Stone Carving: Letters, Symbols & Patterns, with David Heskin

Using only a chisel and mallet, ancient stonecutters produced some of the most compelling letter forms in stone, which have not only endured, but influenced the very fabric of all the formal text we see. Roman capital letters are our point of departure in analyzing the proportion and elegance of a timeless style of Western script, where letters are both drawn and brush painted. From this foundation, students will learn to cut a letter or a word into a flat slab of stone using mallet and chisels. Students will have the chance to develop their own monogram, words or symbols as their personal stone carving project.

Students will carve at least one letter, word, monogram or symbol in stone, either Colorado Marble or East Coast Slate, approximately 6-8” in size. The scope of each student’s projects may vary, expanding to encompass words, names, phrases or decorative patterns, depending on the pace and skill level of each individual. Preparatory sketches will include at least one finished drawing of a letterform suitable for carving, with indications of the beveled cuts that bring handmade carvings to life though changing natural lighting conditions.

Learning Objectives

• A basic understanding of the proportions of classical letters

• Basics of drawn letters, brush written letters & spacing

• Practical experience handling lettering chisels and cutting stone

• Mechanics of V-Incised Carving

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Materials Fees: $10
Location: Viroqua, WI

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $125
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $100
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $75
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!