2026 Workshops at the Carving Studio & Sculpture Center, West Rutland VT
Course Name: Decorative Relief Carving
Format: 3-day (Fri-Sun)
Dates: May 7-10
Course Description:
In this 3-day workshop, we will work from references to carve decorative imagery in low relief. Think an acanthus leaf, a fleur-de-lis, or other architectural ornamentation. Participants may bring their own reference (a physical model or photos) or work from one provided. This workshop is open to all skill levels, but is especially beneficial for practicing the fundamentals of stone carving without much bulk removal. Participants will be provided with a slab of marble about one foot square and a few inches deep. We will be working with pneumatic hammers as well as hand tools.
Course Name: The Figure in Marble
Format: 5-day (Mon-Fri)
Dates: August 3-7
This 5-day workshop will focus on carving the human form in marble. Participants are encouraged to arrive with a sketch, concept or goal in mind. Whether it be a face, body part, or full-figure, relief or in-the-round, each concept will be adapted for translation to a block of marble. One-on-one guidance will help choose the right approach for each individual project, including discussion of form, anatomy, and carving techniques. Safety equipment, tools, and a block of marble (up to 75 pounds) are included in the workshop fee. Some carving experience is recommended but not required.
Course Name: Carving by Hand
Format: 3-day (Fri-Sun)
Dates: September 25-27
Course Description:
Stone carving in Vermont is a romantic notion until the angle grinders come out and the noise and dust begins. Let’s set aside a quiet weekend in October to enjoy the fall colors and the tink, tink, tink of hammer and chisel. Participants will be provided a small block of stone, either limestone, alabaster, or marble (though soft stone is encouraged). Carving by hand is a great entry point for beginners and good practice for all skill levels. Carve whatever you choose with the instructor’s guidance (material and spiritual) at your disposal.
Format: 3-day (Fri-Sun)
Dates: May 7-10
Course Description:
In this 3-day workshop, we will work from references to carve decorative imagery in low relief. Think an acanthus leaf, a fleur-de-lis, or other architectural ornamentation. Participants may bring their own reference (a physical model or photos) or work from one provided. This workshop is open to all skill levels, but is especially beneficial for practicing the fundamentals of stone carving without much bulk removal. Participants will be provided with a slab of marble about one foot square and a few inches deep. We will be working with pneumatic hammers as well as hand tools.
Course Name: The Figure in Marble
Format: 5-day (Mon-Fri)
Dates: August 3-7
This 5-day workshop will focus on carving the human form in marble. Participants are encouraged to arrive with a sketch, concept or goal in mind. Whether it be a face, body part, or full-figure, relief or in-the-round, each concept will be adapted for translation to a block of marble. One-on-one guidance will help choose the right approach for each individual project, including discussion of form, anatomy, and carving techniques. Safety equipment, tools, and a block of marble (up to 75 pounds) are included in the workshop fee. Some carving experience is recommended but not required.
Course Name: Carving by Hand
Format: 3-day (Fri-Sun)
Dates: September 25-27
Course Description:
Stone carving in Vermont is a romantic notion until the angle grinders come out and the noise and dust begins. Let’s set aside a quiet weekend in October to enjoy the fall colors and the tink, tink, tink of hammer and chisel. Participants will be provided a small block of stone, either limestone, alabaster, or marble (though soft stone is encouraged). Carving by hand is a great entry point for beginners and good practice for all skill levels. Carve whatever you choose with the instructor’s guidance (material and spiritual) at your disposal.
