STONEWORK SYMPOSIUM 2011 in Ventura, California was one of the better annual gatherings we’ve had—excellent presentations, a good venue, good food, good beer and fortunate weather—but only fifty or so, folks participated, fewer than at any preceding Symposium.

That’s due mainly to the economic ‘climate’ (similar gatherings held by other organizations have been similarly depleted) but even so questions were asked: perhaps it might be wise to take a break? Do it every other year? Not do it? Change the schedule? Change the venue?

Well, the Symposium is an active affirmation that we are, in fact, a membership organization.

It is, for those who attend and for the organization itself, an energizing experience.

Not to have it would be a disappointment, SO there WILL be another Symposium this year—we’re going back east.

STONEWORK SYMPOSIUM 2012, will take place in Asheville, North Carolina sometime in September. If you want to be kept infomed as details develop, watch the web site, or let me know by email: tomas@stonefoundation.org, by phone: 505-989-4644, by letter or card: 116 Lovato Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

Asheville is a great town, with southern gentility, folksy wit and bohemian flair. It was voted “Beer City USA” in 2010 and 2011. (There are no less than nine breweries there, one of which will be brewing the official beer of the Symposium, Rocknockers Ale.) There is a lot of interesting stonework to see in and around Asheville: the Biltmore Estate, the Grove Park Inn and fine private homes built with stone—tours will be arranged.

There will be concurrent Carving and Walling and Lime Mortar workshops taking place in the week preceding the Symposium.

And the Lithic Olympic Games will take place outdoors in the vicinity of the French Broad River. A new International Lithobolos (stone ball bocce) champion will be crowned and there will be a Dry Stone Walling Competition and, of course, the Wheelbarrow Steeplechase as well as Eyeballing events, Stone-balancing and Cairn-building.