6 Full Scholarships (includes Tuition, Materials, and some meals)

Application Close: July 6, 2025; 11:59:59 PM EST
Notification of Award: Late July

Teacher: Christopher Schwarz

Build a comb-back stick chair using the materials and tools we have on hand – plus a variety of methods. Stick chairs are a vernacular form of furniture that was built by farmers or any non-professional woodworker. Stick chairs were built using the materials around the woodworker (green wood, dry wood, salvaged wood, found wood), and simple tools. Despite these limitations, stick chairs have a rugged beauty and a somewhat animalistic nature.

In this class, we will build a comb-back stick chair – one of the most popular forms. The construction processes are a combination of heavy hand-tool use with some assistance from the bandsaw. The emphasis is on building beautiful chairs with a few tools – and even fewer jigs.

In addition, students will explore the idea that no two stick chairs should be identical. You’ll be encouraged to bring your own ideas forward with your chair to make something that is both yours and also fits within the great tradition of stick chairs that goes back to the 15th century.

Who should apply: All applicants must identify as historically excluded or under-represented in the field of woodworking and should have an educational practice.

Type of Class: CMT Scholarship Seats are fully-funded seats offered in classes that are organized by an established instructor or institution external to CMT. To learn more read the CMT Class FAQ.