June 23-July 3 — WEST RUTLAND — Area teens will have the opportunity to explore the traditional craft of stone carving this summer through a free workshop hosted by The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. Open to students aged 13 to 19, the program runs from Monday to Thursday, June 23 to July 3, and will culminate in the creation of a carved stone bench that will be installed in a public location in Rutland County.
Participants will be introduced to foundational stone carving skills, including lettering, architectural techniques, and sculptural methods. In addition to learning hands-on skills, students will gain insight into the industrial history of Vermont’s Marble Valley region, which played a pivotal role in shaping the area’s identity and economy.
Limited to just 10 students, the workshop aims to foster both creativity and civic engagement. Applicants are asked to submit a brief statement about how the experience would benefit them. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to CSSC Bench Project, P.O. Box 495, West Rutland, VT 05777.
The initiative is part of the Carving Studio’s broader effort to connect young people with their cultural heritage and the tradition of stone craftsmanship. A 2005 youth exchange inspired the Stone Bench Project with Peru and has since brought sculptural public art to communities across Vermont. Since its local debut in 2009, benches created by student carvers have become lasting installations in towns throughout the region.
The United Way of Rutland County provides funding for the program along with contributions from supporters of the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of stone carving.
For more information on this and upcoming events, visit: carvingstudio.org.
