The Carving Studio & Sculpture Center
Stone Bench Project: June 29 - July 10
Stone Bench Project: June 29 - July 10
Offering local young people (age 13-19) the chance to carve and build a stone bench to be installed in Vermont. Participants will gain a solid skill basis in lettering, architectural and sculptural stone working, as well as an appreciation for the industrial history of the Marble Valley region.
The workshop, scheduled for Mondays-Fridays is free and limited to ten students.
The Stone Bench Project grew out of a Carving Studio and 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. Funding for the Stone Bench Project is provided by a sponsor as well as contributions by members and friends of The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center.
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.
The 2026 Stone Bench Project is sponsored by the Vermont Lake Monsters, a collegiate summer baseball team. We are excited to see the outcome of this stone bench and thank the Vermont Lake Monsters and their owners for their generosity and commitment to the youth of Vermont!
For more information or to apply - email us: info@carvingstudio.org
