The Untitled Chair Project
Raising awareness for stem cell donors.
One photo at a time.
The Untitled Chair Project
Raising awareness for stem cell donors.
One photo at a time.
Why Am I Raising Awareness?
This is more than a chair — it’s a journey, a tribute, and a call to action.
Born from the memory of a dear friend lost to leukemia, The Untitled Chair Project travels the world to raise awareness about the urgent need for registered stem cell donors. Along the way, it gathers signatures, stories, and snapshots — capturing the spirit of hope and human connection wherever it goes.
Here, you'll find photos from the journey, the story behind the red chair, and ways to get involved. Whether you're a curious visitor, a fellow traveler, or someone moved to make a difference — Welcome! You’re now part of the story.
Follow the journey. Share the mission. Join your local stem cell registry. Save a life.
Doug & me, Denver Colorado, 1997
The Collection - Portraits On Polaroids
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Why the Chair?
The Red Chair Is At The Heart Of It All.
Some people run marathons, play polo, or climb mountains to support a cause. I use photography and art. It gives us a creative, positive platform to talk about things that truly matter—like the need for registered stem cell donors.
The red chair is at the heart of it all. Every time I take it out for a photo shoot, it grabs attention—people want to know, what is this all about. It's not common to see a big corn fed Texas boy walking around with a red chair and a camera. That moment of curiosity opens the door to conversation. The chair becomes a symbol of hope, awareness, and connection.
Each shoot is different. The only rule? Don’t look directly at the camera. After that, it’s up to each person—how they pose, if they sit, if they stand, if they stay quiet or tell their story. No two portraits are alike, and that’s the beauty of it. Every photo is honest, unique, and deeply human.
After each session, I invite the participant to sign the chair. Each signature is a personal stamp of support. Signing the chair symbolizes a promise to share the story: with friends, family, and colleagues. That's how the awareness grows. It becomes a living record of the people, places, and moments that have shaped this journey.
The Untitled Chair Project isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about creating a shared experience that brings light, love, and meaning to the people involved. And in doing so, it helps spread the message one person, one story, and one image at a time.
Signatures On The Chair
Gallery Display Concept
While The Untitled Chair Project began as a journey on the road — a moving symbol of hope, remembrance, and the urgent need for stem cell donors — its story doesn't end there. This gallery concept brings the project's spirit into a permanent, reflective space where it can continue to inspire and raise awareness long after the travels have concluded.
At the heart of the display sits the iconic red chair — the same one that’s traveled across cities and countries, witnessing hundreds of stories and moments of courage. Surrounding it are hundreds of Polaroid photographs, each capturing a person, a place, or a memory tied to the project. These images are not just portraits; they are personal testaments to the importance of donor registration, love, and human connection.
Visitors will walk through a space that echoes the road the chair has traveled — a space filled with voices and faces from around the world. Each wall offers a mosaic of moments: a living archive of those who have sat in the chair and shared their reason for supporting the cause.
This permanent or touring installation ensures that the message continues to grow. It’s a place for education, reflection, and action — where new visitors can learn about stem cell donation and be inspired to register, and where past participants can see how their stories live on.
The journey may one day end, but The Untitled Chair Project will always have a place to sit.