Chair Camp
With "Chairs Lady," Carla Hartman
May 13 - 15, 2026
Chair Camp invites participants of all ages to honor Grand Rapids’ Furniture City legacy by crafting miniature chairs and seating from recycled materials inspired by iconic furniture design.
May 13 - 15, 2026
Chair Camp invites participants of all ages to honor Grand Rapids’ Furniture City legacy by crafting miniature chairs and seating from recycled materials inspired by iconic furniture design.
The Museum is excited to bring back Carla Hartman, Education Director of the Eames Office, owner of the design company Chairs Lady, and granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames, for Chair Camp 2026.
Each day will offer workshops around the creative and practical aspects of furniture design. School groups, adults, and families will design miniature chairs and seating using recycled materials, drawing inspiration from furniture design examples.
Find the Camp For You
Field Trip Workshops
This program introduces 3rd through 12th grade to the Eames family – iconic designers who launched the mid-century modern furniture movement. They’ll explore design ideas, examine the history of furniture in West Michigan, and create their own miniature piece of furniture using recycled objects, tape, glue, and other everyday items.
Find the field trip day for your classroom:
- Wednesday, May 13: 3rd – 5th grade students.
- Thursday, May 14: 6th – 8th grade students.
- Friday, May 15: 9th – 12th grade students.
- Session 1: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Session 2: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Designer Drinks (21+)
Register now to participate in the creative process of designing miniature chairs or other furniture masterpieces with delicious cocktails and craft beers. Let your imagination run wild with Carla Hartman, Education Director of the Eames Office, owner of the design company Chairs Lady, and granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames.
When: Friday, May 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Grand Rapids Public Museum,
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Tickets: $20
This is a 21+ event with a cash bar.
Fun with Furniture
This program invites guests of all ages to unleash their creativity through miniature furniture masterpieces. Explore the creations by students and adults for inspiration before undertaking the task of crafting a chair of your very own.
Whether you’re fascinated by the intricacies of a vintage armchair or the sleek lines of modern design, this event is a chance for families to come together and create something unique.
When: Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: The Grand Rapids Public Museum,
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Included with general admission.
We look forward to seeing the wonderful creations that our community’s families bring to life!
Meet Carla Hartman
Carla Hartman is an esteemed figure in the realm of design and education, renowned for her dedication to fostering creativity and appreciation for design principles. Her lifelong passion for design education and a profound reverence for the rich history of furniture design have been instrumental in inspiring and enlightening countless individuals.
Carla’s remarkable journey in design education began in 1998 when, in her role as an educator at the Denver Art Museum, she crafted the inaugural Chair Camp experience. Initially designed as an all-day, week-long program tailored for 9-12 year-olds, Chair Camp has since evolved, taking on various forms and captivating audiences in cities and countries worldwide. Amidst this evolution, one constant has prevailed: the presentation of Charles and Ray’s extensive body of work, coupled with their principles for merging work and play. This framework has ignited countless discussions about chair design, ensuring that their visionary legacy endures for generations to come.
“Chairs are intriguing because they are so similar to us. They are anthropomorphic; in other words, they have the same body parts as we do. Most have a seat, back and legs; some have arms; others can have feet and even a few, knees. Very, very few have ears.”
