West Rutland and Manchester, VT – This year’s bench from the Stone Bench Project at the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center will be dedicated at the Skate Park in Manchester, Vermont (340 Rec Park Road) on September 13th, 2025 at 10:30am. Pulling from the rich history of the Manchester area, eight students carved a public bench for the Manchester community that focuses on historical sheep farming, beautiful landscapes, and winter sports. Join us at the dedication to meet these young sculptors and see the recently completed Stone Bench.
The Stone Bench Project grew out of the CSSC Peru Exchange Program begun in 2005, helping teens reclaim their stone carving and cultural heritage. Inspired by the success in Peru, sponsors supported the first Stone Bench Project to benefit local youth and Vermont communities in West Rutland during July of 2009. Sixteen Stone Benches have been installed in towns across Vermont. Funding for the Stone Bench Project is provided by the United Way of Rutland County, as well as contributions from members and friends of The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center.