Silver River Center for Chair Caning

Explorations of Pattern & Design in Chair Seat Weaving

November 1 - 6, 2026

Open to All Skill Levels

Special Topics, Furniture, Fibers

Overview

In this workshop, students will dive deep into materials and pattern study while focusing on common types of chair seat weaving. Designed for furniture makers, fiber enthusiasts, and crafters, this all levels workshop explores a variety of natural and manufactured materials. The curriculum covers several key weaving styles: the Rush pattern (using paper, cotton, and grass cords), the Warp & Weft process (as seen on Mid-Century and Mexican folk chairs), and weaving with flat materials like splint reed, shaker tape, or braided cord in various patterns. The class will also introduce the intricacies of caning, including traditional and alternative patterns like the star, honeycomb, and daisy. Furniture makers are welcome to share their designs for assistance, and students will leave with the skills to fashion their own fibers and ideas into a fun and functional woven chair seat or footstool.

Course Fee : $760.00

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$760.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$810.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Silver River Center for Chair Caning

Brandy Clements & Dave Klingler are the owners of Silver River Center for Chair Caning in Asheville, NC, the nation's only chair weaving school and museum. Silver River's mission is to inspire a reverence for a worldwide chair caning legacy and to promote and perpetuate the craft. A fourth generation Chair Caner, Brandy is a Heritage Member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the school is an official education center. They teach in person, online, and at craft schools, museums, and historic houses. Their @SilverRiverChairs YouTube Channel is popular worldwide. Brandy & Dave are respected educators and ambassadors of the craft, demonstrating and lecturing at many organizations across the US. Brandy & Dave have taught 1000+ sessions and restored 10,000+ chairs in the last 20 years, from Wegner to Shaker designs. Their upcoming chair weaving instructional manuals will be published in 2025. They’ve been featured in American Craft, Mother Earth News and on television.

Artist Website

Explore the Sculpture Studio

Located on the second floor of the Turner Building, the Sculptural Studio is steps from our Library & Resource Center and next to the Sandra J. Blain Galleries. The flexible nature of this studio makes it ideal for multimedia and sculpture classes where different types of media are being used. Adjacent to the Metals Studio our enamel classes and cold work, glass techniques are often taught in this space, allowing for a free flow of tools and equipment between the two workshops.

Explore the Sculpture Studio