At Widseth, we believe great design doesn’t stop at the office door. It shows up in our communities—through service, creativity, and a willingness to give back.
For Dana Hlebichuk, that commitment comes to life through a unique annual tradition that blends craftsmanship with community impact.
A Tradition Rooted in Purpose
A Chair Affair, hosted by the Rochester Boys & Girls Club, began with a simple idea: invite artists to reimagine a chair and transform it into something unforgettable. What started as a creative concept has grown into a meaningful tradition rooted in craftsmanship and shared purpose.
Dana has been part of that tradition for nearly two decades.
“I’ve been designing and building chairs for about twenty years. While I don’t do one every year, I’ve probably built between ten and twelve over that time.”
Dana and Becky Hlebichuk at the 2026 A Chair Affair fundraiser.
Inspired by Architecture
This year’s piece, Mila, reflects Dana’s architectural background and passion for design.
“Inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Milà, the bench embraces fluid curvature and softened asymmetry—rejecting rigid geometry in favor of movement and organic flow.”
Crafted from repurposed church pew wood and butcher block oak, the piece carries both material history and contemporary refinement. The richly grained seat offers warmth and depth, while the sculptural black base creates a striking architectural counterpoint.
“Every element is intentional—from the balance of negative space to the confident interplay of line and mass—resulting in a piece that feels both timeless and expressive.”
Creativity with Impact
For Dana, participating in A Chair Affair is about more than the final product—it’s about the process and the purpose behind it.
“It gives me a chance to use my creative license and work with my hands. It’s a creative outlet—and a great excuse to buy a few new tools.”
At Widseth, we’re proud to support team members like Dana who use their talents to make a difference. Whether through design, volunteerism, or community events, we believe in showing up and giving back.
