Stone Bench Project : June 24 - July 5

Have you ever carved stone? The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center will offer local young people (age 13-19) the chance to carve and build a stone bench to be installed in Rutland County . 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, June 24-July 5, 2024, is free and limited to ten students. 

To apply, please send a brief statement explaining how this experience will benefit you to: info@carvingstudio.org or CSSC Bench Project, P.O. Box 495, West Rutland, VT 05777. Application deadline is May 15, 2024.

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 the United Way of Rutland County, as well as contributions by members and friends of The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. 

Instructor: Nora Valdez