Stone Bench Project
The Stone Bench Project originated from a Carving Studio & Sculpture Center Exchange Program with Ayacucho, Peru, launched in 2005. This initiative was designed to help teens reconnect with their stone carving traditions and cultural heritage. Building on the program’s success in Ayacucho, instructor Nora Valdez brought the project to West Rutland in July 2009, where it has taken place every summer since.
Each year, the Stone Bench Project receives support from different sponsors, including private and community foundations, the National Endowment for the Arts, United Way of Vermont, Vermont Arts Council, regional towns including West Rutland and
Rutland, as well as generous contributions from members and friends of The Carving Studio & Sculpture Center.
We are always looking for new opportunities to design and collaborate, expanding the reach and impact of the Stone Bench Project.
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Stone Bench 2025
Town of Manchester
Dedicated: September 12, 2025
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Stone Bench 2022
Gilbert Hart Library, Wallingford
Dedicated: September 17, 2022
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Stone Bench 2023
Northwood Pool, Rutland Town
Dedicated: August 19, 2023
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Stone Bench 2024
Town of Mendon
Dedicated: TBD
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Stone Bench 2018
Proctor Junior-Senior High School
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Stone Bench 2019
Maclure Library, Pittsford
Dedicated: August 17, 2019
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Stone Bench 2021
Chittenden Municipal Offices
Dedicated: August 28, 2021
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Stone Bench 2015
Vermont Farmers Food Center (Rutland City,
one year)Town of Clarendon
Dedicated: October 18, 2015
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Stone Bench 2016
Kennedy Park, Brandon
Dedicated: October 9, 2016
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Stone Bench 2017
Castleton Town Offices
Dedicated: May 5, 2018
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Stone Bench 2012
Fair Haven Town Green
Dedicated: May 27, 2013
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Stone Bench 2013
Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury
Dedicated: October 3, 2013
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Stone Bench 2014
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Stone Bench 2009
West Rutland Town Hall
Dedicated: May 10, 2010
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Stone Bench 2010
Giorgetti Park, Rutland City
Dedicated: October 14, 2010
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Stone Bench 2011
Stone Valley Community Market, Poultney
Dedicated: June 23, 2012