CANTON - Having a hole in your seat is a terrible thing.

Wondering what can be done with that heirloom caned chair in the attic? Interested in learning about a traditional handicraft that is both beautiful and functional?

To learn how to cane chairs, come to the St. Lawrence County Historical Association (SLCHA) at the Silas Wright House in Canton, for three Wednesday evenings, Aug. 11, 18, and 25, at 7 p.m.

Well-known caning instructor Carlton Stickney is in his 60th year of teaching this craft. While classes begin at 7 p.m., Stickney says, “I always arrive at 6 to help people who have questions or who want extra supervision on their project. It’s important to work on the caning between classes.”

Each participant must provide their own chair with the old caning removed; supplies will be provided. The appropriate chair, which will take a caned seat, has holes around the inner edge of the opening in the chair seat frame. It is expected that participants will be able to complete the caning of one chair during the course of the workshop.

Register by Aug. 4, as class size is limited; send name, address, phone number, email address, and nonrefundable payment of $53 for SLCHA members, and $63 for non members to the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, PO Box 8, Canton, NY 13617.

The SLCHA is open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m.–6:00 p.m. For more information about SLCHA and St. Lawrence County history, or to become a member, call 315-386-8133, e-mail info@slcha.org, or visit the website at www.slcha.org. Parking is available in back.