We invite you to join us at Camp Pilgrim Firs for eight days of stone-centered activities and carving with your fellow stone enthusiasts. Bring yourself, your creative energy, your tools, and a favorite rock (or four!). If you’re new to this whole thing and don’t have stone or tools, we have the Dojo set up for beginners with everything you need to start.
The Campground provides cabins and lodges that are connected by walking paths through the forested grounds and three full meals a day, so you’ll have the freedom to delve into carving and developing growing friendships. Evenings are filled with slideshows, informational talks, a riot of a fundraising auction, a music-filled dance party, campfires and even nighttime swims in the lake. Stone and tools (and massages for those tired muscles) are available for purchase from our vendors.
Accommodations
The Camp has a lodge with a shared common area and bathrooms; it features multiple dorm-style rooms that sleep 2-4 people each. There are also 11 duplex-style cabins with private decks that sleep 3 per side. For those who like to commune more closely with nature, limited space is available for tents or trailers. No pets are allowed during the week.
Sculpture Walk on the Meadow July 18th
Our outdoor art gallery is a perfect opportunity to show your work in a supportive and appreciative environment. We encourage everyone to bring up to two finished pieces to display and to invite your friends!
We have three different communal workspaces with dedicated instructors to offer advice on tools and techniques. You are welcome to make one of these spaces your home during the symposium, in which case you do not need to bring your own workspace set-up. These spots are first-come first-serve and limited, so register early to reserve your spot! You are also invited to pop-in and learn at any time during the week as space allows.
The Dojo – Beginning Stone Carving and Hand Tools
Our Dojo provides space, stone, and instruction on carving and safe hand tool usage. We provide a work table in the communal tent, a piece of limestone for beginners, and an extensive tool library with all the things you need to get started on your first sculpture. Experienced hand carvers are also welcome to work from the Dojo.
Intermediate Power Tool Tent
For those who are somewhat experienced with stone carving and would like to expand their toolset to include air hammers, angle grinders, and die grinders, this workshop is for you. We provide a table in the space that is outfitted with a dust collector table, fans, power, water, and air! The space also has an extensive tool library and everyone is welcome to come try out a new tool with dedicated supervision.
The Jade Workshop
Our communal Jade workspace has all the tools you need to create small scale sculptures and pendants. We will have a variety of jade for sale to work on as well as two guiding instructors on hand to advise you on tools and next steps as you work on the famed Stone of Heaven. The Jade tent has space for 10 people and a wait list is created at camp for daily drop-ins.
Collaborative Stone Carving – Amy Brier, John Fisher, and Sharon Fullingim
These three master carvers have been working together on large public sculptures for many years. Though they live in different areas of the country, they travel to work together will be tackling an approximately 4’ x 5’ limestone slab during our week at camp, demonstrating their techniques and process along the way.
Amy Brier has a BFA in sculpture from Boston U and has been carving since traveling to Italy and falling in love with marble and carving. She worked for 6 years in the carving shed of the stoneyard of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. She co-founded the Indiana Limestone Symposium and has taught workshops and classes in the US and Europe. Amy is the first woman to be President of the Stone Carvers Guild.
John Fisher has carved over 550 figurative sculptures that vary is size from hand held to monumental. He lived in Italy for 20 years perfecting his craft. Now he has lived in Northern California for 20 years returning yearly to Italy to renew contacts and purchase tools and stone. He teaches a method of carving he calls Profile Carving. It emphasizes looking behind the chisel, sending the chips flying away from the eyes. He is also an advocate for improvising and intuitive carving. For John composition is king, no amount of good carving can fix a bad sculpture.
Sharon Fullingim sculpts in both bronze and stone, with a focus on North American wildlife. She is a Signature member of the Society of Animal Artists, Master Signature member of the American Women Artists, and served as the Director of ILS (Indiana Limestone Symposium) in Ellettsville, IN, where she taught hand and pneumatic stone carving.
Members, Remember to Log In to receive the $100 Early Bird Discount on Full Time Registration through May 31st!
Our Vendors
Neolithic Stone – A wide range of quality stones and tools from around the world
Bronzestone – Various sizes of polished granite bases
BB Industries- A selection of tools and accessories for cutting hard stone
Carolyn Anderson – Restore Alignment and health to stressed muscles
Blind Stream Stoneworks – Honeycomb Calcite direct from the quarry
Field Mentors
Our members have years, if not decades, of experience working with all types of stone. If you desire individual guidance or support, field mentors are available every day to share tips and techniques that will help you on your way.
Financial Aid – Thank you for your interest. All work study positions were granted June 1st
Thanks to our generous members and the Thursday Auction, funds are available for both work-study positions and scholarships.
Apply for a Work Study Position
Please contact Co-Directors Cyra Jane [email protected] and Ben Mefford [email protected] with any questions.
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