This ocean-themed chair with six foot removable train was created by Julie Woodard especially for Furnished for Good and inspired by the Philadelphia Furniture Bank.

Julie was inspired by nature, and she finds herself frequently returning to water as a source of inspiration. She created a "tidal throne" that features repurposed textiles and incorporates weaving and sewing techniques. Designed to be a functional art piece, as the chair retains its utility (and it’s so comfy!!). Sitting in the chair, a person will become part of the artwork, part of the sea. There’s also a 6-foot removable train at the back of the piece, to add drama. Many of the materials Julie used are plastic derivatives, from polyester felt to single-use plastics she collected on the street. Environmental advocacy and awareness is a subtext for many of her pieces.

Using salvaged textiles and found materials, Julie "Juicebox" Woodard creates wearable pieces, impressionistic landscapes, and abstract terrains that convey her passion for nature, memory, and creative reuse. What began as a way to honor her late mom and repurpose family heirlooms, her collections now also feature vintage goods, damaged textiles donated by community members, cutting room remnants, and street debris.

Julie's artistic practice is rooted in the tension between holding on and letting go, of memorialization and detachment. A self-proclaimed 'doula of discarded things,' she transforms both trash and sentimental scraps into kinetic images of texture and light. Her process incorporates elements of collage, applique, embroidery, quilting, painting, printmaking, and soft sculpture. The "juice" is the joy Julie seeks to create and the "box" is her platform for storytelling and advocacy. Every piece has a story. Every textile is repurposed with purpose.

Julie has created one-of-a-kind capsule collections for Au Boulot Workwear and her wearable designs have been showcased by Woolrich, Inc. She was the Fall 2022 Featured Artist for FABSCRAP Philadelphia, is an alumna of NextFab's Artisan Accelerator program, and displays work across the country. Following a strong interest in site-specific public works, her latest projects include Pockets of Light, an interactive installation along the Delaware River Waterfront, and an immersive oceanic reading "nook" for the 2023 Fringe/Cannonball Festival's presentation of Read Me A World.

Julie is a teaching artist, writer and songcatcher. In addition to stories, many of her visual works are translated into original music.

Philadelphia Zoo Basket

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