Alpha Workshops the skint Poll: Occupy Wall Street
The Alpha Workshops is a unique idea. It's the only non-profit in the country that trains people with HIV/AIDS in the decorative arts. Since they started in 1995, Alpha Workshops has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals who train there.
Everything from decorative finishes, gilding, restoration, wallpaper, and lamps is part of their portfolio, and you can customize and purchase any component through their site. Their list of clients now ranges from individuals to the corporate offices of Benjamin Moore, eBay, as well as Gracie Mansion.
Once students have completed their training (which they receive at no cost), they're placed with employers including paint contractors, design shops/showrooms, scenic design shops, furniture manufacturers, frame shops, hand-painted sign shops, auction houses, and hotels with in-house restoration staff. Employers receive a variety of financial incentives including 160 hours of salary reimbursements and annual tax credits.
The school can always use your support. They're also seeking students to enroll—HIV+ men and women, at least 18 years old. If you or some you know might thrive here, they'd love for you to get in touch.
Around town this weekend, courtesy of the skint: a daily listing of free and cheap things to buy, see, do and eat in New York.
fri 7pm: adira amram + the experience host 'funny girls to the front', a showcase of female artists who make music funny on their own terms. new museum, $12.
fri 8pm: expect a gender-bending alice, a puppet jabberwock, and nudity when the storybook burlesque crew interpret lewis carroll's classic through the looking glass. galapagos, $15 adv, $20 door.
sun 11am-4pm: locally-sourced food from 50+ family farmers, chefs and artisanal producers is up for sale at the second annual good food fest. gansevoort plaza (meatpacking district), $20/4 tastings.
sun 1-4pm: bring the family cat/dog/hamster/fish/whatever to hudson river park's annual pet parade. pier 84 at 44th st. prizes for best dressed, trick, etc. free.
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fri 7pm: 
Granted, the goals of Occupy Wall Street are still crystallizing, but what's your take at this point on the protest?
