United Way Announces the Call for Artists is Now Open for The Chair Project

River Valley United Way is excited to announce that the call for artists is now open for their upcoming event – The Chair Project. This innovative initiative seeks to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by our community while celebrating the positive work being done to improve lives.

The Chair Project will feature an art exhibition showcasing wooden chairs transformed by local artists. Each piece will tell a compelling story of impact, reflecting the individual vision and creativity of the artists. After the exhibition, the chairs will be auctioned off to benefit River Valley United Way, with proceeds supporting vital community programs.

“We are thrilled to have Theresa Perez serving as our Community Curator for this project,” said Kristy Williams of River Valley United Way. “Their leadership and passion for the arts will play a vital role in bringing these stories to life. We invite our community to engage with these narratives and discover how lives have been changed through our partner agencies. We aim to foster awareness, education, inspiration, and hope.”

River Valley United Way is seeking eight artists to be featured in the exhibition, each representing a specific community issue area. Hobbyists and professional artists aged 14 and up are encouraged to apply. The call for artists is open now through November 11, 2024.

Each selected artist will receive a wooden chair and a stipend for materials. The selection committee will notify artists by November 15 if they have been chosen. The artwork will be judged by professionals, and prizes will be awarded to the winning artists.

Additionally, the public is invited to vote for their favorite piece for the “Community Choice” award. The chairs will be displayed for voting and viewing during the Holiday Glow art walk on December 13th, showcased on the porch at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Russellville.

“We are excited to bring this collaborative and creative event to our community,” said Kristy Williams, of River Valley United Way. “Storytelling is a powerful way to connect in a personal way with the impact of our work in the community. Viewers will be touched by the many ways their support is helping neighbors in need.”