In the wake of the requirement to have benches outside the Matnas, its management decided that such seating should be created with thought to the climate and to the human and environmental landscape of the Matnas.  So instead of going out and buying readymade benches, a call was put out to the artists working there to “come and design special benches for us.”

The proposal put forth by artist Smadar Carmeli, accompanied by colour sketches, was chosen by the management from among all the proposals submitted.   Smadar has been living in Eilat for the last year and a half.  She is a graduate of the Bezalel College of Art and lectures there in the department for ceramic and glass design.  She specialises in ceramic design and forms, creating lighting elements, crockery, and basins, and taking part in numerous exhibitions all over the country.  Smadar teaches sculpture groups for youth and adults at the Shachamon Matnas.

The sculpted seats that she put up last week at the entrance to the Shachamon Matnas are the fruit of three months’ labour.  The staff of the Matnas followed the progress of the work, which culminated in a spectacular result to greet the eyes of people visiting the Matnas.

The benches were made in organic, amorphic forms, suited to the human form for children, youth and adults, taking into consideration the target public that comes to the Matnas.

The impressive result pleased the Matnas management, and they plan to put up similar benches at the entrance to the new library that will be opening a few months from now at the Shachamon Matnas.