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,
we believe that the WA symposium will be able to be held this year, and are exploring the potential for the OR symposium and also the Women's Carving Workshop. Please be patient with us and with each other as we do our best to navigate these stressful and unusual circumstances.
Save the Dates:
WA International Sculpture Symposium (Port Orchard, WA): 7/10/21-7/18/21 [registration expected to open 6/1/21]
OR International Sculpture Symposium (Sisters, OR): 8/8/21-8/15/21
Women's Carving Workshop (Port Hadlock, WA): TBD
Symposia offer enrichment for attendees from all backgrounds, regardless of previous experience. Master sculptors are often rejuvenated by the event and leave bursting with new ideas to fuel the rest of their year, while beginners and intermediate carvers will also learn new tools, techniques, and styles while they develop their creative voice within a supportive environment.
Stone and tools are available for purchase from knowledgeable vendors at reasonable prices. The teachers vary from year to year to celebrate the diversity of artists working in what has become a niche art form.
For those who attend, it is an immersive getaway with others who speak your language (stone), surrounded by every resource you need to transform into a stone sculptor. Evenings are spent by the fire swapping stories, making new friends, and catching up with connections made from past symposiums.
For more information on how to become a member click here.