Dampier artists make a seat for sore eyes

The Dampier Arts Studio has chosen an interesting set of frames for a series of canvas paintings after calling on the skills of a local tradesman to build 22 deckchairs to hang their art.

Member Tania Lindau said one of the other artists had suggested the project, so after sourcing some plans, materials and the carpentry skills of Dampier man Dean Murray, it was under way.

"We were trying to think of a project we could do as a community project that was a bit long-term and could involve anyone of any age," she said. "We've got 12 girls involved painting, most people have done two or three each."

The chairs aren't just for show because the canvas slings had to be waterproofed with the paint baked on to the canvas by being put through a flash dryer, owned by Te Wai Manufacturing, at 170C for six minutes.

Lindau said the machine was like a pizza oven.

Studio member Amanda Saunders said initially the theme for the paintings was going to be to follow one of the old masters, maybe with a Pilbara-inspired flourish.

But it turned into a free-for-all.

Now there's impressionism, pop art, modernised masters and more. Saunders said you could take your chair to the beach and not even sit in it but just stand beside it to show it off.

Once the project is finished the group hopes to hold a silent auction with part of the proceeds going to a local charity.

Residents can get a sneak peek of the deckchairs at the Dampier Markets on April 12 at the Love Where You Live marquee.

Rio Tinto Dampier Salt and Dampier Community Association provided funding towards raw materials for the project.