Skilled Trades Get a Creative Boost as Detroit Artists Reimagine the Hard Hat
Key Highlights
- The event runs from December 2 to December 10, 2025, with online bidding opening on Giving Tuesday
- Collaborations include transforming hard hats into lamps, glass sculptures, and metal art, symbolizing Detroit’s industrial and creative spirit
- Proceeds benefit youth-focused workforce development programs, empowering the next generation of tradespeople and artists in Detroit
DETROIT, MI — Hard Hats for Detroit, presented by Sachse Construction, returns with a citywide collaboration that pairs builders, makers, and artists to spotlight creativity in the skilled trades. This year’s program invites industry sponsors to partner with Detroit artists to transform construction hard hats into one-of-a-kind art pieces, with all proceeds supporting youth-focused workforce development across the city.
“Hard Hats for Detroit connects the people who build our city—artists, makers, and tradespeople—with the next generation learning to do the same,” said Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction. “This year, we invited industry sponsors to join the effort and expand our impact. Together, we’re using creativity and craftsmanship to strengthen Detroit’s future.”
Bidding opens on Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and closes Wednesday, December 10 at hardhatsfordetroit.com.
Milwaukee Tool × Bo Shepherd: Crafting New Purpose From Old Materials
Milwaukee Tool partners with Bo Shepherd of Woodward Throwbacks to support Focus: HOPE’s construction apprenticeship program. Their collaboration reimagines a vintage hard hat as a functional lamp—blending toolmaker heritage, reuse-focused design, and skilled craftsmanship.
"Milwaukee Tool is committed to supporting the skilled trades," said Justin Ross, Senior National Account Manager at Milwaukee Tool. "Partnering with Bo and Focus: HOPE helps us deliver on that commitment with real, visible impact."
“As builders and designers, we get to imagine new lives for old materials every day,” said Bo Shepherd. “This piece reminds me that craftsmanship and community impact come from the same source, putting your hands to good use.”
“This project celebrates Detroit’s makers while helping our neighbors gain the skills and confidence to build lasting careers,” added Tiffany Graydon, Director of Workforce Development and Education at Focus: HOPE.
LuxWall × April Wagner: Glass, Fire, and Energy Performance
Michigan-based LuxWall, the innovator behind Transparent Insulation, teams up with glass artist April Wagner of Epiphany Studios to support EcoWorks Detroit. Their hard hat sculpture—crafted entirely from molten glass—reflects precision, light, and the shared goal of strengthening Detroit’s built environment through energy performance and workforce development.
“This piece mirrors what LuxWall stands for,” said Scott Thomsen, CEO of LuxWall. “Precision, creativity, and a shared responsibility to bettering the built environment.”
“As a glass artist, I’m fascinated by how something fragile can become strong through fire,” said April Wagner. “That transformation felt like the perfect metaphor for what this initiative represents; creating opportunity, resilience, and beauty from hard work.”
“EcoWorks trains Detroiters for careers that make our city more sustainable,” said Briana DuBose, Executive Director of EcoWorks Detroit. “This collaboration with LuxWall and April shows how art and innovation can work together to inspire a sustainable, more equitable future.”
Carhartt × Josh Welton: Metalwork Rooted in Detroit’s Industrial Backbone
Carhartt and Detroit metal artist Josh Welton of Brown Dog Welding join forces to support the Welding Department at Randolph Career & Technical Center. Their welded steel hard hat pays tribute to the grit, precision, and industrial identity of Detroit’s tradesworkers.
“We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at Randolph Career and Technical Center to invest in the next generation of welders in our hometown of Detroit,” said Todd Corley, Chief People & Impact Officer at Carhartt. “At Carhartt, we’re proud to support students’ education and growth as they pursue rewarding career opportunities available in the skilled trades.”
“For me, welding has always been a mix of art and trade,” said Josh Welton. “This project feels like home because it’s about showing young people that being creative and building a career can come from the same place.”
“Detroit’s future is being built by the hands of DPSCD students,” said Kerrie Mitchell, President and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. “Support from partners like Carhartt and Sachse Construction turns classrooms into launchpads for lifelong careers and reinforces the DPSCD Foundation’s mission to connect students with workforce-ready opportunities.”
Momentum from Detroit’s Creative Community
Hard Hats for Detroit continues to grow its creative network and philanthropic reach each year.
In 2024, artists Olivia Guterson, Nicole Jarecz, and India Solomon partnered with Empowerment Plan, Alternatives for Girls, and BasBlue to support mentorship and economic independence for young women.
In 2023, artists Eric “El Cappy” Lowry, Mike Han, and Phillip Simpson collaborated with Downtown Boxing Gym, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, and The Konnection to advance youth education and empowerment.
Across each year, Hard Hats for Detroit turns jobsite symbols of protection and labor into catalysts for opportunity—reinforcing Detroit’s commitment to investing in young builders.
Key Dates
• Bidding Opens: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 (Giving Tuesday)• Bidding Closes: Wednesday, December 10, 2025• Cocktail Reception: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 5–7 PM at Robyn Detroit, 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit, MI 48201• Website:hardhatsfordetroit.com
Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.