Recap: 4th Annual Volunteer Day at Griffis Sculpture Park

Date of Event: 09/27/2025

Location: Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto, NY

Number of Attendees: 85

Event Summary: The American Welding Society (Niagara Frontier Section) hosted its 4th Annual Volunteer Day at Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto, NY.
Outstanding Turnout
It was a great day with an impressive turnout of 85 volunteers, including welding students, welding instructors, CWI’s, industry professionals, and AWS supporters.

The day provided a unique opportunity for students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, while instructors and professionals shared expertise and mentorship.
Their involvement underscored the importance of hands-on learning and community engagement within the welding profession.

Hands-On Contributions
The strong support by the welding community ensured that Griffis Park’s renowned sculptures were preserved and enhanced for the thousands of visitors who come each year.

Volunteers were divided into teams, each assigned to a sculpture or park area. Projects included:
• Welding repairs to sculptures
• Painting and refinishing metal structures
• General park cleanup to maintain the grounds and pathways

In summary: The 2025 AWS Volunteer Day at Griffis Sculpture Park was a resounding success, combining craftsmanship, teamwork, and service. The efforts by all volunteers ensured that art and welding came together in a meaningful way that will benefit the park and its visitors for years to come.

85 volunteers including AWS Members from the Niagara Frontier , Rochester and Syracuse sections. Educational Intuitions and their students from BOCES, Northland Workforce and Rochester Arc + Flame Center, volunteers from Griffis Sculpture Park.
Shoulder to shoulder, welding students building skill, grit, and teamwork where the sparks fly.
Welding instructors and students team up in the field—sharing knowledge, refining skills, and tackling real-world welding challenges together.