ABOUT THE STONE FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION:

​​TO HONOR stone, stonework​, and stone art

TO CELEBRATE stone and the skilled and creative use of stone;

TO PRESERVE and PERPETUATE the time-honored craft of stonework, particularly structural stonework;

TO ENCOURAGE and INFORM a resurgence of interest in it through publications, workshops, seminars, symposia, etcetera;

TO RESEARCH and REPORT upon the history and culture of stonework;

TO EXPLORE and EXPAND the potential for principled applications in contemporary structures;

TO CULTIVATE an international community of stonemasons;

TO BE A RESOURCE and TO ENABLE information and experience to be shared;

TO EDUCATE stonemasons, professional and amateur, architects, contractors and the general public regarding sound practices and acceptable standards of workmanship.

The STONE FOUNDATION came into being in 1986 with a stonemasonry workshop in northern New Mexico. The title, an irresistible pun, was used to identify the group of friends and fellow stonemasons who comprised the team of instructors: Tomas Lipps of New Mexico, George Gonzalez from California, Joe Kenlan from North Carolina, and Toru Oba from Virginia. Sixteen novices were introduced to the craft during the course of a two week “apprenticeship.” Worthy projects—dry stone retaining walls and a spring house—were accomplished. As well as basic skills the novices gained an understanding of the fundamentals and an appreciation of some of the finer points of structural stone work.

Seven workshops have followed over a ten year period—in New Mexico, California, Ohio, South Carolina, Oregon, and Mallorca, Spain. The success of these workshops and the camaraderie experienced by the participants led to the concept of a gathering of stonemasons.

There is an organization known as ABANA, the Artist/Blacksmith Association of North America, which was launched at a ‘symposium’ of metalworkers—artisans and sculptors—which took place at Fire Mountain, GA in 1976. Currently it has grown to have an international membership of more than 4,000 and a quarterly publication, The Anvil’s Ring, which serves to connect and inform those involved with metal work.

Obviously something similar would benefit the craft of stone work and its adherents. An event was envisioned during which fellow stone masons (and others in related fields) from all over the country will have the opportunity to meet, to socialize and to discuss the craft; an event that would engender a structured, nationwide organization [with international associations] which will serve to connect and inform an extensive membership—the modern version of a medieval craft guild with a periodical publication, a directory of professional practitioners, educational resources, an on-line forum, information clearinghouse, and book shop, subsequent gatherings and eventually, perhaps, a physical center.

This vision remained a vision for years until late in 1999 when, energized perhaps by the contemporaneous millennial zeal, Tomas Lipps finally took the initiative to realize it. He planned and publicized STONEWORK SYMPOSIUM 2000 and it came to pass—with remarkable and spirited success—in November 2000. About 70 or more advocates and practitioners of the craft convened and communed in Santa Fe New Mexico and THE STONE FOUNDATION was formally launched. Its stated mission: “to preserve and perpetuate the traditions and the craft of structural stone work.”

Metaphorically, THE STONE FOUNDATION has been the nexus of a network which has formed and which continues to grow and evolve; a network by means of which communication occurs, information is exchanged and appreciation is nurtured.