SAVE THE DATE: Artistic Chair Auction

Sixty years ago, the standard medical advice when a family gave birth to a child with a significant disability was to place the baby in an institution, forget about the child, and go on to have other children.  Although this was standard medical advice that many families followed, others rejected the advice and gathered together to form a new organization so they could support each other as they discovered how to raise their children with disabilities in the community as well-loved members of the family.  The organization that was formed was The Arc, known as Arc Community Services in Fitchburg. 

As decades went by and new ways to understand and appreciate the value and gifts of individuals with disabilities emerged, institutions began to close and Arc Community Services welcomed many now adult age individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities into our organization.  Old furnishings from the institutions were given to organizations such as ours – used for a while, then relegated to gather dust in the basement.

On May 6, 2011, we are hosting an event at the Fitchburg Art Museum that will bring 80 old institutional chairs to new life at our Artistic Chair Auction.  Doors will open at 6:30pm.

Local and regional artists have transformed the chairs from dusty, unwanted furniture into unique works of art.  In addition to the auction, there will be wine, hors oeuvres’, live music and good conversation.

Click here to view our online gallery.