Backyard Stone Carvers

What's not to like about an organization with no president, no officers, and no minutes?  The Backyard Stone Carvers (BYSC) is such an organization, and they will showcase their remarkable work at an upcoming exhibit at the Montgomery Museum of Art and History. Featured artists include Linda Correll, Pam Goff, Judy Franklin, Jennifer Lovejoy, Terry Warthen, Lisa McNair, Dottie Mae Atkins Neikirk, Hiromi Okumura, Melissa Pilkington, Estill Putney, and Andy Sisson. The BYSC started meeting in Darcy Meeker’s backyard to share their tools, expertise, and passion for three-dimensional art.

ON DISPLAY

May 5 - August 1

RECEPTION

May 8 5:00-7:00

Nevermore © Terry Warthen

The starting material for their creations is stone, typically alabaster or soapstone due to their softer nature compared to marble or granite, which necessitate different carving techniques. Alabaster is usually sourced from the western United States or Italy, while soapstone originates from the western U.S. or Canada.  While most stone in Virginia is unsuitable, alberene soapstone carves well and is used in one of the pieces in this exhibition,  The is a reason for working in a back yard rather than indoors.  The carving process creates a fine dust that makes using face masks a necessity.

Members of the group have come and gone over the years. Darcy Meeker, the professional artist and the original teacher of the group, passed away in 2022. However, under Darcy’s guidance, the group was introduced to Bob Lockhart, a renowned carver at Arrowmont who conducted workshops that significantly enhanced their skills. Bob eventually recognized the group’s growing expertise and encouraged them to embark on their own. Workshops are held twice a year, and newcomers are always welcome. This year’s workshops will be held at the Newport Community Center from June 12-15 and September 11-14.

Waiting (c) Judy Franklin

While the exact origins of BYSC are uncertain, a memory from the late 1990s vividly recalls meeting at Darcy’s house to order stone. Upon receiving the stone, Darcy instructed the new students to place it on the porch rail one by one, instructing them to stand back, observe, and remain silent. A mixture of childlike awe, curiosity, and a hint of fear overcame them. Darcy then guided them to cover the stone with their hands and close their eyes, creating a magical experience. This initial step involves connecting with the stone and tapping into one’s inner child.

The carving process commences with a hammer and chisel, sometimes aided by power tools, to eliminate excess material. How they know what is excess and what is essential is something of a mystery.  Once the excess material has been removed, the carver transitions to rasps and rifles for intricate detailing. Polishing the carved stone serves as the final touch.

White Pieces (c) Jennifer Lovejoy

Over the years, the Stone Carvers have cultivated a profound sense of camaraderie among its members. Sometimes, people need to share their problems, and other times, they simply need to forget about them. Some members have shared that working with this group has helped them overcome personal difficulties. While carving the stone, one tends to completely forget about everything else. In 2022, Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology collaborated with the Stone Carvers on a research project titled “Carving Out Creativity.” During this project, the carvers wore EEG caps to measure their brain waves while they carved. The research concluded in 2025, resulting in exhibits displayed at several locations, including the Cube (Moss Arts Center), Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, The Torpedo Factory, and the opening of the VT Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Virginia.