Meadowlark hosts second annual stone carving workshop

Source: Maya Ristic, maya.ristic@meadowlark.org
Photo available. Contact 785-537-4610
News release prepared by: Maya Ristic, 785-537-4610, maya.ristic@meadowlark.org
Wed Aug 26, 04:15 PM

Kansas limestone will be turned into fine art when local and area sculptors, painters and carving enthusiasts converge in Manhattan for a stone carving workshop, sponsored by Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community and the Kansas Sculptors Association. This free event is planned for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, at Meadowlark Hills. Demonstrations begin at 9 a.m. both days in the paved lot west of Meadowlark’s apartment tower.

Demonstrations by experienced stone carvers include the basic use of hand carving tools, power pneumatic state-of-the-art tools and introductory lessons. Limestone will be available, as well as equipment and tools.

Honored guests and presenters at the event include Dr. Elden C. Tefft and Karl Ramberg of Lawrence, and Mark Sampsel of Gladstone, Mo. Tefft, a lifetime member of the Kansas Sculptors Association, has numerous bronze sculptures all over the University of Kansas campus, including one at the Meadowlark Prairie Star restaurant courtyard. He will discuss basic sculpting methods and techniques.

Ramberg, a stone carver and mason, is also a lifetime member of the Kansas Sculptors Association and will demonstrate the use of hand carving tools.

Sampsel, a tool maker, will demonstrate how to make stone carving tools.

This year’s sculpture for Meadowlark will be a hatching egg that compliments the bird nest sculptured at last year’s event.

Max and Sue Bayer, Meadowlark residents, will donate limestone for the event. Steve Shields, Meadowlark CEO, approached Bayer about having a stone carving workshop at Meadowlark. Since then it’s been an annual event.

“I’ve been in the stone business for over 60 years,” Bayer said, “Now I just enjoy watching people have passion and involvement for stone carving.”