These rocking chairs by furniture-maker Peter Naramor will be displayed as part of the new “Roots of Inspiration: Contemporary Functional Furniture” exhibit at the Schaefer International Gallery. The larger chair on the right was inspired by the Hawaiian Ku.

Form meets function at the latest exhibit at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery, “Roots of Inspiration: Contemporary Functional Furniture,” on display beginning Tuesday to Dec. 23. The idea for the upcoming exhibit came from the well-known Maui furniture-maker, Peter Naramore. His source of inspiration was an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, titled “New American Furniture: The Second Generation of Studio Furniture makers.” That concept in 1989, was to invite a group of renowned furniture makers to use antique furniture as a point of inspiration to create unique new “studio furniture.” The 2009 adaptation brings together 18 of the finest woodworkers from around the state, exhibiting newly created furniture inspired by artifacts, antiquities or architecture of Hawaiian origin. Many of the artists specialize in inlay, carving, turning and veneer work.