Chair Canning Demonstration at the San Diego County Fair

Join master craftsman Kevin Deal as he showcases the art of traditional cane webbing, bringing history to life before your eyes. Using natural strand cane- harvested from the outer bark of rattan, a tropical vine- he skillfully weaves seats for custom-made children’s chairs.

Step back in time to the 19th Century Woodworking Chair Shop, located at the rear of the Design in Wood exhibition, and watch as Deal demonstrates techniques that have been used for generations. These handcrafted children’s chairs, made from sturdy red oak, are built using period-accurate methods, including hot hide glue- the same adhesive relied upon by fine furniture makers for centuries. Every chair is finished entirely with hand tools, just as they would have been in the 1800s.

Each year, our talented woodworkers craft at least 50 chairs, which are then donated to non-profit organizations serving children. The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA) members generously volunteer their time at the Fair to build these beautiful, durable chairs. If you know of a worthy organization in need of chairs, please visit the Design in Wood Information Booth to let us know.

A special thank you to Strata Forest Products for their generous donation of red oak, ensuring that these timeless skills continue to benefit the community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see a master at work and experience the craftsmanship that stands the test of time!

Check the San Diego County Fair website for specific times!

Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2026/chair-caning-demonstration

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