Northwest Stone Sculpture Association

29th Annual Stone Carving Symposium at Suttle Lake - Sisters, Oregon

Dear Stone Carvers,

Due to the hazardous air quality at the camp and surrounding areas we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2023 Suttle Lake Symposium. This has been one of the hardest decisions we have had to make at NWSSA, but the health and safety of our participants is our first priority. We feel your pain. Some of us live 51 weeks of the year looking forward to this one week... I know, because I am one of them. However, we must put the safety of our members first.

We are now looking into other locations and dates to host an alternative symposium in late September. We look forward to informing you of opportunities on the horizon.

Thank you for your support and understanding,

NWSSA Suttle Lake Team

29th Annual International Stone Carving Symposium • Camp Suttle Lake • Sisters, Oregon
August 28th - September 4th 2023

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 5th year we are returning to this venue, and it has become ‘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.

Tuition Includes: Accommodations, Instruction & Meals.
Symposium tuition includes single occupancy lodging in the lodge and double occupancy in the 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 the town of 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.
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.

Tool & Safety Talks - Jeremy Kester of Portland, OR 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. Instructor Sue Taves 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.

Buddha Carving Workshop - Mitsuo Saiki will lead a workshop on carving Buddha. The class size will be limited to 7 carvers of intermediate to advanced skill level.

Slate Carving Workshop - John Thompson will demonstrate relief carving on repurposed 1” thick pool table slate with hand tools, Dremel and a small air hammer. The slate will be provided for those who wish to participate.

Jade Carving Workshop- Julianne Kohn & Steve Sandry will provide instruction to a limited number of participants 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.

Click to download our brochure
Click here to download a printable/mailable Registration Form

Stone and Tool Vendors:
If you have a special order, please contact the Vendor(s) prior to Camp
Bronzestone Bases – Bronzestone will come for an afternoon with a selection of polished bases in granite and other stones. 916-285-5593 or visit www.bronzestonebases.com
Tom Urban - A selection of stone and tools from Neolithic Stone & Tom’s own inventory. Alabaster, chlorite, limestone, Kansas fence posts and a variety of marbles. Tools include diamond blades, cups, burrs and files. Call for requests and info, 541-912-2197 or tfurban@uoregon.edu

Call for Artists

NWSSA Member Call For Art - Kubota Garden Group Show

Call For Art:
ART in the GARDEN/SCULPTURE WALK at KUBOTA GARDEN, Seattle, WA.

September 30th, 2023 - 10am to 5pm

Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. A public park since 1987, it was started in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese emigrant. Today, it is maintained as a public park by the Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Kubota Garden Foundation. This public garden boasts paths meandering over 2 red bridges, 11 ponds featuring 140 maple varieties, 30 hydrangea varieties in addition to many other seasonal flowering plants and trees.

Imagine our members' sculptures on display in this gorgeous backdrop on the Terrace Overlook!

The Kubota Garden Foundation is jointly sponsoring a SCULPTURE WALK with the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association.
Kubota Garden
9817 55th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118