Owners of unwanted and unpainted furniture can donate

it to aspiring artists as part of the city of Columbia’s Career Awareness Related Experience program.

The program is looking for chairs, tables and stools that could be turned into pieces of art by participating teens.

Last year, 17 teens participated in the eight-week summer employment and education program sponsored by the city. Participants work with Columbia employers to develop job skills, earn money and “build positive relationships with people in the community,” a news release said.

Painted furniture will be displayed and sold at a CARE youth artist exhibit at PS Gallery, 812 E. Broadway, in July. Artwork in the past has been displayed during the city’s First Night celebration and the Lunch in the Park program.

Furniture can be dropped off weekdays at 800 N. Providence Road, suite 210. Call CARE in advance at 874-6300 to arrange donations.