The Chair Affair is happening yet again! An important fundraiser for Art Center Ukiah (ACU), it’s an event that neither artists nor patrons ever seem to get tired of. In the 18 years of ACU’s existence, there have been a whopping 210 chairs created and sold.
The format is that local artists find old but serviceable chairs and turn them into beautiful, unique… and sometimes wild… works of art. Some are painted, some are upholstered, some are festooned with fanciful embellishments and a few are created from scratch with cane or recycled wood. All are boundlessly creative and useable as one-of-a-kind and comment-worthy furniture for homes and porches.
All of the artists donate their creations to ACU, where they are set out for a silent auction throughout the month of July. Highest bidders for each chair at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 25 take their prize. Each chair is also sponsored by one or two local individuals and businesses, in a generous statement of support for ACU and all that it contributes to our community.
Jan Chan is a committed ACU supporter who has purchased a whopping 13 chairs over the years. “I’m a huge fan,” she says. “Whenever I hear there’s going to be another Chair Affair I look forward to it with great enthusiasm. I love the creativity that’s on display from all of our local artists.” Among her favorite chairs that she has purchased over the years are a rocking chair that has a waterfall that goes down the back and puddles on the seat. There is also a stool painted with koi and a child’s table and chair set with a painted checkerboard and mermaids. “They’re all magical,” Jan says with a twinkle in her voice.
Jan uses her collection of chairs as functional dining room chairs. “They all go together because the ones I have chosen all have fish or nautical designs which fit perfectly in our house on the coast,” she explains. “I continue to enjoy them no matter how many years go by… they’re art installations that are practical. It’s a feast for the eyes with all the different art. My dad was an artist, so I have an artful eye… but I can’t draw a straight line myself. I love being surrounded by art in all different forms.”
On a wry note Jan continues, “I have a ‘Chan’ room in my house with a Chairman Mao chair and a carved wooden one with quilted Chinese dragons on both the back and the seat. My husband grew up in his dad’s Chinese restaurant, so food and cooking have always been a big part of his life. So our Asian dining room is fun and comforting and a great way to honor John’s parents. It’s a special gathering spot and it’s all about remembering and celebrating John’s Chinese ancestors.”
Emjay Wilson is another of ACU’s treasured chair collectors, having purchased four over the years. “Our home is just filled with art,” she says. “With the world getting worse and worse, I just love being surrounded by beauty. The chairs are so whimsical and fun, and they add to our house. We see them as decorations. One chair with a ballerina motif is in my ‘Princess Room’ upstairs, which I created for visiting grandchildren. We also have a guest house where we feature another chair, and a couple live on our deck. It’s important to us to support the wonderful artists in our community.”
Dora Briley is a repeat artist rather than a repeat chair collector like Jan and Emjay. Dora entered a painted chair in the Chair Affair 10 years ago… it was the first time she had ever shown any of her artwork in a gallery, and now this will be her fifth year of donating her art to the event. Dora has become an active member of the Mendocino County Art Association and she regularly shows her art at the Savings Bank of Mendocino County and the Corner Gallery. She has also painted the walls of the Ukiah Fitness Center’s pool area with a flurry of fanciful nautical animals. This year Dora has entered not one, not two, but three beautiful painted chairs.
The Chair Affair will be open to the public from July 1 through July 26. The Friday opening celebration will be on the second Friday of the month, July 11, on account of the Fourth of July holiday. Hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Live guitar music will be presented throughout the evening by Teddy Keez.
The Corner Gallery is located at 201 S. State St. in Ukiah. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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