lead on wood fabrication - at least conceptually. The rest of the class will be able to continue as they have creating the aggregate wood pieces and both can work with me. David Clayton has the necessary insurance and permission to work in the woodshop so this should be a seamless transition.

Tomorrow we can continue with putting up the walls below 24inches with the two David's in the RV with Zach leading the work activity. Nicolette, Vince, Marco can assist.

We need three or four people to unload the cart of wood from Stickley and if it is dry enough cut it down to 8ft pieces and store somewhere. Samantha, Jessica, Marion, Roslyn, Julia, Yun Pei

Remaining Design Issues for all: wood furniture, ceiling, accessibility.
I suggest we discuss ramp and door first as issues of accessibility. Possibility of purchasing both as we now have a budget for them.

Also need to welcome and introduce Matt. Determine his work plan for the week and who can assist him and when....

Thoughts? People can switch jobs above if they prefer.
Marion

2 comments:

Vincent Appel said...

Matt is in town and anxious to meet all tomorrow. We stopped by the bus this evening with Zach to catch him up on our progress. The three of us were assessing the door and the front wall unit, which were two projects we thought could be tackled by Monday.

Little progress on the website... but lots to talk about.

Marion said...

Look forward to meeting him.
On thing to think about is the possibility of purchasing a wider door and putting it in with the bill of the ramp. David Harris said the they cost between 300-500.
David Clayton is coming tomorrow from 3-6 also to work on wood with Zach.