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What is the Canadian Stone Carving Festival?

In 2010 the first Edition of the Canadian Stone Carving Festival was launched in Winchester Ontario. The intention was to bring together stone carvers from the Ottawa Region to enjoy a weekend of creative expression and comradery. It was modeled after the European Stone Carving Festival but has grown into a unique event of its own. Through demonstrating the craft in a public setting, it was quickly realized that people really didn’t know stone carving still existed as a trade in Canada. Raising public awareness and preservation of the craft then became an important aspect of the event. This three-day festival is a unique opportunity to interact with professional carvers, artisans and enthusiasts as they turn blocks of limestone into one-of-a-kind works of art using traditional methods. See the tools. Ask questions about the techniques. Experience the craft that built the Heritage buildings around you.

On the 19th, 20th and 21st of July 2024, stone carvers from Canada and beyond will congregate at the famous Place Royale in Montreal Quebec to display their skills and creativity. Using hand tools only, participants will have 18 hours over three days to complete their pieces.

The public is invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of this traditional work site and to engage with the carvers. Following the carving, on the afternoon of Sunday July 21st at 2:00pm, all pieces will be auctioned to the public, with proceeds being donated to Le CAP, Art et Inclusion.

The Canadian Stone Carving Festival is not a competition and is open to carvers of all levels of experience from beginner to professional. This event was created to promote craft fellowship amongst carvers, to build public awareness about the trade and to raise money for charity.

Why Montreal?

As one of Canada’s oldest cities, Montreal features a wealth of Heritage architecture. Some of the city’s earliest still-standing buildings date back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries and are characterized by their uniquely French influence and grey stone construction. With so many stone buildings to preserve, it’s no wonder that the city would be home to many stone masons, stone carvers and stone artists. This rich architectural environment with its aged carving culture is the perfect setting for a festival that aims to promote and nurture our ancient craft.

 

What to expect while visiting the Festival ?

Visitors to the festival will have the rare opportunity to glimpse into what a historical construction site may have looked and felt like – Imagine watching chisels, mallets and other hand tools reveal unexpected shapes from blocks of stone. The Canadian Stone Carving Festival is a unique opportunity to engage with stone carvers as they create works of art through the time-honoured craft of stone carving. Traditional tools of the trade will be on display for the public to view. Interested visitors will also have the opportunity to try their hand at stone carving in a special demonstration area.

Free educational workshops in Stone Cutting tools and the History of stone in Montreal. Black Smithing demonstrations and stone tool forging workshops. Guided tours of Old Montreal and a free public auction of the finished stone carvings from the event.

Auction

While it is important for us as stone carvers to preserve this ancient craft, we also understand the importance of supporting our communities. It is our hope that by donating

While it is important for us as stone carvers to preserve this ancient craft, we also understand the importance of supporting our communities. It is our hope that by donating to charities who use art as a means to nurture street engaged youth and their mental health, we can help to make a positive difference in their lives.

On Sunday July 21st at 2:00pm – The grand finale of the festival will be a public auction of all the finished stone carvings. This will be a wonderful occasion to enjoy the works of art created during the event and perhaps even bring home your very own special piece! The auction will be held at the festival site. 350 Place Royale, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 3Y5.

 



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