Silver Falls Stone Sculptors Symposium
August 23rd - 28th, 2014 - Oregon
20th ANNIVERSARY!
If you would like to join us next year, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be added to our mailing list so you will receive notice about our next Silver Falls Symposium event!
Stone carvers are invited to convene at the Silver Falls State Park Conference center for 5 days of sculpting fun. Under the lush canopy of Douglas fir trees, this inclusive community sets up a circle of tents to carve, share, learn and be invigorated. From the beginner's tent to the professional's tool chest, there are ample ways to advance one's ideas, talents and learning. Please join us to connect with other artists.
Extensive carving sessions are interspersed with informative classes and stimulating sculpting lessons. Field instructors are always available to help noodle 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.
We provide meals and comfortable lodge rooms to relax in between activities. Our evenings bring professionals to show their images and expertise in a broad range of sculpture. Revel under the stars at the campfire before turning in for a well-deserved rest.
FEATURED INSTRUCTORS
East Meets West; From Classical to High Tech This year, the Silver Falls Stone Carving Symposium brings together world class sculpting masters for a unique opportunity to provide instruction and discuss where we are today. From classical Roman figurative sculpture, to modern minimalism and the new high tech tools and techniques, our instructors provide knowledge and inspiration for all attendees.
Kazutaka Uchida: Uchida Sensei from Japan returns as guest sculptor. He will share his insights on the clean lines, subtle beauty and harmonious balance of sculptural forms, nature and Japanese aesthetics.
Matt Auvinen: Classically trained in Italy, Matt’s figurative sculptures focus on cultural artifacts and composition in his statuary and bas-relief marble installations.
Tracy Powell: Tracy is a self-taught master in wood and stone carving. He has taught numerous hand tool carving workshops on Whidbey Island and uses his naturalistic style to tell stories, create memorials and public art monuments. 
Stuart Kendall: Stuart, founder of the Solstice Studio, blends art, fabrication and engineering to create technically advanced custom stone cutting equipment for large scale projects, including the Ten Thousand Year Clock.
Tool & Safety Talks with Dan Michael: Dan of Olympia, WA will display an array of power carving tools and methods while explaining safe operation. 
Celebration of Life; Paul Buckner: On Sunday afternoon, August 24th, NWSSA is hosting a gathering of former students and friends to celebrate the legacy of Professor Emeritus Paul Buckner (1933-2014). Paul is remembered for his work in stone, metal, and wood and his legacy of fine arts teaching. Please join us to celebrate a man who epitomized the “highest ideal of the word ‘teacher’ ”.
Evening Presenters & Field Instructors:
Saturday: Tracy Powell & Matt Auvinen
Sunday afternoon: Celebration of Life: Paul Buckner
Sunday evening: Kazutaka Uchida & Ken Barnes
Monday Suart Kendall & Kentaro Kojima
Tuesday Scholarship Auction FUN for a CAUSE!
Wednesday Slide Presentation & Campfire
Symposium Tuition: 
Sign up early to reserve your spot for an international hit this summer! Work study positions and University of Oregon college credit are available by application.
Tuition includes: instruction, beginner’s tools, workshops, mentoring, meals and accommodations. Upon registration, you will receive a package of information; your confirmation, information on Silver Falls Conference Center, a list of things to bring and more.
Once again, we're offering an early arrival option for those of you who wish to come on Friday, August 22nd. Come for dinner or arrive later Friday evening & have breakfast with us. Otherwise, regular check-in starts at 9:30 am on Saturday, August 23rd, and lunch will be the first meal served (last meal: breakfast Thursday, August 28th).
Full Time
NWSSA Member (double occupancy, 5 days) $750
Non-Member(double occupancy, 5 days) $850
NWSSA Member Single Room $893
Student $550
Early Arrival Friday Night (Dinner, B&B) $105
Early Arrival Friday Night (B&B) $90
Part Time
Day Rate/overnight (includes 3 meals and lodging) $165
Day Rate (includes lunch & dinner) $95
Student Day Rate (no meals included) $50
* University of Oregon college credit available
1-3 Credits: $150 per credit undergraduate; $225 per credit graduate
Contact Tom Urban at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. refarding college credit
To Download & Print the Mail-In Registration form - REGISTRATION CLOSED
To apply for a Work Study position - POSITIONS FILLED
NWSSA Annual Membership $ 45
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