WEXT 2014 LOCAL 518 CALENDAR
WEXT is an Upstate New York NPR affiliate that champions local music and independent artists. The idea for the 2014 Local 518 Calendar began in conversation with Chris Wienk, WEXT’s VP and Program Director. Together, we imagined a creative way to celebrate regional musicians while supporting the station’s annual Fund Drive. Our goal was to highlight twelve bands beloved by WEXT listeners and turn their stories into an immersive visual series that could raise meaningful community support.APPROACH + OUTCOME
SERVICES PROVIDEDLOCATION SCOUTINGSTYLING + CREATIVE DIRECTIONPRODUCTION + LOGISTICSPHOTOGRAPHYSTRATEGIC MARKETINGPERMITS, RELEASES, LICENSING + INSURANCE
Over the course of one month, I led creative direction, production, and photography for all twelve shoots. Each concept was developed through direct collaboration with the artists—translating their sound, energy, and spirit into visual form. I recruited a full volunteer team of stylists, makeup artists, assistants, and videographers, securing locations and managing all logistics, releases, and lookbooks. Together, we donated more than $33,000 in in-kind services to bring the project to life.
The resulting calendar became both a collector’s item and a symbol of regional pride, offered as a thank-you gift for recurring donations during the Fund Drive. The imagery captured the heart of the Local 518 scene and helped generate substantial contributions to WEXT’s mission. To this day, the project remains a reminder of how collaboration, creativity, and community can keep local music thriving.
