Visitors are invited to attend an open studio day at the working studio of Ballarat based sculptor and stone carver Tas Wansbrough. Tas’ studio will be open for the public to experience how contemporary stone carving is practiced in a real working environment. Guests will be able to walk through the outdoor carving yard where large stone blocks and sculptures in progress are actively being worked on. Visitors will see traditional hand carving tools alongside modern equipment used to shape and finish stone.

Tas Wansborough will be demonstrated her process of working with stone.

Throughout the day, Tas will demonstrate elements of the carving process, showing how raw stone is gradually transformed into sculptural form. Visitors will be able to observe different stages of work, from rough shaping to detailed finishing, and learn about the materials, techniques, and physical processes involved in carving stone.

Inside the studio gallery, guests will have the opportunity to view a selection of completed sculptures presented in a contemporary exhibition setting. This provides a contrast between the active making environment of the yard and the finished artworks as they are experienced by audiences.

Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and engage in informal conversations about sculpture, materials, and the realities of working as a contemporary artist. The open studio format offers a rare behind the scenes view into a traditional craft practice that is not often accessible to the public.

This activity is designed to be welcoming and accessible for a broad audience, including people with little or no prior knowledge of sculpture or stone carving. Visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the craft, skill, and time involved in shaping stone by hand.