Teens design and sell chairs for local scholarships

A joint summer project by teens from Central Lyon Youth Connection’s Take a Seat program and the Comstock Youth Works program has resulted in the transformation of old chairs into functional works of art.

The finished pieces can be viewed at a silent auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Dayton Community Center, 170 Pike St.

The students repaired and improved the chairs, turning them into sturdy and functional pieces with added design elements.

“Take a Seat project is not just about decorating existing chairs and benches; it is also about looking at seating in a new way. The finished pieces provide a unique way to bring works of art into our everyday lives,” said Patty Sanborn, project director.

All proceeds from the silent auction go to local youth scholarships.

Comstock Youth Works offers 50 teens from the Storey and Lyon regions a program that includes summer job internships; career exploration field trips; job skills training; coaching in academic success and scholarship and job searches/applications; leadership training; volunteer service projects; and educational enrichment field trips. The annual program is sponsored by Community Chest Inc, with funding by a federal Safe Schools Healthy Students grant through Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties. Staff from Healthy Communities, Central Lyon Youth Connections and Community Chest implement the program in the Fernley, Silver Springs, Dayton, and Virginia City areas.

Local groups and businesses and individuals who have donated materials include: Home Depot, FISH, Pizza Factory in Dayton, Starbucks in Dayton, Mill End Fabrics, Sutter Equipment, and Healthy Communities Coalition.

For more information, call Sanborn at 775-246-0320.