Our Fall 2026 Workshop schedule is coming together…more to be added soon!
October 3-4, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday)
Two-day!
at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY
This two-day dry stone masonry workshop, October 3-4 (Saturday-Sunday), will take place at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY. Participants will receive instruction on a wall on the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery campus. This workshop will be led by DSC/DSWA Master Craftsman, Neil Rippingale.
Participants will see that many wonderful dry stone structures on site, including the double barrel bridge that participants will be working near.
A distillery tour and tasting will follow the workshop. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a little bit at Maker’s Mark.
Below is an example of the daily agenda:
DAY ONE:
8:30a - Classroom session and presentation covering the basics and fundamentals, safety, and what you can expect for the rest of the workshop. Coffee and donuts provided.
10:30a - Review of basics, on-site. Tear down section of wall, prepare site for foundation, lay proper foundation.
12p - Lunch, provided
1p - Setting up frames and lines, begin build
4p - Review / Q and A
DAY TWO:
8:30a - Review of previous day, finish build (if needed), start new section
12p - Lunch, provided
1p - Finish second section
4p - Review / Q and A / Course Evaluations
Introductory Workshops are designed for drystone enthusiasts with little to no previous experience who would like to gain a basic understanding of dry stone construction techniques. The pace will be comfortable and participants will learn the fundamental skills needed to build and repair a typical rock fence or retaining wall.
Payments are refundable (less a $25 cancellation fee) only if we hear from you at least two weeks prior to the first day of your workshop. Deposits and payments are otherwise nonrefundable.
Introductory Workshops are designed for drystone enthusiasts with little to no previous experience who would like to gain a basic understanding of dry stone construction techniques. The pace will be comfortable and participants will learn the fundamental skills needed to build and repair a typical rock fence or retaining wall. Below is a rough example of the two-day itinerary.
DAY ONE:
8:30a - Classroom session and presentation covering the basics and fundamentals, safety, and what you can expect for the rest of the workshop. Coffee and donuts provided.
10:30a - Review of basics, on-site. Tear down section of wall, prepare site for foundation, lay proper foundation.
12p - Lunch, provided
1p - Setting up frames and lines, build first lift, prepare tie stones
4p - Review / Q and A
DAY TWO:
8:30a - Review of previous day, start on second lift
12p - Lunch, provided
1p - Finish second lift, install cover stones and coping stones
4p - Review / Q and A / Course Evaluations
This introductory workshop will be held at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Workshop participants will rebuild a section of a historic retaining wall on this beautiful nature preserve which has more than 24 miles of historic rock fences and dry stone masonry. For on-site lodging and more information about Shaker Village, go to The Inn - Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (shakervillageky.org)
November 14-15, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday)
Payments are refundable (less a $25 cancellation fee) only if we hear from you at least two weeks prior to the first day of your workshop. Deposits and payments are otherwise nonrefundable.