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"Kidz in the Hall" shows off studio furniture by recent MCAD alumni

exhibition at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design 

brings together the work of 15 emerging artists from around the country to highlight new trends in studio furniture.

But I'm not going to write about that exhibition. Instead, I'm going to write about the one tucked back around the corner from the main gallery.

This smaller exhibition, called "Kidz in the Hall: Studio furniture by recent MCAD alumni" was created to complement the main gallery show, but in several cases, I think it actually upstages it.

Dean Wilson, head of the furniture design program at MCAD, curated both shows. He says the purpose of both exhibitions is to stimulate new thinking and new perceptions about the meaning and methods of contemporary studio furniture.

The main gallery offers some really lovely pieces to look at, but many of them are only loosely based on the notion of "furniture." Several are far more sculptural than practical; the piece might make you think about a chair, but you probably wouldn't want to sit on it.

MCAD's new president, Jay Coogan, has a background in both furniture design and sculpture. Walking through the exhibition, he says the "Kidz in the Hall" selection stands out as a testament to Dean Wilson's teaching.

Patrick Carmody & Kfir Shetrit "Untitled" 2010

It's easy to see that Wilson is both proud and admiring of his graduates. He points to a chair by MCAD alumni Patrick Carmody and Kfir Shetrit.

Much of the work in the main gallery is more in the world of 'form' than it is of 'function.' By contrast the work in the "Kidz in the Hall" exhibition shows both innovation and creativity, as well as pragmatism and a concern for the environment. Wilson finds the folding stool by Erin and Nate Moren to be a really thoughtful response to society's increasing mobility and a desire to have a minimal impact on the planet.

Erin and Nate Moren's folding stool: right side up, upside down, and lying flat on the wall. 

MCAD President Jay Coogan says everyday corporations like IKEA, Target and Room and Board are playing up the design of their products more than ever, and in fact is increasingly becoming the determining factor in the success of many commercial products.

"Studio Furniture: The Next Generation" and it's accompanying exhibition "Kidz in the Hall: Studio Furniture by recent MCAD Alumni" are both on display in the 

Minneapolis College of Art and Design gallery

 through February 21, with an opening reception on Friday, January 22. 

Arts and Culture

State of the Arts Blog

Marianne Combs

Author

An exhibition at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design looks at the work of young furniture designers around the country and here at home.

Kidz in the Hall: MCAD grads show off their design chops

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