“We are committed to preserving the stone carving tradition—our passion is renewed by the joy we feel when we introduce these ancient techniques to all people.”
Chris Pellettieri, founder
Photo: Robert F. Rogriguez
our mission
The Pellettieri Stonecarvers’ Academy a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to offering training in the traditional techniques of stone carving and promoting awareness and appreciation of stone carving.
Since 2015, we’ve been waking people up to the power within themselves to transform blocks of stone into beautiful sculptures by channeling the energy of their hands and minds through a set of methods and techniques that connect us to ancient wisdom.
Our PLan
The Academy will offer programs tailored to the needs of educational institutions, veterans and community youth organizations, specialized camps, etc., with whom we will form partnerships to fund their programs.
We will continue to offer programs funded directly by Academy donors and fees from the participants.
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM UPDATE
New Partnerships Established
In 2023 we were successful in forging two new partnerships, enabling us to share the stone carving tradition with New York City teenagers through two exciting programs.
Mather High School/National Park Service Partnership Program
Over the course of the 2022-23 school year, we have introduced over 150 students from the Stephen T. Mather Building Arts and Craftsmanship High School to stone carving during weekly work sessions on Governors Island. After experiencing an introductory session, many students were hungry for more. Over February break, we were able to hold a two week, full time program for eight promising carvers. We even created an arch! Over spring break, another group of 7 got to dive deeper into carving. Over summer vacation, we will have our most ambitious Mather program yet-4 weeks! The National Park Service is providing the funding for this endeavor plus the idyllic workspace.
NYC Department of Education Partnership Program
Last summer, we partnered with the City of New York, running a two week stone carving camp out of our state of the art Bronx facility. Six highly motivated teenagers from all over NYC met daily to learn the art of stone carving through a series of challenging projects. We were very excited to be invited to repeat this inspiring and successful program again in summer 2023.
