Once in a while, adults over here in Israel find themselves having to hold their breath and squeeze themselves into tiny kindergarten chairs. The occasion? Their kids’ birthday parties, meetings with the nursery teacher or casual failed attempts to look like cool, unbelievably slim parents.

Their bottoms (and self-esteem) could have a softer landing if kindergartens across the country take note of the fabulous project recently carried out in several kindergartens in Tel Aviv and neighboring Holon, known as Israel’s “Children’s City.”

Some 100 kids gave disused preschooler chairs a very enticing makeover that saw the little wooden stools turned into proper works of art inspired by their creators’ rich and colorful inner world.

Why sit in a regular chair when you can sit in a racecar? Photo courtesy of Holon City Hall

Some kids went for straightforward superhero makeovers; others were inspired by Israeli children’s literature.

A chair fit for The Cat in the Hat. Photo courtesy of Holon City Hall

This chair was inspired by classic Hebrew children’s book “Mitz Petel” (“Raspberry Juice”). Photo courtesy of Holon City Hall

A few of the creations involved glue, paint and fluffy pompoms, while others – in true Israeli fashion – incorporated 3D technology.

This kid-designed chair may not be practical for sitting, but it’s definitely colorful. Photo courtesy of Holon City Hall

Fun aside, the project also taught the preschoolers the importance of sustainability and recycling, or in this case, serious upcycling.

Is it a chair? Is it a plane? Photo courtesy of Holon City Hall

The general public can get up close to the little pieces of art free of charge at an exhibition opening March 3 in Gallery 58 at the Holon Azrieli Center.

According to the exhibition’s organizers, “chairs are ubiquitous objects that accompany human beings throughout life, from early childhood into old age. At a young age, chairs facilitate children’s integration into their adult surrounding, allowing them to take part in communal events such as meals.”

Chairs, they say, are often perceived as personal property and are associated with fun and games on the one hand and stability and comfort on the other.

Comfort or not, we’ll lower ourselves into a racing car-shaped chair any day.