"Why am I so interested in chairs? Mainly because they are sculptural; I enjoy looking at them from all sides—even from the underneath. In addition, chairs are intriguing because they are so similar to us. They are anthropomorphic; in other words, they have the same body parts as we do. Most have a seat, back and legs; some have arms; others can have feet and even a few, knees. Very, very few have ears. When looking at a chair, I often look to see if they also, like us, have a gender or a personality. I have found that some do, and many of the chairs that my students create definitely do.” Carla Hartman

Carla Hartman, aka Chairs Lady, has long been fascinated by the anthropomorphism of chairs—and the endless possibilities afforded chair designers. Carla’s grandfather, Charles Eames, often spoke of the desirability of having constraints within a project.

In Chair Camp, developed in 1998 by Hartman while a Master Teacher of Architecture, Design & Graphics at the Denver Art Museum, the constraints of materials are established by a single bag of mixed materials, which yields astonishing results. Each chair is so different, yet so familiar.

The first phase of the workshop involves exploring, designing and building. Using the same materials allows everyone's end products to reveal similarities and differences as “aha” moments of discovery. The second phase—the photo shoot—completes the chair-making event. Choose a backdrop to “pop” your chair; study its "best side” in the Photo Booth; angle your shot--all to make a memento. Your miniature chair becomes monumental.

Carla Hartman, granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames and daughter of designer Lucia Eames Atwood, has been the Director of Education for the Eames Office since 2004. She collaborates with museums, schools, institutions, and the public to extend the creative legacy of Charles and Ray Eames through interactive programming and exhibitions, publications, and product development.

While much of her current work focuses on the Eameses, she also uses chairs—a singular collecting passion (hence her moniker “Chairs Lady”)—as teaching tools about design and the design process. She shares with others her love of chairs—their anthropomorphism, sculptural qualities, and potential as vehicles for exploration of self and others. The miniature chair you create in this workshop is sure to be a treasured keepsake for years to come.

All Chair Workshop materials and tools are provided. Light refreshments and coffee/tea included.