NWSSA is an association of stone sculptors that began meeting at an annual powwow 20 years ago in the pacific northwest. We have since grown to include stone sculptors and associates throughout the western US, Canada, and other parts of the world.
We are now a nonprofit membership organization. NWSSA was founded in 1985 and was awarded federal tax exempt status 501c in 1995. Our mission is nurture the community of stone sculptors by developing educational opportunities, providing a support system to members, and facilitating interaction with regional, national, and international communities.
To sign up fill out the Membership Form and mail. See the Contact List to get in touch with someone in the association. Join the Email list to receive or to post announcements and other communications among the members.
NWSSA organizes major symposia and other events, publishes a Journal Newsletter, operates a web site and an email discussion group.
Symposia and other Events. See the Events page for current events. NWSSA has hosted annual symposia since 1987 where stone sculptors, stone and tool suppliers, and friends gather to work and play in a friendly and supportive setting. Three symposia are hosted each year: The biggest event is the annual International Stone Carving symposium held in Mt. Vernon, Washington during July. In early fall NWSSA hosts the Silver Falls Symposium, a smaller, more intimate affair, at the beautiful Silver Falls Park in Oregon. And each year we have a hand carving retreat at various locations for those times you want to work and play in a peaceful setting.
NWSSA hosts other events. During the spring, the association puts on an exhibit at the very large flower and garden show in Seattle. This is where lots of the members pitch in to show the northwest public what we are up to. And throughout the year members band together to put on shows at various venues around the northwest.
Publications. NWSSA publishes the bimonthly journal and newsletter SCULPTURE NORTHWEST containing artistic and technical articles. A popular feature of each issue is an interview with a selected member with pictures of their work. Other publications are available including a Sculptors guide to geology and brochures for major events. See the Publications page for more detail.
Email List About 200 to 300 people subscribe to the NWSSA Email List. Anyone interested in Stone Sculpture is invited to join.
Web Site. See the Web Site Page for more information.
Membership in NWSSA is $60.00 per year. Members receive a subscription to our bimonthly journal SCULPTURE NORTHWEST, voting privileges, and discounted member rates at symposia and workshops. Newsletter subscription without membership is $30.00 (U.S.) per year.
Currently there are over 200 members, mostly living in the western US and Canada. Leadership is provided by elected officers, a board of directors, volunteer symposium directors, and various working groups all who rotate through their positions every few years, encouraging everyone to get involved.
You don't have to be a member to attend symposia or receive the newsletter, but being a member gets you discounts and other benefits.
Members enjoy a sense of community and emotional support from those who share a love for stone! Particularly sucessful are the major symposia, workshops, and shows held throughout the year. Camp B is known for its amazing sense of sharing and involvement. The organization is very active and provides plenty of opportunity to get involved and help if you want, or just partake and enjoy if you'd rather. The members represent a wide variety of education and experience, giving the association an incredible blend of masters and students, who offer support and friendship that is much appreciated in the art community.
Organizational officers and a board of directors are elected by the membership on an annual basis.
Current NWSSA Officers (2008)
Board of Directors includes officers and the following members:
It is the association's intent to protect member personal information from inadvertent or unapproved disclosure to the public. See the privacy policy for details.