In 1984, the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association was brought to life by Seattle-based sculptor Meg Pettibone, who envisioned reviving the craft of stone carving. The earliest gatherings took place in her Fremont studio, fostering a nascent community of stone sculptors.
Just three years later, in 1987, NWSSA hosted its inaugural symposium in the Methow Valley, located east of Washington’s Cascade Mountains. This event marked NWSSA’s first major gathering and set the stage for future community-building and hands-on engagement.
Community Building & Growth
During its formative period, NWSSA published a Stone and Tool Directory, updated multiple times to serve members’ needs. Artists also began collaborative exhibitions in Seattle and Vancouver (BC). Additionally, members embarked on group stone-collecting excursions in places like Skagit Valley, the Columbia River Valley, and Vancouver Island.
Formal Structure & Expansion (1990s)
By 1995, NWSSA had achieved official status as a tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, solidifying its commitment to supporting stone sculptural arts.
Over time, the organization’s membership base expanded beyond the Pacific Northwest to include sculptors and enthusiasts across the western United States, Canada, and international locales.
Continuity & Contemporary Presence
NWSSA continues to uphold its core mission of nurturing the stone sculpting community by providing educational opportunities, member support systems, and access to regional, national, and international networks.
Currently, NWSSA organizes two major annual symposiums:
The International Stone Carving Symposium (held in Washington state at Camp Pilgrim Firs)
The Oregon State International Stone Carving Symposium (held at Camp Suttle Lake near Sisters, OR)
These events, along with a robust suite of workshops, publications, exhibitions, and tools, continue to animate and unite NWSSA’s membership of over 200 artists and enthusiasts.
