Classes

Martin Cooney Stoneworks School

Learn the timeless craft. Create work that lasts forever.

We offer classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced sculptors. Individual Zoom meetings prior to the class will set clear expectations, review safety protocols, and discuss the aims and goals of the project.

We work with students to determine if they have an idea of what they want to carve or need advice and steer them onto projects that are compatible with their skill set, physical health, and work experience.

A complete set of hand tools can be rented or purchased, or students may bring their own. Beginners will be taught traditional hand-carving techniques only, no power tools will be used in beginner classes. Safety gear will be provided, along with a basic block of local carving stone. Additional stone of larger or superior quality may be purchased as necessary. Intermediate sculptors may have some power tool training. Advanced sculptors will have access to a complete set of professional power tools.

Our hands-on teaching philosophy emphasizes direct engagement. This is a goal-oriented class focused on project completion; a finished sculpture the student can take home and be proud of. Students will learn the fundamentals of traditional sculpting techniques, safety protocols, and hopefully develop confidence and a passion to continue on their sculpting journey.

Students and artists will be encouraged to maintain a relationship with course instructors who will offer advice and support throughout their sculptural journey.

With intentionally small class sizes, students receive personalized instruction, hands-on training, and full access to our world-class carving facilities. Here, centuries of stone-carving tradition meet contemporary innovation, creating an environment where passion is transformed into craft, and craft into art.

Our Classes

Our classes are tailored to your vision, free from fixed dates or prescribed schedules. At this level, you’ll receive dedicated personal guidance as you take on ambitious projects, experiment with sophisticated techniques, and push the boundaries of your artistic expression. Each session is designed to challenge and inspire, helping you bring to life the boldest ideas your imagination can shape from stone.

Beginner Classes

Course Duration Options:

  • Our classes are completely tailored to you. Free from rigid dates and fixed schedules, each course unfolds at your own rhythm, guided by your curiosity and creative goals. With close personal attention, you’ll gain confidence as you discover the timeless art of carving stone – transforming raw material into a work that is uniquely your own.

Pre-Course Preparation

Individual Zoom consultation with instructor to:

  • Establish personal introductions
  • Set clear expectations
  • Review safety protocols
  • Discuss project selection and templates
  • Determine appropriate stone block dimensions


Project Development

  • Students may bring their own design concepts or we can help with project selection
  • Customized assistance in matching skill level with appropriate projects

 

Equipment and Resources

  • Complete set of hand tools provided for student use
  • Traditional hand-carving techniques only — no power tools in beginner classes
  • Option to rent or purchase professional-grade hand tools
  • All necessary safety gear provided

 

Teaching Philosophy

Our hands-on approach emphasizes:

  • Immediate student engagement with materials
  • Practical, guided experience over passive observation
  • Goal-oriented instruction focused on project completion

 

Program Objective

Students leave with:

  • A finished sculpture they can be proud of
  • Fundamental sculpting skills and techniques
  • Understanding of safety protocols
  • Confidence to continue their sculpting journey

 

Class Size: Limited to 4 students for personalized instruction

Enrollment Information

For course dates, tuition, and application details, please contact us here.

Intermediate Classes

Beginners Banker Masonry Course

The making and applying of templates is a critical skill, one steeped in history and applied logic.

Course Duration Options:

  • Our classes are shaped entirely around you. Without set dates or rigid timelines, each course adapts to your pace and ambitions. With focused personal guidance, you’ll refine your technique, explore more complex forms, and deepen your connection to the stone—unlocking new possibilities as your skills and artistic voice continue to grow.

Pre-Course Preparation


Individual Zoom consultation with instructor to:

  • Establish personal introductions
  • Set clear expectations
  • Review safety protocols
  • Discuss project selection and templates
  • Determine appropriate stone block dimensions

 

Project Development

  • Students create original designs or adapt existing templates
  • Instruction in incorporating complex shapes, negative space, and fine
    detail
  • Guidance in scaling up projects for size and ambition

 

Equipment and Resources

  • Full set of hand tools and optional use of select power tools
  • Training in:
     – Undercutting
     – Advanced curvilinear shaping
     – Fine surface finishing and polishing
  • Specialized chisels and rasps available for rent or purchase
  • All safety gear provided, with emphasis on dust control and ergonomics

 

Teaching Philosophy

We focus on:

  • Independent decision-making in design and technique
  • Advanced problem-solving for technical challenges
  • Efficiency and workflow refinement
  • Balancing artistic vision with technical execution

 

Program Objective

Students graduate with:

  • A more ambitious sculpture demonstrating intermediate techniques
  • Enhanced tool handling and finishing skills
  • Greater creative independence
  • The ability to plan and execute complex projects

 

Class Size:Limited to 4 students for close mentorship

Enrollment Information
For course dates, tuition, and application details, please contact us here.

Advanced Classes

Course Duration Options:

  • Our classes are tailored to your vision, free from fixed dates or prescribed schedules. At this level, you’ll receive dedicated personal guidance as you take on ambitious projects, experiment with sophisticated techniques, and push the boundaries of your artistic expression. Each session is designed to challenge and inspire, helping you bring to life the boldest ideas your imagination can shape from stone.

Pre-Course Preparation

  1. Submission of a detailed design proposal, including drawings,
    models, or 3D mock-ups
  2. Individual Zoom consultation with instructor to:
    • Review artistic portfolio and readiness for advanced work
    • Select stone for both aesthetic and structural qualities
    • Plan logistics for large-scale projects
    • Review advanced safety protocols for extended and heavy work

 

Project Development

  • Students work on a self-directed, large-scale or highly complex sculpture
  • Guidance in:
     – Structural integrity and weight distribution
     – Advanced surface treatments
  • Critiques and peer review to refine execution and presentation

 

Equipment and Resources

  • Access to professional-grade hand tools and full range of power tools
  • Training in:
     – Large block reduction techniques
     – Precision splitting of complex curves
     – High-polish and textural contrast finishing
  • Use of industrial lifting and handling equipment
  • Instruction in installation methods for indoor and outdoor display

 

Teaching Philosophy

We focus on:

  • The instructor becomes a mentor, focusing on:
  • Fostering a distinct personal style
  • Solving complex structural and artistic challenges
  • Preparing for gallery, public, or commissioned work

 

Program Objective

Graduates will:

  • Complete a professional-quality sculpture for exhibition or sale
  • Demonstrate mastery of advanced carving techniques
  • Build a portfolio suitable for gallery representation or commissions
  • Work independently at the highest technical and creative levels

 

Class Size:Limited to 2 students for maximum one-on-one guidance

Enrollment Information

For course dates, tuition, and application details, please contact us here.