Tonya is a friend whom I've met face to face with exactly twice or thrice in ten years of communicating over the Internet. She sent me a note about Canstruction and gall bladder surgery.

Ok no they aren't related events and they didn't even come in the same note.

Let's do cans of peas first because they're more fun.

Tonya sent me an email full of very fascinating images like the one to the left. The image to the left is actually from the Canstruction® 2006 National Winners Press Release which announced the top 10 national winners from the 2005-2006 year (July-June).

From the press release:

The NYDC hosted the 14th Annual CANSTRUCTION Competition & Gala Reception, on November 9 - 22, 2006. I have not seen images from that event online. However, in NYDC's intro video that plays on their home page, it is mentioned that one year they collected and gave away 80,000 cans of food.

From Canstruct's Mission Page:

Mission: Canstruct a World Without Hunger

Trademarked by the Society for Design Administration, and working in tandem with the American Institute of Architects and other members of the design and construction industry, Canstruction® is making a significant contribution to the fight against HUNGER.

Canstruction® combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed hungry people. Competing teams, lead by architects and engineers, showcase their talents by designing giant sculptures made entirely out of canned foods. At the close of the exhibitions all of the food used in the structures is donated to local food banks for distribution to pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, elderly and day care centers.

A visual feast for the eyes, you will not want to miss the eighty Canstruction® Competitions scheduled to occur in 2006-2007.

The NYDC hosted the 14th Annual CANSTRUCTION Competition & Gala Reception, on November 9 - 22, 2006. I have not seen images from that event online. However, in NYDC's intro video that plays on their home page, it is mentioned that one year they collected and gave away 80,000 cans of food. (And no I cannot explain why NY is having their 14th anniversary when Canstruction is half way into their 11th year.)

Look for a Hosted event: Participating Cities

To loads of images go to www.canstruction.org and
1) watch the images on the home page.
2) In the Competitions menu check out the winners from 2006 back to 2002.
3) In the Multimedia menu ... more images.
4) In the About menu there's a PowerPoint.

A good collection of images from the 13th Annual NYDC Canstruction can be seen at The Bridge and Tunnel Club. (Which is a new find for me.)

Oh yeah ... the gall bladder. It's Tonya's turn to have hers out. Pray it goes well.