The entire vibe for the Harmony Walk on October 5th, 2024 needs to be summed up in the t-shirt design, anchored by an eye-catching piece of art that becomes ubiquitous in all flyers, banners, San Francisco Chronicle newspaper advertisements (digital and print sponsor), and on ABC 7’s newscast, since they are the television sponsor this year. That’s a tall order for a graphic designer. When the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program also known as GRIP’s board of directors wanted a fresh look, incorporating people, togetherness, and the idea of a Harmony “walk in the park,” they knew exactly who to go to.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been captivated by design—the way even the tiniest edits can completely change how a piece is perceived,” said Albany High School design student, senior Kate Gough. “I also love getting involved in my community and making a positive impact, so creating the logo for GRIP’s annual Harmony Walk has given me the perfect opportunity to do both!”
Gough is one of the professional-level designers who hone their skills in a unique hands-on learning experience put together by Albany’s Jeff Castle, who created a technology and design program where students create everything from brochures to billboards, and occasionally this crosses over into work in the community.
“I spend my days teaching young people how to design for clarity, build for utility and execute everything with an appreciation for style and attention to the details,” writes Castle on LinkedIn. “There’s not a job in the world that could challenge me more than — or make me smile as much as — teaching at a public high school. I honestly, truly, love it.”
His passion for excellence imbues his students with the same pragmatic yet creative sensibilities.
“When the “walk in the park” tagline idea was introduced, I knew I wanted to incorporate a path into the design, connecting it to the H in “Harmony” for a more fluid look,” Gough explains. “The trees add a touch of nature, illustrating the park theme, while the diverse group of people walking along the path represents the vibrant Bay Area community.”
“Combining my passion for design with my love for helping people through this logo has been the most rewarding part of the process, providing an outlet for my creativity and a chance to contribute to a cause I care about.”
You can get a limited edition, Gough-designed t-shirt by signing up for the 38th Annual Harmony Walk… in the park! Nicholl Park on MacDonald Ave. in Richmond, to be precise. Registration is on sale this year, with the ability to buy an unlimited number of registrations which include the commemorative t-shirt, for just $12 after buying the first standard registration at $38. Come enjoy food trucks from Black Star Pirate BBQ (yes, the amazing restaurant is BACK as a food truck) and the fusion cuisine at Curbside Kitchen, plus music, celebrity guests, local politicians, games, kids’ activities, and of course the walk over to GRIP to see all the work going on to care for 15,000 housing and food insecure people in the West County region.
As a registered event attendee, you will have access to all Harmony Walk events and activities. This includes that Harmony Walk t-shirt, registration as a walker or runner in the short (~1 mile) fun run, 5 raffle tickets, a donation to GRIP, a discount pass to Columbia Sportswear, a GRIP sticker, and a free sweet treat of your choice. By registering online, you’ll receive 5 raffle tickets – that’s a 5x better chance to win one of our exciting prizes including dining, merchandise, and passes to Disneyland! The walking tour to GRIP and back begins at 10:00 on the lawn. Our program of speakers, our raffle, and live musical performances will begin at 11:00 am.
The Harmony Walk is a critically important event that helps GRIP connect with our neighborhood and that brings in funding to allow GRIP to continue to carry out needed services for the community.
Thank you to our sponsors Chevron, Sims Metal, LifeLong Medical Care, Kaiser Permanente, EBMUD, Ameriprise Financial Services LLC, MA Hayes Insurance, Curbside Kitchen, ABC7, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
