Tim Kime Art is beyond thrilled—and deeply grateful—to be part of “Pull Up a Chair: Tell Me a Story,” a one-of-a-kind interactive art experience at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington’s Goldman Art Gallery. On view April 6–23, 2026, with an Opening Reception on Sunday, April 12, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., this unique exhibition invites visitors to quite literally pull up a chair—to engage with art, connect with artists, and experience storytelling in a whole new way.
Organized and lovingly curated by Maryland artist Sandra Davis, this fourth annual exhibition brings together 20 artists who transform chairs into storytelling platforms. This year, each chair is inspired by a book or written work.
For my piece, I was drawn to The Secret Life of Bees—a powerful story of belonging, chosen family, healing, and the quiet strength of women who create beauty even in the face of pain.
From Inspiration to Art: The Journey
1. Start with a Vision: The Beehive Beauty Chair
Goodwill of Greater Washington and Finding Your Good celebrate repurposing, reusing, and reimagining secondhand treasures. While you are likely to discover something magical at your local Goodwill (I always, do!), I found this gem—a vintage beauty parlor chair—on Facebook Marketplace.
Why this chair? For generations, beauty parlors have been sacred spaces—places where women gather not only to transform outwardly, but to connect, share, support, and uplift one another. Finding a chair with an attached, beehive-shaped hair dryer felt like divine alignment—a perfect visual bridge to The Secret Life of Bees.
The black leather and matching painted hairdryer became my canvas—rich, grounded, and full of possibility.
2. A Golden Conversation
As I dreamed up and sketched out my design, I envisioned a focal point: two women in conversation—sharing stories, holding space, simply being together.
I created their profiles, placed them on the chair back, and spray-painted over them in luminous gold. When the paper was removed, their silhouettes remained—etched in negative space, like a meaningful moment frozen in time.
Honeycomb shapes followed, layered across the chair in the same technique. The contrast of black and gold created a stunning, symbolic palette—echoing honey, warmth, and the sweetness of connection.
3. Messages that Matter
Using a gold paint pen, I inscribed meaningful phrases inspired by the book throughout the chair:
- “Grace finds us.”
- “Family is chosen.”
- Sweetness survives.
- “Follow the bees.”
These words invite viewers to lean in closer—to not just see the piece, but to feel it. They were handwritten in to underscore the down-home feeling and whimsical tone.
4. Tea for Two
What better symbol of connection than sharing tea?
Two teacups now rest gently atop the chair, touching—ready for conversation. While Goodwill offers countless treasures like these, this pair comes from my own great-grandmother’s collection. Once tucked away in a cabinet, they now take center stage—holding space for new stories, sweetened with honey and memory.
5. Pour on the “Honey”
To bring movement and magic, I used epoxy glue to mimic flowing honey—dripping from the teacups and glistening from one of chair’s handles, a place many hands would have touched and rested over the years.
It catches the light beautifully, symbolizing the richness, warmth, and sometimes messy sweetness of deep connections.
6. Brooches & Blooms
To complete the piece, I added vintage-inspired details:
- Gold and rhinestone bee brooches—each one playfully placed throughout the chair
- Soft white silk flowers—honoring pollination, growth, and relationships that bloom over time
- Hand-rolled paper flowers made from thrifted books—adding whimsy, texture, and a nod to storytelling itself
An Invitation
This chair is more than an object—it’s an experience. A story. A sacred seat.
I invite you to come sit on it—and with us—at “Pull Up a Chair: Tell Me a Story.” Wander the gallery. Meet the artists. Discover the stories. You just might find yourself reflected in one—or many–of them.
With deep gratitude to Sandra Davis for her vision, leadership, and heart in bringing this meaningful, honey-sweet exhibition to life—an experience that beautifully echoes the spirit and storytelling of The Secret Life of Bees.
With heartfelt thanks as well to Finding Your Good for championing creativity, reuse, and the transformative power of giving new life—and new stories—to treasured, previously loved pieces.
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Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
