Thanks to the generosity of Aspire Gorham the fourth and fifth graders at Great Falls Elementary learned how to carve stone. You read it correctly – STONE. Anne Alexander, a local sculptor from Windham, came in and shared a presentation about her stone, wood, and stone sculptures. Then she spent a week demonstrating the techniques to each class and starting them on their alabaster sculptures.

The next three weeks we worked on refining our work and transforming little blocks into biomorphic forms. Most of the time the weather cooperated and we went outside under the big tent. The fine white dust gets everywhere but we wear art aprons, gloves, and masks to protect ourselves.

Anne supplied dozens of rasps, files, and rifflers. When we are finished carving, Anne will come back and show us how to sand and polish our final sculpture in preparation for the final step of oiling. We are so fortunate to have a sculptor nearby who is willing to share her knowledge and tools. Great Falls students owe a huge thank you to Anne Alexander.

This has been an exciting project and everybody has worked hard to make a unique sculpture that they will have and treasure for a long time. Thank you Aspire Gorham for making this opportunity happen for our students. Many thanks also go to Becky Fortier, our Principal, for helping to fund this project.