Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Marble, Colorado?
Marble is located in the Rocky Mountains, 220 miles (4 hours) west of Denver near Glenwood Springs and Aspen; 28 miles south of Carbondale off State Highway 133. The towns of Aspen and Eagle, Colorado have the nearest airports, but flying into these may be more expensive than flying into Denver and renting a vehicle or taking a shuttle to Carbondale.
Can I come to Marble/marble even if I have no experience carving?
Yes. This symposium is for anyone interested in carving stone sculpture and learning the most state of the art technology.
Do I need to bring my own power tools?
No. We provide all the power tools. If you have favorite tools that would enable you to feel comfortable, you can bring them.
Are there vendors who will sell supplies?
There are vendors who will be happy to demonstrate products as well as sell directly to you.
Can I order a larger stone?
Yes. The stone we provide you is 3 cubic feet – shapes range from square cubes to rectangular stones that can be vertical or horizontal. If you require a special size and shape, please advise us ahead of time.
What type of air tool couplers do you use?
We use C Type couplers and if you bring your own tools, we will be happy to adapt your tools to fit this style coupler.
Do I need to bring my own air line?
No. We provide air lines.
Is there enough air and electricity hook-ups?
Yes. We have several air supply manifolds and many ground-fault-interrupter circuits – enough for everyone to carve with air or electric tools.
Can I camp in my RV on the Marble grounds?
No. We do not have space for large RV’s. You can camp in your RV at Bogan Flats Campground (see “Where to Stay” )– a short drive from MARBLE/marble. You can camp in a tent or back of a pick-up on the symposium site, but we can’t provide electricity to your camper or campsite. We now have toilets and showers on the symposium site.
Are there inns, lodges or cabins in the area?
Check the “Where to Stay” part of our website.
Is there running potable water on site?
Yes. There is running potable water on site, but not at campsites. We also provide coolers of fresh drinking water around the work areas.
Are there bears in the area?
Yes, there is the occasional black bear. They are looking for food, so if you plan to camp you should also plan on how to store your food safely so the bears are not drawn to your site.
What about meals?
Participants and their families or guests can participate in the Extended Plan at our “campers’ kitchen” – an outdoor cooking facility. Cooking is not permitted at campsites on the symposium grounds. If not paying to participate in the Extended Plan, you still may also use the kitchen facilities to cook your own food.
If you are staying at an inn or lodge, some provide breakfast and sometimes lunch, so you should check ahead of time. The closest supermarket (and bank/ATM) is in Carbondale – 28 miles from Marble/marble! Only one restaurant (BBQ) is available in Marble, or you can go into Redstone or Carbondale for other choices.
How about cash? Do all places accept credit cards?
Bring cash or checks for some of your needs — not all the places in Marble accept credit cards. Ask your innkeeper ahead of time.
Do you provide artigiani services?
No, we do not carve your sculpture for you. While we provide as much or as little instruction as each individual needs, we prefer to think of this unique experience as the opportunity for you to do your own carving. We will “talk you through” parts of your sculpture, and we will demonstrate the “how to’s” to get you through the process. This is the place for you to do the work and feel good about it.
How about the weather?
The expression commonly heard out here is “You can expect to experience all four seasons in one day when you’re up in the mountains”. Believe it: so come prepared with layers of clothing – sweatshirts – light jacket – rain-gear – shorts – jeans – hat – sunscreen, etc.
How about medical assistance or first-aid?
We have first-aid readily available and the volunteer fire-department is always available for immediate para-medic care.
Can I bring a spouse or friend?
Friends and family are welcome to join us for meals (cost) and special occasions, but only registered participants are permitted to use tools and attend workshops.
