Green Finishes

This presentation will feature three experienced local leaders in Green finishes sharing their “boots on the ground” experience in working with three different Green finishing systems. Ray Wetzel will share his experience with Vermont Natural Coating, Fred Rivera about Rubio Monocoat, and Paul Hickman will talk about AFM Naturals (paint, oil wax finish etc). What worked, what didn’t work, and best practices tips and advice to help you incorporate more sustainable finishes into your product offering.

Hosted by Daniel and Delphine Stevens owners of the retail store, Bgreen Today. Bgreen is our area’s leading Green/Sustainable/Healthy building products supplier- 6,000 square feet of sustainable bliss. At this presentation you will have a chance to not only learn from the best, but also to see, touch and feel a host of Green products that might just want to find their way into your next project.

Raymond Wetzel of Raymond Wetzel Design
Raymond Wetzel has a broad experience as an artist, working as a set designer for dance companies and individual artists, an exhibition designer, a cabinet maker, and a furniture maker. In addition, Ray runs his own exhibition design and manufacturing business. He has taught at the University of Michigan, Allegheny College, and has worked with students from the Rudolf Steiner School in Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor Public Schools. Wetzel works as a cabinet/furniture maker in his community and is an artist in residence. He also has taught at the College for Creative Studies for the past 12 years.

Fred Rivera of Arevir Hardwood Floors
Licensed insured residential builder. Fred Installs/finishes and refinishes solid hardwood floors only. Opened Arevir Hardwood Floors in November of 2003. Originally from Michigan, lived in New Mexico for 12 years. Graduate of the University of New Mexico. I live in Ann Arbor with my wife and 14 month old son.

Paul Hickman of Urban Ashes
Paul Hickman began his career at 15 as a sign painter. He then built a notable career as a artist/designer/project manager in the scenic-arts industry, where he experimented, refined and expanded his design and finish repertoire. In 1999, after years of working with toxic and environmentally degrading paints and materials, he launched his own art and design firm, focusing on safer and more environmentally conscious alternatives. Paul is the founder and president of Urban Ashes picture frame company.

Speakers: Ray Wetzel, Fred Rivera, Paul Hickman

Date/Time: June 6th, 2013 / 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Cost: Absolutely Free

Location: 2111 Packard St. Ste. A, Ann Arbor MI 48104

Phone: 734.996.0100

Email: bgreentoday@hotmail.com

Event Sponsors

Bgreen Today
Bgreen was established in January of 2008 by Daniel & Delphine Stephens. The primary purpose of Bgreen is to promote products that reduce indoor air pollution by reducing the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds that we are exposed to in traditional building supply products. We offer low VOC products for the home, such as AFM paints, stains, sealers, water based adhesives, finishes by Vermont Natural Coating and Rubio Monocoat, Cork, Linoleum and Bamboo flooring, and Quartz countertops.

Corporate Sponsor

Big George’s Appliance Mart
Big George’s Home Appliance Mart has been a family owned, local business in Ann Arbor since 1959. We provide our customers with a wide selection of affordable and premium home appliances, home automation and television, fireplace and mattress products. Our purpose is to exceed expectations through personable service with a courteous and efficient delivery team that is timely with minimal disruption to your time and schedule. We are proud of our repeat and referred customer relationships. We pride ourselves on earning an Energy Star Dealer of the Year Award for the 4th straight year by presenting the benefits of energy efficient appliances. Our building features a green roof that reduces heating/cooling costs, limits storm water run-off, and creates a usable space to celebrate the green movement.

Supporting Sponsors

The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor (BRAG Ann Arbor), established in 1956, represents more than 300 members and is committed to high standards for the housing industry. Through networking opportunities, education, marketing, activism, and events, we connect businesses and the public in effort to improve our community.