LUCAS — The Grassroots Art Center in Lucas is still taking registrations for the post rock limestone “hands-on” workshop taking place on Oct. 13-14 in Lucas. This event is an opportunity to work alongside professionals on a stone repair and restoration project, and be introduced to basic skills involved in the process.
Post rock limestone is a unique rock layer which covers north central Kansas and was a primary building material used in the area between 1870 and 1920. Through grant funding, an attempt is being made to encourage new interest in learning the stone working process. There are only a small number of people skilled in the art of working with the limestone, from the quarry process, through shaping and setting in place. There are many existing structures that will need to be maintained and preserved, so it is essential that knowledge and appreciation of the stone working process be maintained.
If you have wanted to learn more about this unique stone layer, come to Lucas and participate in this hands-on workshop in October. Jon Pancost and his crew from Bluestem Quarry and Stone Works will demonstrate basic mortaring techniques and repair of stone walls. Several presentations will be giving about the geology, architecture and culture of the post rock limestone during the workshop. Lunches will be included both days.
This project also has a component to establish an apprentice position to work with Pancost for a limited period in 2018. This person will be exposed to a more extensive training process over a longer period of time.
For more information about this apprenticeship or to sign up for the two-day workshop, call the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas, 785-525-6118.
These activities are sponsored with funding from the Russell Area Community Foundation and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.