Designs sought for Gabriel’s House bench project

PALMDALE – The city of Palmdale is seeking individuals or groups to design and paint backyard benches that will be located at Gabriel’s House, one of the city’s Neighborhood Houses.

“You or your group can design and paint a backyard bench for the kids and families who come to Gabriel’s House,” stated Palmdale’s Housing Coordinator Terri-Lei Wheeler. “We are looking for fun and colorful designs to inspire a very artistic and talented group of kids.”

This community project is being done in partnership with local Girl Scout Taylor Moore as she works on her Gold Award.

Interested persons or groups should email either a drawing or verbal description of their design to Taylor Moore at disneyluvr101@yahoo.com by Sunday, Feb. 14.

There are six 7-foot by 17-inch tall benches to paint.

The six designs selected will be painted by the individuals or groups on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Gabriel’s House, located at 38553 4th Street East in Palmdale.

Paint, paintbrushes, pizza and water will be provided. Paint colors provided will be basic primary colors in yellow, black, white and red. Participants may bring their own additional colors and supplies as well. The names of the individuals or groups who are selected will be showcased on the bench.

“If you need some hours for school, this is a great way to get community service,” Wheeler said.

For more information on this project, call Palmdale’s Neighborhood Services department at 661-267-5126.

About Gabriel’s House

The Palmdale City Council voted unanimously to approve a new Neighborhood House in Focus Neighborhood 3 and name it “Gabriel’s House,” in memory of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez who was tragically killed after child abuse. Working with local partners from The Art Branch, “Gabriel’s House” serves as a free music and performing arts center to provide children in the area with the opportunity to develop their creative talents.

The Warnack Foundation donated $20,000 to Gabriel’s house for musical instruments, sheet music, equipment and miscellaneous supplies.

[Information via news release from the city of Palmdale.]

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