Glazer Vision Foundation’s mural at Tampa’s Armature Works can help kids get free glasses

A new mural at Armature Works comes as a result of a partnership between the venue, the Glazer Vision Foundation and the artist collective Pep Rally Inc., and was announced in a news release.

The red, white and blue mural depicts children wearing glasses and says in bold letters: “Glasses for All Children.” The message is the foundation’s mission to provide glasses to children and to “end the silent vision crisis in Tampa Bay.”

When people take selfies in front of the mural or of themselves wearing glasses and share it on social media with the hasthtag #OneShareOnePair, and tag @glazervisionfdn, the Glazer Vision Foundation will provide a free exam and pair of glasses to a child.

The mural was designed and painted by the prolific artist collective Pep Rally, led by Josh Pearson and Greg Bryan.

This is the foundation’s second collaboration with Armature Works. In February, they commissioned a sculpture of a pair of glasses and installed it outside the mixed-use space. The traveling installation also encouraged people to post photos using the hashtag #OneShareOnePair.

The foundation has provided more than 100,000 free eye exams and 20,000 pairs of free prescription glasses to children.

“After the success of the Glazer Vision Foundation eyeglasses sculpture at Armature Works we are excited to host the mural,” Chas Bruck, principal partner at Armature Works, said in the release. “The community art project will not only help beautify the Heights District but will also help families in need so it’s a win/win.”

The foundation is “committed to full-treatment vision correction for underserved children.” It has a Mobile Vision Unit that brings doctors, nurses and eye-care specialists, along with an on-site prescription lens lab and a full selection of eyeglass frames, to communities and schools throughout Tampa Bay.

“We are proud to contribute to one of our area’s most vibrant destinations while supporting children throughout Tampa Bay,” Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, owner-president of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Vision Foundation, said in the release.

She said that one in four children are affected by vision impairment, while one in five can’t afford eye care.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to excel in school to the best of their ability,” she said in the release. “We encourage the community to help spread awareness of this silent vision crisis by sharing selfies and photos of the mural with #OneShareOnePair as we join together to provide free eye exams and glasses to all children in need.”