Some extremely talented young artists have attended and are currently attending Mathews High School. That might not be common knowledge now, but it will be once The Great Chair Silent Auction is held on Saturday, May 25.

It’s been an off-and-on project through the years for MHS art teacher Karen Podd—with her students taking chairs, tables and other pieces of small furniture and converting them to one-of-a-kind works of art, inspired by a variety of masterpieces.

On Memorial Day weekend, in conjunction with the student production of “I Hate Shakespeare,” the art students will be holding a silent auction for each of the 26 items, with the winners announced following Saturday night’s performance. The pieces will also be on display before, during and after Friday night’s show; but bids will only be accepted on Saturday. Those attending Friday’s show are encouraged to stop back by to place a bid the following evening.

The Mathews High School Stage and School Class will present the large-cast comedy at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25. Admission is $5 at the door.

Podd said that the student artwork will be displayed alongside prints of the original works that inspired the students. Each of her six current Art 4 students—Abbie Sorey, Nichole Dehnert, Sabrina Myers, Brienna Carter, Helen Robinson and Amber Mountford—have contributed two works to the auction. In addition, Podd has managed to hang on to works from previous years. That was no easy task, as many of the students either kept them for themselves or gave them as gifts.

Several current students are also studying sculpture and have integrated sculptural elements in their works, with Rob Kincade and the MHS building trades program providing technical assistance.

Proceeds from the May 25 sale will benefit the MHS fine arts program.