Planks of a picnic table are draped over the railing at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Nebraska.
Created by Michael Beitz, the table was shaped by laminating sheets of poplar with marine epoxy over a custom-made mould.
Picnic Table is fully functional and open to the public, seating up to 10 people.
The permanent installation is a project in conjunction with the Bemis Gardens exhibition and design gallery.
This project is the first of the American artist's conceptual furniture drawings to be realised.
Another story published on Dezeen features a picnic table studded with intricate marquetry — see our earlier story here.
See more stories on laminated furniture here.
Here is some more information on the project:
Michael Beitz' Picnic Table was commissioned by the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, in Omaha, Nebraska, as a permanent installation on its front loading dock, in conjunction with the Bemis Gardens exhibition and design laboratory.
While in residence at the Bemis Center in 2010, Beitz produced a series of conceptual furniture drawings and realized Dining Table, a 10-foot-long table for two. Picnic Table is Beitz' first permanent functional public artwork and connects his dual histories of producing temporary public installations and working with designers such as Wendell Castle and BDDW.
Beitz' work upends expectations of functionality within common furniture typologies. Ultimately his works are something wholly other, despite being produced through standard furniture building methods. Picnic Table is made of laminated poplar and marine epoxy, and seats 10.
Why does the table drape over in such a lovely manner if it is not being supported by the balustrade? As it stands its just a standard picnic bench with an exuberant flounce.
poor. sorry!
Lil, Please post a website of your work so we can check yours out and leave comments…
Totally agree, Lil.
It's conceptually weak: the bench (its form, statics and function) does not drape, the boards extended from its side do.
i like this and good to see an unexposed person getting some publicity
It does seem like some of the legs could have been removed.
Love it…. From another Beitz…
Great job….
What a load of tat. Could've made two tables out of that. Can't see the poetic quality that could justify it.
It really is a lot more interesting in person. I agree on the leg comment, however it is a lot more delicate than it appears. Some of the angles the wood beens are quite sharp, and to actually see this, really might change you judgements about the table/Art.