April 6-7, 2024 (Saturday-Sunday)

Two-day!

at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY

This two-day general introductory dry stone masonry workshop, April 6-7 (Saturday-Sunday), will take place at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY. Participants will receive general dry stone instruction on various pieces of stonework on the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery campus. This workshop will be led by DSC Master Craftsman, Neil Rippingale.

Participants will see that as Maker’s Mark’s unofficial in-house stonemason Neil has built 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.