Symposia - General Info

Symposium Terms & Conditions (2022)

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY 

As a participant in the Northwest Stone Sculptor Association’s Symposium retreat at Camp Pilgrim Firs and Conference Center
near Port Orchard, WA. from July 9-17th, 2022. I hereby acknowledge, affirm and represent as follows:

1. I understand and acknowledge that the Retreat will take place both inside and outdoors. I am aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities, including but not limited to the hazards of traversing unfamiliar terrain, exposure to sun, rain, wind, unexpected temperature changes and other forces of nature; exposure to poisonous plants and vegetation, wild animals and insects, and accidents or illness in remote places without medical facilities. I acknowledge that neither the venue nor NWSSA has medical personnel on staff or otherwise available. I am aware of basic safety rules for out of door activities. I will obey and follow any further safety information, instruction or rules offered at the retreat. If NWSSA holds mandatory safety meeting(s), I agree to attend and, even if I don’t, I agree that I shall be deemed to have been informed of the information and Risks (as defined below) offered in the safety meeting(s).

2. I acknowledge and agree that the Retreat will involve instruction and demonstration in stone and wood handling, cutting and sculpting, and that I will be performing these tasks. I am aware of the inherent risks associated with these activities (collectively, the “Risks”, as defined more completely in Exhibit A), including but not limited to respiratory and musculoskeletal hazards. I am aware of the inherent Risks of handling hand and power tools. I will obey and follow any further safety information, instruction or rules offered at the retreat, including safety recommendations made by instructors, guest artists and field mentors, whether made during meetings on safety or made individually to me.

3. I represent and affirm that I am in good health and am physically fit and full capable to participate in the Retreat. I have no allergies, heart problems, epilepsy, physical or mental disabilities or any other medical condition that would place me or the other participants in the Retreat at risk of harm or injury.

4. I understand I am responsible for my own safety and or happiness that no one associated with the retreat shall serve as the guardian of my safety and or happiness. I also understand that I am to furnish any equipment or tools I use at the Retreat and that I am solely responsible for ensuring such equipment or tools are in safe and good operating condition.

5. In consideration of an as part payment for the right to participate in the Retreat and any activities that take place in association with the retreat, I hereby assume full responsibility and liability for all risks associated with my participation in the Retreat (including without limitation the Risks) and expressly release and hold harmless the NWSSA, venue, their respective owners, operators, employees, agents, officers, directors, guest artists, field mentors, instructors, suppliers, caterers, and agents (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all liability, action, causes of action, debts, claims and demands of every kind and nature whatsoever (collectively, the “Actions”) which may arise out of or in connection with my participation in the Retreat, including but not limited to any occurrence which may result in injury, death or other damages to me or my person (collectively, the “Liabilities”).  This Release shall apply regardless of whether or not the death, injury or damage to property was caused, or alleged to be caused, in whole or in part, by any act or omission of a the Releasee, whether or not such act or omission was wrongful or negligent. As such, I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to bring any Action(s) against the Releasees for any Actions and Liabilities, whether or not caused or alleged to be caused by any act or omission of a Releasee, whether or not such act or omission was negligent or wrongful.

6. I, on behalf of myself my heirs, beneficiaries, executors and administrators, agree to indemnify the Releasees and to hold the Releasees harmless, from all losses, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, which the Releasees may suffer by virtue of all claims, demands and liabilities of any kind whatsoever which may be brought by on or my behalf, or on behalf of my spouse, children, family or other loved one, or to any of my or their guests at the retreat, which relates in any way whatsoever to the retreat or to the Releasees performance, acts, or omissions with respect to the retreat.  The terms of this Release shall apply regardless of whether or not a Releasee is a prevailing party in any action claim, demand or liability.

7. I hereby consent to the recording (including, without limitation, by means of still photography, video, film, and/or audio recording) of my image, voice, appearance, likeness, photograph, name and/or biography (collectively, “Personality”), as well as my artwork(s), in NWSSA’s promotions and publications, and grant NWSSA the right, on an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free basis, to the use my Personality in any and all media, including without limitation for advertising, publicity, commercial or other business purposes, relating to any of such promotions and publications.  Initials for Yes _________ No__________.

8. I represent and affirm that I am over 18 years of age and that I am legally competent to sign this release of liability. I further represent and affirm that I have signed this Release as my own free act.

9. If an attendee at the Retreat is a minor, then one of the minor’s parents or legal guardians (collectively, the “Guardians”) must sign this Release on the minor’s behalf. By signing this Release, the Guardian agrees, on behalf of the minor, the Guardian and the Guardian’s spouse, heirs, beneficiaries, executors and administrators, to indemnify the Releasees and hold the Releasees harmless for any injuries to the minor to the full extent of this Release, jointly and severally. The Guardian agrees that regardless of whether or not this Release can be enforced against the minor, it shall be enforceable against the Guardian and the Guardian’s spouse, heirs, beneficiaries, executors and administrators.  The Guardian further agrees to release and discharge the Releasees, and covenants not to sue the Releasees, both on their own behalf and on behalf of the minor, to the full extent of this Release. 

10. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS RELEASE ARE CONTRACTUAL AND NOT RECITAL. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE AFFECTS MY LEGAL RIGHTS AND THAT I MAY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OF MY CHOICE BEFORE I SIGN THIS RELEASE IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THIS RELEASE AFFECTS MY RIGHTS. I FULLY INFORMED MYSELF OF THE CONTENT OF THIS RELEASE BY READING IT BEFORE I SIGNED IT. If any clause or term of this Release shall be unenforceable, the remainder of the clause or term, and the remainder of this Release, shall remain enforceable and in full force and effect.

Beginning Stone Carving

I’ve Never Carved a Stone!  What can I expect as a beginner?

Impressions of NWSSA's Stone Sculpture Symposiums by Pat Barton, Irene Blomberg & Berta Geller

Beginner Training:

Beginner Work Area: The beginner work area is set up at the edge of camp, thus allowing the teachers a semi-quiet space to teach.  Two large canopies house the work area, with tarps on the ground to catch stone chips and dust. The tents provide protection from both the sun and rain. Tables, benches and stools are provided to store tools and carve comfortably. The work area has electrical power, compressed air, and water. Students pick up and clean their work area at the end of each day.  

“As one fairly new to stone sculpting, I found the beginner’s tent to be a place of great support and encouragement for exploring my creativity with stone.”  Eirene Blomberg

Full Time Instructors: Tamara Buchanan and Ruth Mueseler are both experienced stone sculptors. Tamara has been sculpting stone for over 25 years, and teaches at her studio on Lopez Island for the past 10 years. Ruth, from Bellingham, comes highly recommended by her former students for her thoughtful and respectful manner towards those wanting to learn stone.

Do I need to bring a stone with me?

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About NWSSA Symposia

NWSSA is adapting to the pandemic!  In August of 2020, we held our first ever Virtual Sculpture Symposium.  This is new territory for a group of people that are intrinsically tactile learners, but it was a big success.  We next held a 3-day Winter Virtual Sculpture Symposium from January 16-18, 2021.  Three days packed with engaging talks, and a wildly entertaining round of Geopardy!

Typically, NWSSA hosts two major events per year: the Washington State International Sculpture Symposium (for over 32 years), currently held at the Pilgrim Firs Camp & Conference Center in Port Orchard, WA, and the Oregon State International Sculpture Symposium (for over 25 years), currently held at the Suttle Lake Campground in Sisters, OR.

In 2021, we are remaining sensitive to public health circumstances and making our decisions based on the information, recommendations, and requirements set forth by federal, state, and local governments.  We want our members to be safe and healthy!  Based on the current information,

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Camp Brotherhood Experience

A NWSSA symposium is about learning to work with stone, the pople who carve stone, and becoming part of a larger community. Some of the students who attend think it's an "...intensely creative wonderland of a fantasy"  and  a place where you'll "...be surrounded by many positive people who are doing their work, collaborating, celebrating, and enjoying it".

Bethany Moore summarized it this way:

"...at the end of day one, I had found my way with the stone, uncovering the form that I knew was held within. The days that followed got me deeper and deeper into understanding, learning through the people surrounding me, and the great workshops presented throughout the day. The open environment allows any individual, no matter their skill or knowledge, the opportunity to ask questions and feel comfortable. There is no hierarchy, no elitism, and no judgment."