Yes, we can!

(Friday, Nov. 5) Enjoy the new sculptures at Meridian Mall while you can — Canstruction doesn't last forever. All the structures on view in the mall were made out of cans of food, which will be donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank when the art is dismantled Sunday, Nov. 7. Any money contributed during the event will also be earmarked for the food bank.

The annualdesign-and-build competition was established by a nonprofit organization of thesame name as an international charity event.

“It’s an organization based in Atlanta," says Dan Bollman, President of the Mid-Michigan chapter of AmericanInstitute of Architects. "I participated in one of their events in Augusta, Ga., back in 2005. When Imoved back to Michigan, I decided it wasn’t a bad idea to give it a shothere.”

Four local teams participated,including students that are part of the Mid-Michigan chapter of AIA atLansing Community College. There will be prizes awarded to the top sculptors.

“There will be three localjudges: the gentleman from Saper Galleries in East Lansing; Bob Smith, thepast president of the Mid-Michigan chapter, of AIA; and April Allen, an interiordesigner,” says Matt McGaughey,Associate President of Mid-Michigan Chapter, American Institute of Architects.“Locally, this has never been done before. I think it’s been done in GrandRapids one or two times before. We are hoping that we get good exposure.”