2018 - Suttle Lake Stone Carving Symposium at Sisters, OR
The NWSSA continues our tradition of bringing together world-class sculpting masters for unique opportunities to provide instruction and discuss where we are today. From classical hand tools to new high-tech machining tools and techniques, our instructors provide knowledge and inspiration for all attendees.About the Symposium and Suttle Lake Facilities
The Northwest Stone Sculptors Association is excited to hold our annual Oregon State Stone Carving Symposium at Suttle Lake Camp! This is the 4th year we are returning to this venue, and it feels like ‘home’.
The symposium is open to all levels from beginners who have never carved stone before to the experienced sculptor. Make new friends, renew old friendships and fire up the creative spirit in a rich, supportive environment.
Suttle Lake Camp is nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains 14 miles west of Sisters, Suttle Lake Camp is a special place where the vivid green of Western Oregon mingles with the sunny beauty of the eastern part of the state.
Online Registration Open NOW!
Tuition Includes: Accommodations, Instruction & Meals. Symposium tuition includes double occupancy lodging in the lodge or rustic style cabins with brand new semi-private shower facilities with dressing areas. Cots with a mattress are provided, bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and linens. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are many hotels and B&B’s located nearby in Sisters.
During the early mornings or afternoons, you might find the time for a swim, paddle a boat across the lake, take a leisurely bike ride or walk along the trails nearby.
Workshops and Instruction: Our inclusive community will set 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.
Jade Carving Workshop: There is a limited amount of space in the Jade Carving tent, so be sure to register early! There will be an additional materials fee depending upon the size and quality of jade you select.
Extensive carving sessions are interspersed with informative classes and stimulating sculpting lessons. Field mentors and instructors are available to help guide you 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 from our on-site vendors.
Guest Artists and Field Mentors
MJ Anderson - M.J. tells stories, entertains and shows how she begins the dialogue with the material to design, rough out, carve and finish a sculpture. She will discuss the themes behind her sculptures, and how ideas morph from one sculptural form to another.
Jim Ballard – Jim will talk about how sandblasting stones eventually led to making highly detailed paper embossments for the blind community. Kids and adults who are blind or visually impaired are able to touch lifelike invertebrates in his embossment and braille book titled SPINELESS CRITTERS -- A First Book of Invertebrates.
Joseph Kincannon – Joseph will give demonstrations on stone cutting and carving techniques, covering basic ideas regarding tool types, efficiency in approach per project type, and the dos & don'ts regarding materials and applicable designs. His main goal as an instructor is to help unlock a student's potential and to show them a few tricks that he has learned along the way.
Kazutaka Uchida - Many of us have come to know Uchida Sensei fondly, and his roots with NWSSA are deep. Uchida retired from university teaching last year, and we are blessed honor him with a lifetime achievement award.
Mitsuo Saiki - of Zoukei University in Japan is an artist who of impressive ability. This honored guest is an important part of a blossoming exchange of sculptural ideas between East and West fostered by the efforts of NWSSA member Kentaro Kojima.
Deborah Wilson - Deborah has long been respected for her ability to elevate jade, a semi-precious stone, to higher realms of possibility. Her patience and technique produce sculptural forms of the highest aesthetic quality, and she makes it look easy.
Tool & Safety Talks Dan Michael of Olympia, WA will display an array of electric and pneumatic power carving tools and methods while explaining safe operation, potential hazards and proper safety protection.
Beginning Stone Carving: NWSSA provides free access to hand carving tools and tables, plus some pneumatic and power tools for beginners to use throughout the week. Instructors Stephanie Robison and Doug Wilshire will guide beginning and intermediate stone carving students to explore basic sculptural form, processes, techniques, and concepts while addressing historical and contemporary issues in sculpture.
Field Mentors will be available on a daily basis if you desire individualized guidance or support.
Click here to download a brochure
To Register by Mail, Print & Return Registration Form
Stone and Tool Vendors: If you have a special order, please contact the Vendor prior to Camp
Marenakos Rock Center - For your granite, basalt, sandstone, and limestone needs. Also supplying Trow & Holden tools. www.marenakos.com or call 425-392-3313
Bronzestone Bases – Carries a variety of polished bases in granite and other stones. 916-285-5593 or visit www.bronzestonebases.com
Concut Diamond Products - Carries a selection of turbo, cutting & grinding diamond blades and polishing pads. 253-872-3507 www.concutusa.com
Carolyn Anderson – Restore alignment and health to stressed muscles through massage therapy. 360-698-2198
Tom Urban - A selection of stone and tools from Neolithic Stone & Tom’s inventory. Alabaster, chlorite, limestone, Kansas fence posts and marbles. Tools include diamond blades, cups, burrs and files. Call for requests and info, 541-912-2197 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Special Thanks to the directors and staff of Suttle Lake Camp.
Also a shout out to: Rich Hestekind, Kentaro Kojima, Marenakos Rock Center,Concut Diamond Products and Master Wholesale for their support.
Outdoor Sculpture Show Saturday, August 19th, 2018 11 am - 4 pm
On Saturday morning, we will set up an outdoor art gallery. It is a great opportunity to show your work in a supportive and appreciative environment. We encourage everyone (experienced and beginners) to bring your finished piece(s) of work to display. Invite your friends and clients to come. Some pedestals are provided, but bring your own if you can. A 20% sales commission supports NWSSA.
We welcome the public to join in the fun, see artists at work, learn about the stone and tools used to create these 3-dimensional works of art. Rain or Shine!
Event Properties
| Event date | 08-12-2018 |
| Event End Date | 08-19-2018 |
| Capacity | 75 |
| Available place | 40 |
| Individual Price | $175-$800 depending upon number of days. |
| Location | Camp Suttle Lake |
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Contact Us
To get in touch with the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association,
you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
or mail to the post office box (weekly pickup):
NWSSA PO Box 27364
Seattle, WA 98165-1864