On a recent cold and dreary December day, Heidi Gallery at JSDD was bursting with warmth and vibrant color. Not just from the captivating artwork on the walls of the current exhibition, “To Be Determined,” but from crates upon crates of brightly colored Legos. The room was alive with excitement and anticipation as volunteer board members, and staff prepared tables with trays of Legos for a special workshop donated and led by architect Stephen Schwartz, his wife Bunny and their son Michael Schwartz.
The mission for the day was ambitious: to build a towering 12-foot menorah out of approximately 100,000 Legos. This unique project marked Stephen’s 18th year leading Lego menorah workshops, a tradition he holds dear. However, this wasn’t the first time Stephen collaborated with the WAE Center community. In 2013, he worked with WAE Center members to create a stunning Lego chair for the “Chairs of Inclusion” exhibit. The experience of working with WAE members was pivotal and became the inspiration for Stephen to envision JSDD’s future home on Eisenhower Parkway.
The menorah-building workshop was a testament to teamwork, creativity, and inclusion. WAE Center members paired up to craft individual Lego squares that would form the base of the menorah. Each participant had the opportunity to choose their own color combinations and patterns, infusing their squares with personality and artistry. Yael, who partnered with JSDD Board President Larry Rein, selected blue and white for her design, explaining that they represent the colors of the Israeli flag.
For members with dexterity challenges, their partners stepped in as their hands, carefully placing each Lego according to the member’s vision. The results were stunning: each section of the menorah was unique and impressive, a reflection of the individuality and choices of every participant.
Once the square bases were complete, the group gathered around Stephen, Michael and Bunny to watch the menorah come to life. Piece by piece, the colorful squares were assembled into a magnificent structure. Todd commented with awe that he had never seen anything like it before.
After all of the pieces were in place, Michael climbed a ladder to actually light the candles on the menorah. The room filled with cheers and the voices of WAE Center members, staff, and volunteers singing the Hanukkah blessings together. It was a poignant and joyous moment, one that beautifully symbolized the power of collaboration, creativity, and community.
Through projects like these, the WAE Center continues to embody its mission of fostering inclusion and self-expression through the arts. The Lego menorah stands not only as a remarkable work of art but also as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together, share their talents, and build something extraordinary brick by brick.
