NWSSA is excited to hold our annual Oregon State Stone Carving Symposium at Suttle Lake Camp! Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains 14 miles west of Sisters. Suttle Lake Camp is a special place where the vivid green of Western Oregon mingles with the sunny beauty of the eastern part of the state.
The inclusive community of stone enthusiasts will set up a circle of tents to carve, share, learn and be in community for the sake of stone carving. The symposium is open to all levels of experience. From beginners who have never carved stone to tradespeople, makers, hobbyists and professional artists. You will receive an unmatched level of creative community, a wealth of knowledge, and supportive/inspiring connections.
Make new friends, renew old acquaintances and fire up the creative spirit with us at camp this summer!
Lodge/Cabin
Tent Camping
Early Bird Discount
Lodge/Cabin
Tent Camping
Non-Carving Spouse
We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas Fairplay to his first NWSSA symposium. Nicholas is a master stone carver whose career bridges centuries-old European craftsmanship with international architectural restoration and archaeological research. Beginning his apprenticeship at age sixteen, Fairplay developed a depth of skills rooted in traditional Gothic and Renaissance techniques. He was recruited as head carver at St. John the Divine in New York where he directed the carving studio as well as trained groups of international students in the craft of stone carving. Fairplay currently resides and works in Oberlin, Ohio doing restoration and custom sculptures. Over the years he has worked abroad and was even hired to advise on the Giza Pyramid Archaeological Mapping project for the University of Chicago research team. He has been working in the field for decades and has the heaving-hitting large-scale sculptures that enthrall even the most seasoned carver. Holding both artistic mastery and scholarly expertise, Fairplay connects fine art, architecture, history, and living craft traditions. He is sure to be a wealth of knowledge to learn from, be inspired by, and a cool guy to connect with. During the week of the symposium he will be working on a limestone relief and we look forward to seeing what current projects and inspirations he presents on.
Our inclusive community of all experience levels come together to carve, share, learn. From the beginner’s tent, small scale and jade tent, to the professional’s tool chest, and mentors on the field there are ample ways to advance one’s ideas and skills.
Extensive carving sessions are interspersed with informative classes and stimulating sculpting lessons. Field mentors and instructors are available to help guide you through your challenges. Bring your gear (if you are a beginner, we have a library of tools you can use), connect to our power, water and air sources and peruse the tools and variety of stones being carved and available for purchase from our on-site vendors.
Symposium tuition rates vary based on lodging. There are double occupancy rooms in Wesley Meadow lodge with shared baths, triple occupancy in rustic style cabins near a bath and shower facilities with dressing areas, or primitive camping (tent or tipi). Other than primitive camping, there are electricity( lights and outlets), cots with a mattress are provided, but you bring your own linens, pillow, and sleeping bag.
If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are many hotels and B&B’s located nearby in the town of Sisters.
During the early mornings or afternoons, you might find the time for a swim, paddle a boat across the lake, take a leisurely bike ride or walk along the trails nearby.
Tool & Safety Talks:
Safe operation, potential hazards and proper safety protections are a priority. We have an on-site medical tent and we display an array of electric and pneumatic power carving tools and methods for campers to try.
Beginning Stone Carving:
In our Community Tent area there are NWSSA provided work benches, hook-ups and safety gear, as well as access to our library of hand carving, pneumatic and power tools for beginners and intermediate artists to use throughout the week. We advise you to bring your own well-fitting safety glasses and respirators. Instructors will guide beginning and intermediate stone carving students to explore basic sculptural form, processes, techniques, and concepts while sharing experiences in working with and polishing a variety of stone.
If you have a special order, please contact the Vendor(s) prior to Camp
Tom Urban – A selection of stone and tools from Neolithic Stone & Tom’s own inventory. Alabaster, chlorite, limestone, and a variety of marbles. Tools include, but not limited to: diamond blades, cups, burrs and files. Call for requests and info, 541-912-2197
Bronzestone Bases – Bronzestone will come for an afternoon with a selection of polished bases in granite and other stones. www.bronzestonebases.com
Mail In Registration Form
Printable Oregon State Symposium Brochure
Event Release Form (Please fill out and bring to registration check in)
Camp Suttle Lake is located at 29551 SW Suttle Lake Loop, Sisters, OR 97759
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