Sachse Construction believes community is built from more than brick and mortar. Our team has recently partnered with artists Eric “El Cappy” Lowry, Mike Han, and Phillip Simpson, pairing them with local not-for-profit youth organizations to create a unique fundraising auction – HARD HATS FOR DETROIT. Each artist has designed a one-of-a-kind hard hat representing their unique interpretation of the spirit of Detroit to build a brighter future for the next generation.

The online auction allows bidders to select a specific artist’s work and, in-turn, support the partner organization’s mission. Proceeds from each artwork will equally benefit the Downtown Boxing Gym, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, and The Konnection.

“Our team has a long-standing commitment to youth programming in Detroit,” said Todd Sachse, CEO, Sachse Construction, who has also served for nine years on the board of directors at the Downtown Boxing Gym. “We’re excited to partner with these talented artists to support students through the power of art.”

The hard hats are publicly displayed at Sachse Construction’s office in downtown Detroit. Interested collectors can bid online beginning November 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The auction closes on December 8, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

Click this link to register and bid!

Each piece has its own story to tell and mission to support. Learn more about what makes these one-of-a-kind art pieces as unique as the mission they support.

ERIC “El CAPPY” LOWRY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DOWNTOWN BOXING GYM

Eric “El Cappy” Lowry, a Detroit-based, self-taught artist, and sneaker designer, is well-known for his imaginative and edgy artwork celebrating pop culture. Using strategically cut clippings from books and magazines, Lowry meticulously created intricate patterns and imagery to connect the dots between Detroit, students, books, and boxing. Lowry has worked with Shinola, Stella McCartney, and Nike, among others, and his artwork will benefit the Downtown Boxing Gym, a free afterschool academic and athletic program for students ages 8-18. Follow El Cappy on Instagram: @elcappy.

“It’s an honor to support the work at the Downtown Boxing Gym,” said Eric “El Cappy” Lowry. “While boxing is the hook, the program supports students academically and creatively. It’s a program all students should be able to access.”

 Eric “EL Cappy” Lowry | Hard Hat Photo Credit: Brad Ziegler Photography

MIKE HAN  IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

Mike Han is a Detroit-based artist and designer whose creative practice strives to achieve a dynamic balance in art and life by connecting people, places, and purpose. His organic and abstract character line work on a unique black carbon hard hat is influenced by his Korean heritage, Keith Haring, and modern design. Han has painted murals for Google, Ford Motor Co., and LinkedIn, among others, and his artwork will benefit the financial, career readiness, and entrepreneurship programming at Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. Follow Mike Han on Instagram: @mikehan_detroit.

“I wish I had the opportunity to attend a Junior Achievement financial literacy program when I was starting my career,” said Mike Han. “It’s so important for artists, and really anyone, to understand money and business and it’s rewarding to support an organization that provides this programming to creative students.”

Mike Han | Headshot Photo Credit: CJ Benninger | Hard Hat Photo Credit: Brad Ziegler Photography

PHILLIP SIMPSON IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KONNECTION

Born and raised in Detroit, Phillip Simpson aims to spread smiles. He is the creative force behind the lifestyle brand SMILE, spreading joy through art, optimistic messages, and locally manufactured apparel and accessories. Simpson’s hard hat features the distinctive bright and bold smiley faces the fine artist and muralist has become known for. He has painted over a dozen murals for the City of Detroit, Quicken Loans, and the ACLU, along with commissioned artwork for some of the world’s best-known brands. Simpson’s artwork will benefit The Konnection, a Detroit-based after-school program encouraging students to improve school performance and attendance. Follow Phillip Simpson on Instagram: @artbyphillipsimpson.

“When I learned 77% of students enrolled in The Konnection had increased their attendance by 20%, I was blown away,” said Phillip Simpson. “We all know showing up with a smile is the key to success, and I’m grateful to support a mission that makes this possible.”

Phillip Simpson | Headshot Photo Credit: Moon/Lunar Haus | Hard Hat Photo Credit: Brad Ziegler Photography

Please contact Jill Brack at jbrack@sachse.net with any questions.

Cover Photo Credit: Brad Ziegler Photography