`The Chair Project' benefit auction August 19, 2011

Ten unique "chairs" designed and constructed by local artists and designers will be auctioned to benefit Pratt Fine Arts Center. The chairs are part of "The Chair Project," a joint effort between Pratt Fine Arts Center and Seattle Design Center.

The teams came together over the past year to create 10 different versions of a "chair." Some are elegant traditional designs that can still be sat upon. Others were transformed into new forms, including one that hangs as a chandelier.

Not just a functional piece of furniture, the chair has risen from a simple three-legged stool to rest a weary body to a symbol of dignity that is still used as the emblem of authority in the House of Commons in the United Kingdom and Canada. In some cases, it has morphed into an iconic design form, proudly displayed in museums throughout the world.

The Chair Project has been displayed at various venues throughout Seattle since the chairs were completed in February.

Chair Project Teams include:

Artist Laura Ward, www.laurawardart.com, and designer Sylvia Bolton, www.sylviabolton.com.

Artist Steve Jensen, www.stevejensenstudios.com, and designer Nancy Burfiend, www.nbdesigngroup.net.

Artist Chris McMullen, www.chrismcmullenproductions.com, and designer Scott Cole, www.ardeodesign.com.

Artist Larry Calkins, www.calkinsart.net, and designer Tyler Engle, www.tylerengle.com.

Artist Tom DeGroot, www.tomdegroot.com, and designer Gretchen Evans, www.gretchenevansdesign.com.

Artist Piper O'Neill, www.piperoneill.net, and designer JPC Architects, www.jpcarchitects.com.

Artist Romson Bustillo, http://romson.tumblr.com, and designer Susan Marinello, www.susanmarinello.com.

Artist Brian Murphy, www.paintbrianmurphy.com, and designer Jennifer Randall, www.jradesigns.com.

Artist Jared Rue www.jaredrue.com, and designer Steven Hensel, www.henseldesignstudios.com.

Artist Judith Kindler, www.judithkindler.com, and designer Barbara Hyde Evans, www.hydeevansdesign.com.

Official Website: http://www.pratt.org/happenings/chair_project.html