Stone & Wood Carving
Stone Carving
Have you ever wondered how stone sculptures are made? Are you interested in creating art in three dimensions? Do you enjoy working with your hands in an outdoor environment? Then our direct stone carving workshops are for you.
Direct stone carving refers to a method that employs hand tools, with the sculptor cutting directly into the stone or wood, without the use of mechanical aids, models, plaster casts or detailed plans. This makes for a more natural approach with results that are authentic, unique and personal.
This year, Rice Lake Arts is offering 2, 3 & 5 Day Direct Stone Carving Workshops. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience stone carving, enrolling in any of these workshops will provide you with an individualized learning experience that meets your goals.
NEW FOR 2025:
CUSTOM 2 & 3 DAY WORKSHOPS for groups of 4-6 participants. We realize our calendar might not fit yours, so this year we are offering workshops at a time that works for you and your group.
These workshops can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends (depending on availability). If you’d like to spend a day or two exploring your creativity together with friends and family, get in touch and we’ll put something wonderful together for your group!
For more information email info@ricelakearts.ca or connect with us at 647-985-4352.
2 Day Stone Carving Workshop
This 2 Day Workshop will provide you with all the basics you require to create a small stone carving from beginning to end. This includes selecting your stone, finding your idea/inspiration, preparing a base, tool use, and an introduction to finishing and polishing your stone. You will be guided through the process step-by-step and will have support throughout.
A piece of Zimbabwean stone is included in this workshop – we will help you to select a stone of a size and hardness appropriate for your experience and goals. All basic tools are provided, however, if you have your own, you are encouraged to bring them along.
Dates & Details
SAT/SUN June 28-29
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Maximum Size: 6 participants (ages 14+)
Fee: $240.00 (includes a piece of Zimbabwean Stone and use of all tools and safety equipment)
3 Day Stone Carving Workshop
This 3 Day Workshop will provide you with all the basics of stone carving as outlined in the 2 Day Workshop, and the extra day will allow you to further develop your design ideas and hone your skills. You will be encouraged to try additional tools and techniques and to improve your finishing and polishing skills.
A piece of Zimbabwean stone is included in this workshop – we will help you to select a stone of a size and hardness appropriate for your experience and goals. All tools are provided, however, if you have your own, you are encouraged to bring them along.
Dates & Details
SAT/SUN/MON August 2-4
SAT/SUN/MON August 30-September 1
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Maximum Size: 6 participants (ages 14+)
Fee: $360.00 (includes a piece of Zimbabwean Stone and use of all tools and safety equipment)
5 Day Stone Carving Workshop
This 5 Day Workshop will provide you with the time required to create a more complex and challenging stone carving. Whether you are a novice or you have experience carving, in this week-long workshop, your instructor will help you to develop your design ideas, problem solve, improve your skills, use new tools and provide you with guidance as you polish and finish your sculpture.
We have a good supply of Zimbabwean stone in a variety of sizes and shapes available for purchase on the first day of the workshop for sale at $4/lb. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring one of your own stones. All basic tools are supplied, however you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them.
Dates & Details
MON-FRI June 16-20
MON-FRI July 14-18
MON-FRI August 18-22
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Maximum Size: 10 participants (ages 16+)
Fee: $565.00 (includes the use of all tools and safety equipment)
Your Instructors
BIO
Tamara Castonguay
BIO
Miriam Davidson
Stone Carving at Rice Lake Arts
Introduction to Wood Carving & Wood Burning
One Day Workshops
We are pleased to have Kieran Moore return to Rice Lake Arts in 2025. This workshop is designed for novice wood carvers/burners, and will make use of small scale knives and carving tools, as well as dremels and wood burning tools for fine detail. You will spend the first part of the workshop learning about the properties of various wood for carving and burning, then Kieran will guide you through the process and help you create a small carving. No previous wood carving experience is required.
Dates & Details
SAT June 21
SAT July 12
SAT August 16
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Maximum Size: 6 participants (ages 14+)
Fee: $160.00 (all tools and materials are supplied)
Your Instructor
BIO
Kieran Moore
Wood carving examples
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
2 Day Stone Carving Workshop
SAT & SUN June 28 & 29
10 am – 4 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $240.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
Early Bird Special!
Celebrate Spring with 10% off
our Fibre Arts Workshops until April 12!
(Full prices posted - deduct 10% if you send your e-transfer by April 12!)
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
3 Day Stone Carving Workshop
SAT/SUN/MON August 2-4
SAT/SUN/MON August 30-September 1
10 am – 4 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $360.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
Early Bird Special!
Celebrate Spring with 10% off
our Fibre Arts Workshops until April 12!
(Full prices posted - deduct 10% if you send your e-transfer by April 12!)
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
5 Day Stone Carving Workshop
MON-FRI June 16-20
MON-FRI July 14-18
MON-FRI August 18-22
10 am – 5 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $565.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
Early Bird Special!
Celebrate Spring with 10% off
our Fibre Arts Workshops until April 12!
(Full prices posted - deduct 10% if you send your e-transfer by April 12!)
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
Introduction to Wood Carving & Wood Burning Workshop
SAT June 21
SAT July 12
SAT August 16
10 am – 4 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $160.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
Keiran brings a wealth of experience working in wood with hand tools to create whimsical and functional works of art. Self taught, his carvings draw upon his Celtic heritage, and are inspired by his 35 years living and working in the Northwest Territories. An author, Kieran’s memoire, Burnt Snow: My Years Living & Working with the Dene of the Northwest Territories, was published by Hancock House in 2020.
Wood Carving Examples