A collection of 17 repurposed chairs, professionally reupholstered and painted by Conestoga’s Interior Decorating students, are now on display at the central branch of the Kitchener Public Library. The collection will be available until March 11 when the chairs will be auctioned off at the annual CHAIRity Gala to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity.
Visit KPL's Central branch to view a collection of repurposed chairs crafted by Interior Decorating students. Each chair was inspired by a famous artist and will be auctioned off at Conestoga's CHAIRity fundraiser on March 11.
CHAIRity was launched in 2012 by Leslee Squirrell, Conestoga’s Interior Decorating program coordinator and faculty member. Second-year students refurbish old, unwanted chairs and sell them through an auction with proceeds directed to a variety of local charities and non-profits. Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $18,000.
For the first time since its inception, the collection of repurposed chairs is on display at the Kitchener Public Library (KPL) for viewing. Students were required to refurbish chairs based on famous paintings and drew inspiration from a range of artists including Van Gogh, Liechtenstein, Monet and Renoir. Books about each artist were selected from the Library’s collection to complement the display.
"We're happy to have the opportunity to partner with Conestoga College for this year's annual CHAIRity fundraising event,” said Dale Dyce, KPL’s manager, marketing and communications. ”Not only does the installation create a beautiful display area in our popular Central Library Reading Lounge, but we're also thrilled the library has been selected as the beneficiary of the 2018 CHAIRity fundraising campaign."
Students completed the chairs as part of their third semester course work during the Fall 2016 term. The chairs were donated by Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Waterloo.
“I believe this installation of re-imagined art in the library is a first for the community,” said Squirrell. “To see and appreciate art in a new context, while also encouraging people to visit the Library and use its collection to learn more about various artists and paintings, is a perfect pairing.”
The CHAIRity installation is available for viewing during the Library’s operating hours. The CHAIRity Gala will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on March 11 in the Library’s main lounge and will feature silent and live auctions, music and refreshments. Visit the event listing for more information.
Conestoga’s Interior Decorating two-year diploma program provides students with the opportunity to develop interior decorating skills and knowledge. Students are introduced to the latest computer applications, effective use of materials and elements of design.