Students create paper chairs
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine —This spring, some not-so-typical chairs were on display in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Center for Innovative Learning [CIL]. What set these particular chairs apart from the various stools, computer chairs and cushioned seats available in the library is that these works of art were made from cardboard.
The cardboard chair project was done in Heather Sincavage’s Design Foundations II class. For the assignment, 15 people created chairs entirely from cardboard; each had to hold a 150-pound person and extra credit was given to those who did not use adhesive.
Sincavage, UMPI assistant professor of fine art, said the point of the project was for students to explore using serial planes or platonic solids as a design component. They were each to create a reading chair for a specific spot in the CIL, and to consider how and where they like to read and how the chair reflects the environment.
Director of Library Services Roger Getz selected five chairs to be displayed in their intended location. Those on display were created by Amanda Whitten, AJ Naffziger Mullane, Daria Wozmak, Dylan Michaud and Dylan Ouellette.
After about three weeks, Dylan Ouellette’s creation was selected as the “best of show.” His chair was on display on the second floor beside a large window. He used serial planes and no adhesive, and the structure was so sturdy that one could even stand on it. Additionally, the chair had a design feature that held books for reading later.
“The Center for Innovative Learning is always excited to team up with classes and programs to highlight our students’ incredible talent,” Getz said. “The work accomplished in our art program is just one example of the creative insights of our students.
“These chairs were far beyond my expectations and it was wonderful for the CIL to be able to play a small role in this project. I would like to thank all of the students, as well as Professor Sincavage, for allowing us to be part of their project.”
