The Stone Bench Project grew out of a Carving Studio & Sculpture Center Exchange Program with Ayacucho, Peru begun in 2005, helping teens reclaim their stone carving and cultural heritage. Inspired by the success in Ayacucho, instructor Nora Valdez continued the annual project in West Rutland during July of 2009, and has continued annually ever since.

Funding for the Stone Bench Project is provided by the United Way of Rutland County, as well as contributions by members and friends of The Carving Studio & Sculpture Center.