2026 Stone Carving Calendar of Events
SAVE THE DATES!
SUMMER SYMPOSIA
Our symposia are open to all levels from beginners who have never carved stone before, to the hobbyist, to the professional sculptor. These events are one of the most supportive and inclusive environments you will ever encounter. Meet new people, renew old friendships, get inspired, pose your question, answer someone’s question, and fire up the creative spirit in a rich, sharing environment.
Extensive carving sessions are interspersed with informative classes and stimulating sculpting lessons during each of our events. Field mentors and instructors are available to help guide you through your challenges. Bring your gear (if you are a beginner, we have 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.
- JULY 11-19TH 2026: Washington International Stone Carving Symposium, Port Orchard, WA
Join us for an eight-day symposium on the lovely grounds of Pilgrim Firs Camp in Port Orchard. We will have an expanded Beginner’s tent, with hand carving and intermediate power tool instruction, the NWSSA general assembly meeting, campfires, inspiring conversations and, hopefully, you! Register Online Now or Please email the Symposium Co-Directors Cyra Jane sirenicity@gmail.com or Ben Mefford sculpt.mefford@gmail.com for any questions. - JULY 18th 2026 11 am – 3 pm Outdoor Sculpture Show in Port Orchard, WA
Visit with artists, and view 100 sculptures on display and for sale as our 38th Annual Sculpture Symposium culminates. This outdoor event is open to the public. Hosted at Pilgrim Firs Camp & Conference Center 3318 SW Lake Flora Rd Port Orchard, WA 98367
- AUGUST 10-17th 2026 Oregon State International Stone Carving Symposium, near Sisters, OR
Suttle Lake Camp is our home for the week of our annual Stone Carving Symposium in Oregon. The Camp is nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains 14 miles west of Sisters. Guest artists to be announced. Questions? Contact Symposium Director Rachell Jarvis rachell@nwssa.org - AUGUST 15th 2026 11am – 4 pm Outdoor Sculpture Show at Camp Suttle Lake, OR
Visit with artists, and view 50+ sculptures on display and for sale as our Annual Sculpture Symposium culminates. This outdoor event is open to to public.
AUGUST 15 & 16 2026 EVERGREEN ARBORETUM SCULPTURE WALK Everett, WA (a two day event)
In collaboration with the Everett Arboretum & Gardens, Schack Art Center and the Fresh Paint Event we will be co-sponsoring a two-day Sculpture Walk at the Evergreen Arboretum in Everett, WA. The Fresh Paint event has attracted tens of thousands of people. All members are invited to display your outdoor and indoor pieces at this event. We will be hosting a Soapstone Carving workshop for youth. Keep your eyes open for the “Call for Artists” and volunteers as we get closer to the date.
Other Stone Carving Events (Non NWSSA Sponsored)
Date TBD JUNE 2026, YOUTH SOAPSTONE CARVING EVENT: Kubota Garden, Seattle
2 Youth Soapstone Carving Sessions will be offered on Saturday, June 21st: 10-11:30 am or 1-2:30 pm. The Kubota Garden Foundation along with artist instructors from Northwest Stone Sculptors Association will guide participants through the process of shaping this beautiful, natural material into a figurine to take home. Participation is free and the soapstone and all necessary tools will be provided. For youth ages 8 – 17. Pre-Registration is Required.
JUNE 25-28 2026, MATZKE STONE CARVING WORKSHOP: Camano Island, WA
This 3-day Hand Tooling Workshop is taught by master carver Kentaro Kojima at Karla Matzke’s Gallery and Sculpture Park on Camano Island. The event is designed to accommodate beginning carvers as well as more experienced sculptors. Register by June 1st. Matzke Stone Carving Workshop
DATE TBD 2026, TENINO CARVER’S GUILD SHOW & SALE: Tenino, WA
The Tenino Carver’s Guild has invited Northwest Stone Sculptors Association to show and sell sculpture during the Tenino Farmers Market and Craft show.
dATE tbd SEPTEMBER 2026 VANCOUVER ISLAND STONE SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM: Lake Cowichan, BC Canada
A week-long stone carving symposium hosted by Daniel Cline and West Coast Sculpture Association More Information will be available: Vancouver Island Stone Sculpture Symposium
SAVE THE DATES!!!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24th – NWSSA HOLIDAY PARTY – 4-8 PM
Stone Carving Folks, Family and Friends, our winter potluck party will be hosted at a new venue this year! The Lakewood-Seward Park Community Club in South Seattle. In the NWSSA tradition… it’s a potluck, please bring a dish to share. Also bring something to drink or a favorite dance tune; we will provide the basics. Looking forward to a cheers to the new year and hugs in person!
April 2026 Date TBD – CALIFORNIA SCULPTORS SYMPOSIUM at Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria, California
(CSS) is an annual, week-long program of workshops and demonstrations given by sculptors for sculptors. Intimate hands-on sessions with expert instructors will improve your technique, inspire your designs and build your expertise. Participants return to CSS year after year to share their passion for working with stone, wood, metal and clay. It’s a place to learn, exchange ideas and recharge your creative batteries for both the novice and the seasoned artist. California Sculptors Symposium
April 2026 Date TBD – BEST OF THE NORTHWEST SHOW & SALE – Seattle, WA (two day event)
NWSSA will be featured in a special exhibit for this Northwest Art Alliance event. We will host a youth stone carving workshop and have a display booth of stone sculptures at the Spring “Best of the Northwest” Show at The Hangar 30 building at Magnuson Park 7400 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115
JUNE 4-7th 9 2026 WOMEN’S HANDCARVING RETREAT & ART SHOW – (Now 4 Days and a New Location!)
Our quiet, peaceful, 4-day hand carving event is a wonderful gathering of women artists at Camp Pilgrim Firs in Port Orchard, WA We can easily talk among ourselves. If you aren’t a hand carver, bring a partially finished piece you can rasp, chisel, or sand. Space will be limited to 20 experienced participants.