Chair caning is a skill that takes years to become proficient and decades to master. Our volunteer, apprentice, and intern programs provide an excellent opportunity to enhance your basic chair caning knowledge and get comfortable tackling the most complicated construction elements.

We have designed a comprehensive curriculum for all levels of weavers that is designed to meet your chair goals. Broaden your craft school education, supplement your income, or satisfy your chair nerd tendencies. Supervised instruction will expand your skill set and give you confidence to go out on your own with your new chair caning business or hobby.

Please email a resume/bio/brief paragraph telling us why you want to learn chair caning to SilverRiverChairs@gmail.com to get started.

Volunteer/Work-Study:  Help with shop maintenance, events, prepping chairs for restoration, and the like.  Each hour worked independently = 1 hour instruction time.  Each hour of assisted work = 1/2 hour instruction time.

Internships:  3 month internships once/week. Learn the ins and outs of a busy shop in the River Arts District, help with shop maintenance, assist with intake and preparation of restorations, assist with social media and networking events. Learn the fascinating history of chair caning and educate the masses.

Perks include:  Experience with 5 styles of chair caning, free tshirt, 10% off retail, experience in a thriving art studio/museum/craft school, curriculum designed with student goals in mind, recognition of work completed, experience in the River Arts District/opportunity to interact with people from all over the world.

*internships work best if you can be in the shop a full day, once/week

Apprenticeship:  (once/week, pick your best day) Spend 1 year falling down the rabbit hole. Learn 5 styles basic styles of chair caning. Expanded syllabus includes advanced caning methods and structured coursework on the business of chair caning. 20% off retail. (In a non-pandemic you would help with special events, including attending craft fairs, demos, and conferences.)