Intro to Stone Carving - Workshop with Debbie Baker

Introduction to Stone Carving Workshop. Part of Imaginate - interactive Arts Exhibition, Foxton.

Please note: Due to the bad weather forecast, the workshop originally scheduled for Thursday 15 January has been moved to Thursday 22 January 2026.

Discover the joy of stone carving with this hands-on workshop using Oamaru stone. Whether you're a complete beginner or curious about working with stone, this is your chance to have a go and see where your creativity takes you!

About Oamaru Stone: Oamaru stone is a creamy-white limestone quarried near Oamaru (hence the name!) Prized for its soft, fine-grained texture when freshly cut, it's ideal for carving and shaping, making it perfect for beginners. As it ages and hardens when exposed to air, it becomes more durable – which is why you'll see it adorning many of New Zealand's historic buildings. Its workability and forgiving nature make it an excellent introduction to the art of stone carving.

Workshop Details

Session 1: Thursday 15 January, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Session 2: Saturday 24 January, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Ages: 13+ (suitable for teens and adults)
Numbers: Limited to 12 participants per full session

Drop-ins welcome: Can't commit to the full time? A table will be available for shorter drop-in sessions where you can try cutting and shaping stone

What to Bring
Old clothes (stone carving can get dusty!)
Dust mask
Gardening gloves
Sunscreen
A towel to sit on in your car afterwards

Your Tutor Debbie Baker will guide you through this journey of discovery. Debbie fell in love with stone carving simply by having a go herself, and now she's passionate about sharing that experience with others.

Entry By koha (donation). Bank account details will be provided via email upon registration, or you can koha on the day.

Book Your Spot - email debbie.baker@opsec.co.nz
Come along and see where the stone takes you!