BLOG
End of An Era - Spiral Eye
Title: End of An Era
Artist: Spiral Eye
The inspiration behind my chair is a past era of the music scene in Atlantic City. I created an homage to two music venues that were the center of it all. The Boneyard and La Grand Fromage were two small venues that gave people a platform to have their voices heard. From small open mic nights to some big names in punk, these venues were ones I visited frequently and ones that others and I surely miss. My experience working on the chair was a challenge but one that I was eager to accomplish. I would spend my afternoons coming home from work, working on the design, and spending long hours in the sun. It was a struggle but I enjoyed every moment of it and I’m proud of the outcome! Atlantic City-based artist Jorge Azcona operates under the artist name Spiral Eye with the motto of "True. Counter. Culture."
Do It Afraid – Lyntaga Smith
Title: Do It Afraid
Artist: Lyntaga Smith
I'm a local sea glass jewelry artist in Atlantic City. This was my first time ever doing a project like this and to be honest, I was afraid when my design was accepted but what I knew to be true is that my love and passion for sea glassing is my motivation and inspiration. I'm very happy with my 1st chair and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it. You can follow my work on Instagram @seameglow.
Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo
The Rest – Randi Meekins
Ttitle: The Rest
Artist: Randi Meekins
This chair is inspired by a song that I enjoy. I love music and I love the message. To me, “free your mind and the rest will follow” has two meanings; let go (free your mind) and soon to follow is the happiness you’re searching for OR free your mind of clutter and you’ll finally be able to rest. So I thought that was a great way to say, “take a load off (rest) and clear your head in my chair!” I did the line work with cigarette butts and it took me about 14 hours and a pack of cigarettes to create the chair.
Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo
Birds of a Feather - Drips ArtxFashion
Title: Birds of a Feather
Artist: Drips ArtxFashion
A character we developed back in 2017 that is a basic representation of the different individuals that reside in Atlantic City inspired this chair. The idea was to just be free and have fun and also create something that appealed to the natives of the town.
Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo
Ice Cream Delight – The Santoro Family
Title: Ice Cream Delight
Artists: The Santoro Family
We wanted to highlight some common summertime beach treats that both children and adults have enjoyed at the shore for generations, recalling memories of fun summer times spent on area beaches with family and friends from the observer’s life. Stencil design by Brittany Santoro and stencils created by Heidi Manning and applied by the Santoro’s.
48 Blocks – Joani George
Title: 48 Blocks
Artist: Joani George
I enjoy doing crossword puzzles and the idea came to me to do a chair with a crossword puzzle representing Atlantic City. Since it is a part of the 48 Blocks AC program I knew it had to include 48 blocks. I am not a professional artist but I like to dabble in various creative pursuits. As I began painting the chair I made a few changes to my original concept until I finally felt it was "complete."
Photos Courtesy of Loryn L. Simonsen
A Tribute to Atlantic City Firefighters - Chuck Ireland and Shari Tobias
Title: A Tribute to Atlantic City Firefighters
Artists: Chuck Ireland and Shari Tobias
This chair honors my family’s history in the Atlantic City Fire Department. In addition to painting images that reference the fire department, it was important to me to preserve the natural beauty of the wood and to employ the woodworking technique of routing to add detail to the arms and legs of the chair. It was a pleasure designing, crafting, and painting the chair in collaboration with artist Shari Tobias.
Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo
Brighter Days - Susan Daly
Title: Brighter Days
Artists: Susan Daly in partnership with Mental Health Association in Atlantic County
We all have mental demons.
An electrical storm in our head
Some more than others.
We are forced to cocoon.
We suffer in isolation.
I am fine, not to worry.
Now asked to emerge.
Told things are different, and you must change.
How?
Some want to give up.
This chair is a safe place to sit and contemplate.
A place where you can reach out and talk to someone.
The numbers are at your fingertips.
Your phone is in your pocket.
Call.
Choose LIFE.
Tomorrow is a brighter day.
Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo
Zen Chair – Emma Owen
Title: Zen Chair
Artist: Emma Owen
Painting the Adirondack chair was an amazing opportunity and I had such a great time doing it! I painted a tropical beach scene to bring a warm welcoming feeling to the park that is so close to the beach. I was inspired to do this scene because I love the ocean and the summertime feeling. I want people to gravitate towards the bright colors of the chair, sit down, take a deep breath, and relax by the sea. I hope people feel a sense of serenity while sitting in this chair. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this experience.
Yemoja, Patron Spirit of the Oceans – Simone Squared
Title: Yemoja, Patron Spirit of the Oceans
Artists: Simone Squared
With our planet experiencing both environmental and spiritual distress, I wanted a piece that would evoke peace and love. I wanted something bright and uplifting that would make you smile. Yemoja, a Yoruba deity, is surrounded with African symbolism of Royalty, Creation, Energy, and Protection. Approach life from a “seat of love.”
Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo