New, limited-edition, mini Terrace chair will support UW–Madison food pantry, The Open Seat
Posted: 05/01/25
The Wisconsin Union team has unveiled a new, limited-edition mini version of its Terrace sunburst chair that will support the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s The Open Seat Food Pantry: a 4-inch, red mini chair with the word “open” in the center of the sunburst chairback.
A portion of the sale of each chair will support The Open Seat, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s first student-run, student-serving food pantry. Founded in 2016, The Open Seat provides UW–Madison students with access to food, hygiene products and other essentials year-round.
“The Open Seat Food Pantry helps ensure that every student has access to the healthy, nutritious food they need to thrive—in school and in life,” UW–Madison Dean of Students Christina Olstad said. "Students shouldn’t need to worry about how to meet their basic needs, and should focus on what really matters: learning, growing, and reaching their full potential.”
As of May 1, the limited-edition mini chairs can be purchased at the Badger Market at Memorial Union, the Badger Market at Union South, and the online Terrace Store for $16.99, plus tax. The Wisconsin Union has 864 chairs available for purchase. The team does not anticipate additional orders of the 2025 limited-edition, mini chair.
“The Terrace chair has always been a symbol of connection and community,” said Mark Guthier, Wisconsin Union director and associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “This year, it’s also a symbol of support and care for our community. When you purchase this limited-edition piece, you’re helping feed the future by supporting UW–Madison students’ access to necessities.”
Wisconsin Union Graphic Designer Megan Breene designed the new, mini chair.
Other limited-edition mini chairs from the Wisconsin Union have included a cow-print chair in 2019 supporting the UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s building project; a 2020 chair that featured a painting of the Earth benefitting the UW–Madison Green Fund; a 2023 purple and teal chair supporting University Health Services’ Suicide Prevention Fund; a 2024 multi-hued chair supporting the Multicultural Student Center’s food insecurity initiatives; and a 2024 Badger Red chair with a lakefront and 175 in its chairback celebrating the 175th anniversary of UW–Madison.
Patrons can still purchase a limited supply of the 175th anniversary and multi-hued mini chairs in the Union’s online Terrace Store and the Badger Markets at Memorial Union and Union South.
The Wisconsin Union offers mini red, green, yellow, and orange Terrace chairs and tables for purchase at its Badger Markets in Memorial Union and Union South as well as through its online Terrace Store. Full-size red or white Terrace chairs and tables are available exclusively online.
Each spring, full-size Terrace chairs in yellow, orange, and green return to the Memorial Union Terrace, the Wisconsin Union’s outdoor dining and entertainment space. Featuring the iconic trademarked sunburst design, these chairs have become a well-known symbol of the Terrace and summer in Madison. Their arrival marks the start of Terrace season, which includes free concerts, free movie screenings, art activities and outdoor recreation.