The Herron School of Art and Design proudly hosted the 2024 Phillip Tennant Furniture Artisan Lecture, an event celebrating the intricate world of furniture design and craftsmanship. This prestigious lecture series, named in honor of Professor Phillip Tennant, the founding instructor of the Herron School of Art’s Furniture Design Program, is made possible through the generosity of James W. and Nancy C. Smith. It supports visiting artists or scholars from the fields of furniture design, fabrication, or closely related fields, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and techniques.

Dean Greg Hull, also the Valerie Eickmeier Professor in Sculpture, opened the event with a warm welcome, passing the stage to Cory Robinson, the George & Diane Seybert Professor in Furniture Design. Robinson introduced the evening's celebrated artisans, Ivy Siosi and Audi Culver, the creative forces behind Siosi Design. Their work, showcased on their website https://siosidesign.com, spans from intricate inlay tables to robust, functional art pieces, demonstrating a commitment to craftsmanship, design, and sustainability.

Siosi and Culver shared their journey in furniture design, from their early days in makeshift workshops to their current studio where creativity meets functionality. They emphasized the importance of passion-driven careers, the pursuit of craftsmanship, and the role of social media in connecting with a broader audience. Their story, marked by persistence, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to their art, left an indelible mark on the audience, inspiring future generations of furniture designers.

This lecture not only honored the legacy of Phillip Tennant but also highlighted the boundless possibilities when creativity, craftsmanship, and community converge in the realm of furniture design.