Indianapolis - Five pieces of art furniture recently earned international honors for Herron School of Art and Design students.

Works by David Freeman, Matthew Osborn and Christopher Stuart, who completed their BFA degrees in furniture design in the spring, and Steven Sanders, who is a senior in furniture design, were selected from more than 100 entries from 19 schools for the Design Emphasis Showcase -- a prestigious furniture design competition for students.

Herron took three of 16 awards. Osborn won a merit award in the design creativity category for "Circle Table," Freeman won an honorable mention award in the case goods category for "Zig Your Zag," and Sanders won honorable mention in the design creativity category for "Cherry Stick Bench."

Along with these awards, two of Stuart’s works -- "Tonal Bench" and "Alfred Slab Table" -- were among only 50 finalists selected for the showcase.

The showcase was a part of the 2012 International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair, which took place Aug. 22 to 25 in Atlanta. Herron’s four finalists shipped their work to the Georgia World Congress Center for exhibition and final judging by a panel composed of working designers, industry executives and members of the furniture trade press.

According to the event’s official website, the fair was attended by more than 10,000 people from more than 80 countries and all 50 states.

Five pieces “is the most we have ever sent down to Atlanta at one time,” said Cory Robinson, fine arts chair and associate professor of furniture design. 

The showcase offers a unique opportunity for furniture design students to exhibit their talent and originality. Attending the biennial event, which is the largest gathering of its kind in North America, also gives the students a chance to experience an international industry trade show, make important career contacts and exchange ideas with other students from around the nation.

Freeman, Osborn and Sanders made the trip.

“Overall, it’s been an exciting experience,” Freeman said. “The fair is a great place to learn about our industry and see the top of the line machinery and innovations in construction material.”

“Cory and I are very proud of these four talented designers,” said Phillip Tennant, professor of furniture design.

Source: Indiana Univeristy-Purdue University