Local Business Showcases Chair Design at IFDA Take a Seat Charity Exhibition

The New England Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA-NE) is pleased to announce their fourth-annual international “Take a Seat” Design Exhibition and Auction that showcases local designers’ unique, up-cycled chair designs. All auction proceeds will benefit The Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development (WIHED), a national award-winning affordable housing development organization.

‘Take a Seat’ aims to provide architects, builders, craftsmen, designers and students of the furnishing and design industry a platform to display their inventive and resourceful prowess, promote their craft and give back to the community. The one-of-a-kind chairs, reflecting the artist’s own style and interests – previous participants found inspiration from city parking space-savers, tree houses, koi fish and power tools – will be displayed throughout the Greater Boston area on a traveling exhibit before being auctioned off at the ‘Take a Seat’ Gala on June 1st.

IFDA chapters internationally host these events regionally. Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Virginia chapters have announced their participation in the fall.

“This event is an excellent way to help promote local craftsmen while also garnering attention for a great cause. Last year’s event raised over $16,000 for the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development and this year we hope to top it. In fact, the 2015 event was so successful we were awarded the 2015 Gold PRISM Award for Best Marketing Event or Series,” said Karen Dzendolet, President of IFDA-NE. “We encourage New England designers to submit their work and for residents to visit the exhibits and show support for these hardworking professionals.”

“The Women’s Institute is very grateful for our partnership with IFDA NE and its dedicated members. The Community Service committee’s generosity and initiative is making real improvements in the lives of residents in Grinnell Mansion in New Bedford, MA. We are excited for the continued efforts of IFDA throughout the year and years to come,” Betsy Crum, WIHED Executive Director.

Designers looking for inspiration from last year’s chairs can watch the video here: takeaseat.ifdane.com

The IFDA, founded in 1947, is a worldwide professional alliance of leaders representing residential and commercial furnishings and design. Members are executives from companies engaged in the design, production, distribution, promotion, communication or education in the furnishing and design and/or related industries. The New England IFDA is the organization’s largest chapter in the nation.

For additional information on ‘Take a Seat’, please visit www.takeaseat.ifdane.com or www.facebook.com/takeaseatifda

For more than 35 years, the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development has created quality, affordable housing across Massachusetts and Connecticut. They have developed 64 affordable housing properties and preserved 16 existing properties in partnership with local organizations, creating more than 1,500 units of housing. Mission-driven, they don’t simply house vulnerable populations; they also cultivate service-enriched communities that foster economic stability, physical well-being, and offer long term solutions to prevent homelessness. Extremely low income families, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and individuals recovering from substance abuse are some of the populations that benefit from their expertise.

This chair was designed by Medford-based Santini Brothers Iron Works and Cumar Marble &Granite. The name, Chain Reaction, is a nod to the power of mentoring. Much like every piece of salvaged iron chain was repurposed and fused together to form the foundation of this chair, every person has a background that can help shape lives and build something positive, powerful, and strong. This hand crafted sculptural chained chair features stunning engraved marble and is finished with a cheery paisley fabric that celebrates symphonic colors and whimsical patterns. Photo by Elaine Fredrick.

– Submitted on behalf of IFDA