Have a forgotten chair sitting around the house?
Staff and students at Renaissance High School are hoping for donations of traditional, modern, or ladder-backed chairs for Chair-ity Auction.
‘We need chairs of every shape and size,? said Jessica Hall, an art teacher at RHS. ‘We wouldn’t turn away benches, high-chairs or other furniture that could be given an artful twist.?
During the months ahead, students will paint the furniture in a variety of whimsical, floral, sports and other themes, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
The finished products will be sold, with proceeds donated back to the community.
Last spring’s Chair-ity Auction resulted in a $1,000 donation to the Clarkston Rotary.
The funds were used to purchase a Shelter Box for national disaster relief.
‘Since our first year was so successful we decided to do it a second year,? said Hall, who’s heading up the fundraising effort’a Clarkston Community Schools Academic Service Leaning Project’with students from her Art in the Community class.
But, she said, other RHS students are likely to participate, as well.
‘Some kids have a full load and don’t have time for an art class,? she said, noting 14 students painted 24 chairs last year. ‘So they can come in to paint at lunch, or when they’re done in any of their other classes, or after school.?
With a new trimester starting this week, students and staff were just beginning to discuss the project.
‘We haven’t picked a charity yet,? said Hall, noting the decision will be made within coming weeks. ‘We’re looking into local options, and the kids have a say in which organization we choose.?
Hall said last year’s chairs turned out ‘really cute? and noted the experience was beneficial to students and community alike.
‘Service Learning is a great, great program,? she said. ‘Our kids really enjoy it, and it gives us a way to represent ourselves positively in the community.?
Hall is hoping to have the chairs ready for auction around spring break.
‘They’ll be on display in our atrium,? she said, noting the chairs will be available for viewing over a period of several weeks. ‘Anyone in the community can come in, take a look and place a bid in the office.?
Chairs for donation can be dropped off at the Clarkston Community Education Building, 6558 Waldon Road. Pick-up is also available..
Contact Jessica Hall at 248-623-8064 or Murawsjl@clarkston.k12.mi.us