Mar 31, 2011

Michael Aram To Receive Industry Achievement Award

Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that Michael Aram will be honored with the Gift For Life Industry Achievement Award during the Gifts & Decorative Accessories 60th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards, taking place in August 2011 in New York City.

Michael Aram is an American artist who works primarily in metal. After studying fine art and living as an artist in New York in the late 1980s, Aram discovered the rich metalworking traditions of India.

Today, from his home and workshop in New Delhi, Aram creates designs ranging from tableware to furniture, which are sold in galleries and specialty stores worldwide. Aram hopes that his designs inspire creative interactions with those who house them. Appropriately, in Hindi, “aram” means “gently, with peace, with love and care.” Repeating this direction mantra-like to the craftsmen, Aram has succeeded in making high quality work that is as personal a statement as its appeal is universal.

“Michael’s unique designs are complemented by a deep sense of abiding humanity,” said Leslie Nathan-Street, chair of the Gift for Life board. “We are proud to honor a creative leader who personifies the best qualities of our industry.”

“I am honored to accept this award from an organization whose mission of care continues to support and inspire,” said Michael Aram. “I have observed the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world, and Gift For Life’s determination creates significant progress toward comfort and research.”

In addition to the Industry Achievement Award, Gift for Life hosts regional events throughout the U.S. benefitting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.

For additional information please visit www.giftforlife.org.

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE

Gift for Life, the gift and home decor industry’s volunteer group raising funds for AIDS assistance and research through DIFFA: Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS, was founded in 1992. Since then, Gift for Life has raised nearly $4 million through special events, cause-related marketing, promotions, and from corporate and individual donations.

ABOUT DIFFA

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $38 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. The DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Web site is available at www.diffa.org