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 18th, 19th and 20th of July 2025, stone carvers from Canada and beyond will congregate at Place Royale in Old Montreal Quebec to display their skills and creativity.
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 20th at 2:00pm, all pieces will be auctioned to the public, with proceeds being donated to Les Ateliers de la Pierre du Quebec in support of their Art Therapy programs.
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 and not for profit groups that use art as therapy.
