Stone Carving Seminar Reaches New Heights in 17th year

HUNTER — The rhythmic hum of pneumatic drills and the sight of chiseled stone fragments flying through the air mark the return of the 17th annual stone carving seminar, a cherished tradition that has been shaping the Catskills landscape since 2007. This year's seminar, which began on August 12 and runs through August 24, has been hailed as a resounding success by participants and organizers alike, with Master Stone Carver Keven VanHentenryck leading the charge.

VanHentenryck, who has been the driving force behind the seminar since its inception, dedicated two weeks of his time and expertise to guide artists from all walks of life in transforming blocks of Catskills Bluestone and Indiana Limestone into stunning works of art. "The thing about this medium is that it's incredibly durable," VanHentenryck reflected, speaking on the longevity of the pieces created. "This object may be around for hundreds or thousands of years, long after I'm forgotten about."

The seminar occurs at the aptly named "Blue Stones Park," on the left just before the Town of Hunter Town Hall. As a long-time local resident and a writer who covered the preview of this seminar, I took the opportunity to visit the site on a regular stone carving day. I was blown away by the passion and dedication of the 12 artists I encountered, each one deeply engrossed in their creations. The air was thick with the sound of drills and the palpable excitement of artists turning raw stone into meaningful sculptures.

Among the many works in progress, the most ambitious is the ongoing piece titled "Spirit of the Mountains." VanHentenryck described it as a female allegory reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the future held in her right arm and the water of life flowing from an urn on her shoulder into Kaaterskill Falls. "She's surrounded by all the flora and fauna of the Catskills," VanHentenryck explained, listing animals such as a bear, mountain lion, eagle, fox, and fawn among the detailed carvings. This monumental project began in 2012 and is still in its rough stages after 12 years of meticulous work by VanHentenryck and two other skilled carvers.

VanHentenryck also shared his appreciation for the community support that has been crucial to the seminar's success. "All of the bluestone is donated from Falke's Quarry in Prattsville and Tompkins Bluestone out of Hancock," he noted. He also acknowledged the workforce and resources provided by the Village of Hunter and the Town of Hunter, which donated the seminar site and ensured it would remain a landmark for decades to come. The Town of Hunter's contributions, along with support from WRIP 97.9, a radio station out of Windham, and various local businesses, have made this event possible year after year.

VanHentenryck's contributions to the local landscape extend beyond the seminar. He is the artist behind the iconic stone-carved eye on a cliff edge along the back mountain road, a hidden gem for those with a keen eye. His work also includes the famous Rip Van Winkle statue at the summit of Hunter Mountain, a project that took 14 years to complete and is a testament to his dedication to the craft.

This year's seminar has attracted diverse participants, united by a shared passion for stone carving. Don, a seminar veteran who has been attending on and off for 17 years, was busy working on a piece in Indiana Limestone that will eventually depict a cross-legged woman with one leg partially raised. "People tend to mistake the hardness of the material for difficulty working it, which isn't the case at all," Don remarked, highlighting the accessibility of the craft.

Kingston local Zibby Jahns, an artist and college adjunct professor, spoke of her interest in the environmental history of the Catskills, particularly the ecologies that were disrupted by mining and lumber activities. "The Linden tree used to be endemic around here. It was massive," Jahns said, reflecting on the region's changes. Her work mediates the natural elements that once thrived in the area, offering a moment to contemplate what has been lost.

Another participant, Kendra Pederson, has been carving for about 12 years and proudly displayed her second sculpture, "Woman with Wings." The stunning piece took about four years to complete, as the workshop only lasted two to three weeks each year. "I love it; I'm obsessed," Pederson exclaimed, capturing the enthusiasm that drives many to return to the seminar year after year.

Despite the seminar's success, VanHentenryck expressed concern over the future of the workshop, citing inflation and the rising costs of materials and equipment. "The price of the tents has tripled," he said, lamenting the need for more funding. This year, the seminar was supported by a $5,000 grant from Create Council on the Arts, but VanHentenryck noted that the budget needs to catch up with the seminar's growth. "Essentially, we outgrew our funding," he explained.

VanHentenryck envisions a future where the seminar could expand into a summer-long event, culminating in a three-week competition with up to $30,000 in cash prizes. "We'd have every stone carver in town at this end of the country for those three weeks. This program should be all summer, and should end with a competition with prizes for public appreciation and our professional insight," he said. "A contest like this could transform the mountaintop."

As the 17th annual stone carving seminar draws to a close, the artists continue to shape their visions in stone, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations. For those who still need to visit, the seminar runs until August 24. It's an experience not to be missed—a chance to witness the melding of creativity, community, and history in the heart of the Catskills.