A Chair Affair

2008 Past Chair Gallery
2009 Past Chair Gallery

Here are chairs that will be featured this year (click on the thumbnail for a larger image):


With a Happy Heart and Feather Boa   Artisan: Karen A. LeQuia   Sponsor: Accounting & Tax Associates   Beautiful and bright, this set of chair, stool and feather boa, will definitely brighten up your and your child’s day. This set’s whimsical design and colors will remind you to keep a happy heart on everything you do.

Trash to Treasure Child’s Table   Artisan: Jerrold Stoflet   Sponsor: Accord Electric   Jerry describes himself as “dumpster diver”. With permission, he selects wood that would otherwise be put in the dump and creates something useful of it. This practical and nicely made set of table and four chairs is the perfect arts and crafts table for your little ones. Or maybe puzzles? Tea? Ohh.. the possibilities!

Take a Seat on Wisteria Lane   Contributor: Tom and Tammy Westby, ABC Studios   Sponsor: Yaggy Colby Associates & Schwickert’s Roofing   Desperate Housewives in Rochester? Well, almost! This is chair from the Desperate Housewives hit show and it has been autographed by the cast on the show. Now you can have the artists on your favorite show right in your living room. This original wooden chair includes a poster and season DVDs.

Paging Dr. Grey   Contributor: Tom and Tammy Westby, ABC Studios   Sponsor: Rodney D. Anderson Law Office   McSteamy…McDreamy… You don’t have to choose because all of the cast members of Grey’s Anatomy have autographed this chair for you to enjoy! This hit TV show keeps us enthralled week after week, now you can watch it in your own chair from the actual set of the show! This original director’s chair also includes a poster and season DVDs.

South of India   Artisan: Holly K. Sleeper   Sponsor: Blades to Ballet   Originally a kitchen chair, almost magically transformed by the artist into a beautiful chair fit for a Princess. It is pink, sparkly and comes with a feather boa, perfect for you or the Princess in your life.

Stool   Artisan: Mary DeVinny   Sponsor: Hers   Mary is a 3-year artist who, after retirement from the working world, enjoys exploring her creative side. She enjoys being able to turn something old into a contemporary piece using paint and collage; being able to contribute to this very worthy fundraising is very rewarding for her. This simply called “Stool” with bright colors on a dark background is a very fine example of Mary’s talents.

Bear Chairs   Artisan: Mark Mulholland   Sponsor: KTTC   Goldilocks will never be able to make up her mind when she sees these three wonderful chairs. Mark designed the chairs himself and they are beautifully crafted of burr oak and walnut that was provided by the Canadian Honker. Each one of them is carved with “mama”, “papa” and “baby”, so our three favorite bears know where to sit down and enjoy a meal together or read a book.

Toad Stool   Artisan: Bob & Joan Nowicki   Sponsor: Essig Agency   This fun stool was hand carved by Rochester City Council member Bob Nowicki; also know for creating the Barefoot Santas. It has beautiful and detailed toads carved around and plays on the phrase “toad” stool. It is definitely one of a kind!! Bob’s philosophy in life is “Eat a live toad first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen for the rest of the day.” (This comes in handy when serving on the City Council).

Rockin’ with the Rolling Stones   Artisan: Bob & Jacquelyn Bonsi   Sponsor: KXLT Fox 47   You don’t have to be a fan of rock ‘n’ roll to appreciate the uniqueness of this chair. Jacque and Bob Bonsi have created this little rocker using clear Baroque glass and “stones” that are actually sliced and polished agate from as far as Brazil and as close as the American Southwest. In a darkened room, with some light underneath, it will cast a kaleidoscope of remarkable color on everything that surrounds you.

Asymmetry   Artisan: David & Kristine Dinsmore   Sponsor: Blekre Appraisal Services   Dave Dinsmore has done it again. He has created a beautiful high back chair, in a great matte finish of walnut and cherry woods. With its ample seat and high back, it is both functional and a great conversation piece. His parting comment about creating this chair was that it got in the way of his fishing. Thanks for making the fish wait Dave!

Hippo!   Artisan: David & Kristine Dinsmore   Sponsor: Dunlap & Seeger   It’s ba-aack! Dave’s favorite creation Hippo! Has resurfaced and is ready for someone to give him a good home. This chair was created using large pieces of naturally formed wood. Dave is a master at creating functional art without many alterations to the existing beauty of the wood.

Jack and Diane   Artisan: Shari & Haley Kirkham   Sponsor: Hirman Insurors   Jack and Diane are funky, swiveling his and her stools created by 14-year-old Haley and her step-mom Shari. Shari and Haley spent around 40 hours working together to create these fun stools. They are decorated using brightly colored paints and fabric on the backs and seats. They will sure make your mornings brighter!

LEGO Chair   Artisan: Nathan Sawaya   Sponsor: Charter Communications   An amazing child size creation by LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya. Some artists choose paint, or metal but Nathan chose to create his art using LEGO building blocks. The chair is created exclusively of red LEGO blocks… no glue, no fasteners. It has been a favorite piece in his New York studio collection (now touring North American museums), and now it can be yours!

Quiet Sanctuary   Artisan: Deborah L. Vosler   Sponsor: Custom Alarm   Deb’s intention was to create a soulful place of rest. The high back to this deacon style chair was formerly an amber stained glass window in the sanctuary of Faith Methodist United Church in Eyota, MN. Removed in 2001, Deb has kept the window and has now found a new home for it in this awe-inspiring piece. The oak woodwork was created by master woodworker Leroy Higgins; the stained glass, Dove of Peace, was created by Deb Vossler; and the 3-in-1 prayer shawl was crocheted by Sue Kiel; all current members of Faith Methodist United Church.

Coffee Time   Artisan: Mary Jo Bequette   Sponsor: Tazza Espresso Bar & Catering   Wake up everyone… it’s time for coffee! This is Mary Jo’s sixth year as A Chair Affair contributor and this time she has done it with one of her favorite things in life, coffee. This chair invites you to sit down, relax and sip some java.

Repi-silla   Artisan: Jenny Hegland   Sponsor: Corporate Web Services, Inc.   Repi-silla is a whimsical departure from traditional square shelves. It introduces excellent craftsmanship in a one-of-a-kind piece for a foyer or a designed room. A chair not to sit on but to sit with!

Chairilyn Monroe   Artisan: Leisa Luis Grill   Sponsor: Beyond Kitchens   This is Leisa’s fifth year participating in A Chair Affair, and we are s glad she is back. A chair to sing “Happy Birthday Mister President”; Chairilyn Monroe is a tribute to the famous actress, a simpler time, and an era when a few extra pounds were still considered “sexy”. Although Leisa has used all of the famous “Jean” chairs, she hopes a Norma Jean chair will be just as successful!

Game Table   Artisan: Arlan Walton   Sponsor: Panera Bread   Woodworker Arlan Walton has the record for creating more chairs for A Chair Affair than any other artist! His craftsmanship is wonderful and this set of table and two stools are no exception. Created of solid cherry wood, this set will ensure lots of hours of fun!

Hobby Horse   Artisan: Arlan Walton   Sponsor: Premier Bank   This beautiful rocking horse is another Arlan Walton original. As we have come to expect from Arlan, this cherry rocking horse is made of solid wood, beautifully crafted with a lot of attention to details. A great addition to the play area of the child in your life!

Adirondack and Stool   Artisan: Arlan Walton   Sponsor: George F.Restovich & Associates   Our most productive artist does it again. This time with a big, sturdy Adirondack and foot stool… just looking at it makes you think of a relaxing, warm summer day and ice-cold lemonade. Handcrafted in solid pine, would be a wonderful addition to your porch or backyard.

Your Personal Pool Table   Artisan: Merlin Ricklefs   Sponsor: Downtown Kiwanis Club   Dollhouse and furniture creator Merlin Ricklefs is back! Designed to attract the playful child within all of us, this year’s pool table is a fine example of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The pool table is solid antique walnut with ivory inlays, the pool cues are handmade teak chopsticks from Thailand, and the overhead light really works. The chairs are made from an eclectic selection of walnut, cherry, birch and pine.

CHAIR   Artisan: Doug & Joan Sween   Sponsor: Heartman Insurance   Simply CHAIR. This spectacular and delicate sculpture made of… many, many chairs. Little chairs, doll chairs and miniature chairs put together in an interesting pattern. It is designed to emulate a modernistic bronze statue on a base. The distinct design will encourage conversation in any setting.

Fading Farms   Artisan: William Barnum   Sponsor: Ryan Windows & Siding   This innovative chair is made with old remnants of the old agricultural system by a high-school student as a class assignment. The main frame of the chair is made of rusty iron fencepost and a broken component of an animal feeder, both of which were lying in piles in the woods, no longer needed. These pieces were welded together to form a strong base, with the addition of some rusted rod from the same scrap piles. The artisan challenges us to look to the past to ensure a better future for all.

Alphabet Soup   Artisan: Mollie Theel   Sponsor: Rochester Education Association   Remember how fun it was to look at your alphabet soup and try to find the letters to spell your name? This creative black frame chairs lets you relive that experience with its hand-painted cushion. Each letter in the layers and layers of letters is hand painted using various techniques. A chair that is functional and also entertaining.

Cerise   Artisan: Dana Hlebichuk   Sponsor: Weis Builders   Functional piece of art made of wood, foam, and a stained glass in the lower part with unique designs that mirror the Venetian finish on the chair. Cerise’s unique shape, reflective finish and stained glass, offer you a creative piece of contemporary art. This piece was originally designed out of concrete and polished steel, tipping the scale at 400 pounds! It was designed by Dana Hlebichuk, an architect with HGA and co-crafted by JL Stucco and Plaster LLC, Jeff La Fortune and Weis Builders, Inc.

A Blast from the Past   Artisan: Bruce Huber   Sponsor: Knutson Construction Services   This chair was made for you, the hockey enthusiast. Park it in front of the TV and watch your favorite game in this comfortable chair that actually rocks. The chair is made of “retired” wooden hockey sticks from old and young alike. The challenge of creating this chair is finding retired sticks that are actually wood and not composite.

Grandma’s Rocker   Artisan: Barb Stiles   Sponsor: Olmsted Financial Group   A beautiful antique, now fresh for you. Recently refinished with its seat recaned, this rocking chair is ready for you to sit down, unwind and maybe enjoy a book or two.

Spirit Chair   Artisan: Jim & Susan Kelly   Sponsor: Rochester Sand & Gravel   The century-old timber in this chair was harvested near Barnes, Wisconsin following a tornado that uprooted acres of old pines. The snow shoe is Indian hand-made and has been vigorously used through many Ojibway winters. The antlers, with tracking tag still attached, is a gift of a forest animal. The ancient spear tip at the base is a “cornfield find” from the Prairie du Chein area. The carved tree motif is hand done by the artist/wood worker who made the chair.

Playing First Chair   Artisan: Bob Onsrud   Sponsor: Wolter & Raak, Ltd.   This height adjustable music stand is expertly handcrafted of maple and walnut, with a high gloss finish. Bob constructed it using no metal fasteners, rather assembled it using wooden dowels and carpenters’ glue. It was so carefully constructed; it took about 40 hours to create. It will sure enhance your experience while playing your favorite instrument!

Lil ‘L’ Lounger   Artisan: HGA Architects and Engineers   Sponsor: HGA Architects and Engineers   Designed collaboratively by the HGA Rochester staff, these simple, functional chairs consist of a birch veneer frame supported by metal rods. Cozy velour stretches between the rods while two back pouches allow kids to store their books or any other treasure. Created for young children to read on their own or to each other, the chairs can easily be deconstructed and re-assembled!

Clearly Courting   Artisan: Hentges Glass Company   Sponsor: Think Mutual Bank   This ultra-modern twist on the antique courting chair is made completely of glass, using 3/8” thick clear tempered glass for all pieces. Hentges Glass Company was able to construct this chair without the use of any mechanical hardware by using special glue that is activated with the use of an ultra-violet light. The side-by-side sitting areas have a lower armrest area between them allowing ease of communication when in use. This chair will support two adults sitting at once, although we recommend it to be used as an art piece.

A Walk in the Park   Artisan: Barbara Truax   Sponsor: Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc.   This delicate chair was part of a youth desk from the 1970’s. Now, with multiple layers of pastel color paints and silk hydrangea flowers in the separate window box, is a great reminder that Spring is just around the corner. With this chair, Spring will always be with you. Barb created this beautiful piece on behalf of the Grand Legacy Gallery, formerly known as Kay Hoecker Gallery.

Read and Play Chair   Artisan: All in Stitches Inc.   Sponsor: Pace Dairy   This Victorian-themed chair also comes with fabric “paper” dolls, clothing for them and the book “Meet Samantha”. When your child is finished playing with the “paper” dolls and their clothing, they can be safely stored in the little pockets hanging behind the chair, so she can always find them!

Iron Chair   Artisan: Cheryl Fitzgerald   Sponsor: Olmsted Medical Center   Comfortable. Roomy. Solid. Contemporary. With its black matte finish and iron spirals on seat and backrest, this chair will be a great addition to your decor, indoors or out. There are many possibilities for this beautiful and versatile chair created specially for A Chair Affair by iron artist Cheryl Fitzgerald.

Sewing Rocking Chair with Doll   Artisan: Donna Marie Wilson   Sponsor: The Boldt Company   Child sized, antique, oak rocking chair and dolly. A perfect place for your child to sit down with her doll, read a book or just unwind after her busy day.

Batter Up! … again!   Artisan: Brian Pluth, Joel Flicker   Sponsor: Davie’s Printing   This chair is a combined effort of Joel, Brian creating the chair and the Rochester Honkers supplying the materials. The baseball bat chair is always a favorite and for you baseball enthusiasts, this chair has been autographed by members of the 2010 Twins team! This team will be the first to play in the new stadium. Play ball!

Cowbusier   Artisan: Hallie Stevens   Sponsor: John Hardy’s BBQ   This chair is an eclectic mix of metal and cowhide. The smooth surface of the metal seat off-set by the soft cowhide are both visually and tactually appealing.

Feline Furniture   Artisan: Tanya Nelson   Sponsor: Marco   For your friendly furry feline friends! No more fur or claws on your nice furniture. Give your cat their own personalized chair that they will play and nap on. Includes special pockets for their toys and grooming supplies, and a treat jar that can be filled time and time again.

Rocking Stones Gather Moss   Artisan: Betsy Lacenski, Boys & Girls Club   Sponsor: Dr. Bernard & Susan Bouquet   If “a rolling stone gathers no moss,” then what about a rocking stone? This delightful, handmade rocking chair has been gently covered with rock and natural moss by Betsy and members of Boys & Girls Club of Rochester. Let this chair find a place in your garden among the morning glories or perhaps in that corner you have been thinking needs some greenery.