Corn Shuck Chair Bottom Weaving
Visit Island Farm on September 10, 11, 12 and 13 and get a chance to meet David Russell – otherwise known as “The Chair Guy.” While at the Farm, Mr. Russell will be demonstrating the art of creating strong chair seats from the shucks of corncobs, while also sharing the history of the disappearing trade. The public is invited to attend during open hours which are Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m ntil 3 p.m. Demonstrations are included with the regular cost of admission.
Corn shuck seat weaving is a historic craft, stemming from the necessity of having to use exactly what was on hand to make an item of function. In many Southern states, the “husks” or “shucks” from corn cobs were often on hand. Russell has been weaving corn husk seats for over 20 years. Hailing from Washington, Georgia, Russell is one of the few people who is taking a hands-on approach to preserving this type of craft, by weaving and demonstrating across the South. Today, only a couple hundred folks remain who know the trade.
