In 1974, Enzo Mari published a do-it-yourself guide to furniture making that taught a generation how to build their own functional, practical, and beautiful pieces using only rough boards and nails. Mari’s designs were easy enough for beginners to build but timeless in their sophistication.

40 years later, we are bringing that entrepreneurial spirit to a workshop in our space that will teach 20 participants the basics of furniture building with a critical, responsible, and sustainable eye. Together, everyone will build their own chair over the course of a few hours and will be able to either take it home with them or donate it to the museum.

We see Mari’s approach to design as very similar to our own: it empowers us to think of making things as a way of communicating and to question what we make in terms of how it is serving a greater good. Put simply, design makes life better because it acts as a unifying platform for discussion, opening up opportunities for us to come together and connect. We hold these workshops because we believe that a museum is a neutral ground where those different viewpoints and experiences can gather to consider a common problem.

Use your hands in a collaborative space. Learn from one another. Ensure great ideas aren’t forgotten.

This workshop was made possible through a grant by the Chicago chapter of the Awesome Foundation.

> This event has ended.

The museum is closed until June 30th, 2020.

While distancing we are planning virtual events, moving our exhibitions online, and publishing student design projects. Take care of yourself!