At The Market — This week's furniture market is not only showcasing the industry's newest product, it's also offering a preview of potential best sellers not available yet. 
As a byproduct of its recent licensing agreement with the Dick Idol brand, Groovystuff, a supplier of reclaimed teakwood furniture, partnered with Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., on a design competition to challenge student designers to create a piece of modern rustic furniture suitable for inclusion among the items to be developed under the Dick Idol brand.
Twenty-three students in ASU's Industrial Design and Furniture Design programs led by Professor Richard Prisco participated in the competition, which required them to work with reclaimed teak and other materials routinely used by Groovystuff.
"The challenge was to have the students design an environmentally friendly product that reflects the essence of the Dick Idol style," said Chris Bruning, Groovystuff's founder and vice president.
Finalists in the contest are Lee Beatrous, left, Alex Parker and Marshall Dean. Beside them are the three students who earned honorable mentions, Joseph Green, Michelle Walbert and Griffin Wolf.
Finalists in the contest are Lee Beatrous, left, Alex Parker and Marshall Dean. Beside them are the three students who earned honorable mentions, Joseph Green, Michelle Walbert and Griffin Wolf.