Decorated chairs to raise money for art events

The Jackson Area Arts Council will hold a reception and auction at 3 p.m. Sunday, when a variety of creatively embellished chairs will be available for purchase. The event will be held at Tracey's Place, 127 W. Main, Jackson, across from city hall.

Items by well-known artists such as Jean Chapman, Craig Thomas and Edwin Smith will be available at "Chairs for Charity." Imaginative pieces designed by local residents and several chairs decorated by grade school students will also be available.

The chairs have received humorous names: "Chairriots of Fire," "Chairy Tree," "Heavy Metal Chair" and "Mercy Seat."

Reservations are required by Wednesday and may be made by calling 204-8848 during business hours. There is no fee for the event, but limited reservations are available for serious bidders only.

Proceeds will support cultural activities in Jackson during 2004. Past events have included children's craft activities at the July 4 celebration, excursions to the St. Louis Art Museum for high school students, local artist's storefront displays at Homecomers and the BYOC Sunday Showcase performance series. Purchases are considered tax-deductible donations to the Jackson Public Park Foundation Fund.