Stone-Carving Fest Set For St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Stone carvers from around the world will have a home here for six weeks during the International Stone Carving Symposium.
Also known as Minnesota Rocks!, the event will bring 14 master stone carvers together for six weeks, from May 21-June 30, in an effort coordinated by Public Art Saint Paul (PASP), a nonprofit organization, and Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies.
“The mission of the Symposium is to promote international understanding through stone carving while educating the public,” says Christine Podas-Larson, president of Public Art Saint Paul. “The public will see artists at work, while learning about the creative uses of stone in art, in city building and in homes.”
Artists from Japan, Germany, China, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Finland, Egypt, Italy and Minnesota will work in an open-air studio on the lawn of Saint Paul College. Using stone from Minnesota quarries, the artists will create sculptures that will be permanently installed in public settings in St. Anthony, Vadnais Heights and throughout St. Paul.
“Minnesota holds some of the earth’s oldest, most desirable and valuable stone,” says Steve Hedberg, CEO and founder of Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies. “Minnesota stone can be found in buildings and monuments all over the world, including The National Museum of the American Indian and at other sites on the Mall in Washington.
“We’re excited to support Public Art Saint Paul and this event in sharing the rich history of Minnesota stone and its presence not only in our state but throughout the world,” he adds.
Public Art Saint Paul is also working with St. Paul Public Schools to develop a symposium-related curriculum aligned with Minnesota and National Arts and Science Standards. Beginning in January, approximately 3,000 students from the third through fifth grade will take part in activities integrating science, arts and social studies. Options include architecture and geology tours and field trips to the stone carving site in May.
Organizations supporting Minnesota Rocks! currently include Hedberg Landscape and Masonry Supplies, the Minnesota Ceramic Tile Contractor’s Association, the Ceramic Tile and Allied Crafts Union, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the McKnight Foundation, the St. Paul Travelers Foundation Arts and Diversity Fund, Carmichael Lynch Spong, Bolger Publications, Mhiripiri Gallery, St. Paul Neighborhood STAR, the St. Anthony Sister City Association and the Vadnais Heights Foundation.