HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Artists and supporters gathered at the Hopkinsville Brewing Company on Friday for the Chair Project, an art-focused fundraising event benefiting Sanctuary, an organization that provides services for individuals fleeing domestic violence and sexual assault.

The event featured nearly 45 designed chairs that were displayed, judged and auctioned, with proceeds supporting Sanctuary’s services. Julie-Anna Carlisle, the artist who organized the project, said the event combines creativity with a meaningful cause. She developed the idea while discussing fundraising opportunities with Sanctuary leadership.

Crowd browsing handmade furniture and crafts on display tables in a rustic industrial market space with string lights above. A stall of colorful painted chairs and decorative items set up on tables as shoppers explore in a brick-walled venue. Indoor craft fair scene with vendors selling painted chairs, plants, and handmade decor under warm string lights. People mingle around a vendor table of colorful wooden chairs and ornaments in an industrial-style market. A young girl in a white dress stands near the display while others browse the market stalls.
Three women posing together at an informal event; the woman on the left holds a microphone and paper sheet in front of a brick-wall backdrop.
Colorful craft stall with bead necklaces and trinkets, a neon 'be happy' sign, and flowering arrangements in a busy market scene.
Two women chat near a table of flowers and decorative items at a crowded indoor market stall with balloons in the background.
Two smiling women posing together in a bright flower shop used as a casual portrait.
Man in a white T-shirt and blue shorts writes on a clipboard at a craft brewery, with stainless fermentation tanks and string lights in the background.
Couple examines a lighthouse model at a busy indoor market or workshop with others at a long table in the background.
Sponsor board at an event listing sponsor logos with the heading 'Thank you to our sponsors of this event'.
Woman in a pink top holds up a phone to take a photo at a display table of plants and crafts in a busy indoor market or cafe.
Woman in a red floral dress speaks into a handheld microphone during a casual talk, with a listener in the foreground and a person with green braids seated in the background.
Framed poster reading 'Where creativity sits' with colorful letters and doodles, mounted on a dark board.
Row of handmade, brightly painted chairs used as a display at an indoor craft fair with shoppers in the background.
Smiling man in a dark polo greets two people at an indoor social event with a colorful flag in the background.
Newspaper-wrapped chair sculpture with values like Integrity and Loyalty; flowers on a table, visitors in background.
Smiling woman with blonde hair and turquoise earrings talks with a man in a white shirt in a busy social setting, indoors at a cafe/restaurant.
Two adults standing indoors in front of a red-and-white striped flag, smiling at the camera.
Two musicians performing in a sunny studio: a woman with dreadlocks on a stool playing a small guitar while a man with glasses and a cap plays a bass amp beside her in front of a city street window.
Row of assorted chairs in a shop, including a purple rocking chair, with colorful upholstery and plants in the background.
Two friends pose and smile at a social event, one in a light blue shirt and the other in a purple T‑shirt with a bookshelf graphic.
Woman with glasses speaks into a microphone, holding papers at a small event near a fruit platter in the background.
Smiling woman in a blue floral dress and lime vest holds a Best of Show 2026 award and a red chair trophy, with a guitarist in the background.
Two smiling women pose together at a social event indoors, with balloons and an American flag in the background.
People browse handmade crafts in a sunlit brick-walled shop; a retro 'Telephone' display is visible by the window.

“Chairs are things that people use on an everyday basis,” Carlisle said. “The platform for creativity is just wide open.” She said the chair theme also reflects Sanctuary’s mission. “A chair provides support. It provides rest. It says, ‘I have your back.’ It says, ‘You have a seat at my table,'” Carlisle said. “And these are all of the same components that are what you get when you go to Sanctuary in need of help.”

During the evening, organizers also announced winners of the accompanying Chair Project Haiku Contest, which drew dozens of entries. Judges selected seven finalists before naming Yvette Holmes and Beth Mueller as the winners.

Awards were also presented for the chair competition. “Sanctuary of Mom” by Lynn Pesso received Best in Show. Pesso also won the top award at last year’s event. Second place was awarded to “Life Will Out” by Amanda Buzzard.

The Chair Project event will move to a biennial format returning in April 2028. For more, visit the Sanctuary Facebook page or call 800-766-0000.

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