karen ryer scholarship for stone sculpting

Annual Scholarship to award one sculptor with the Karen Ryer Scholarship – a full registration fee waiver to either NWSSA’s annual week-long Washington or Oregon stone sculpting symposium.

The selection criteria are based on your dedication to furthering personal growth in stone sculpture, prior accomplishments, and financial need.

About the Scholarship:

After retiring from her law practice, Karen Ryer began experimenting with stone and found a passion. A lover of all kinds of stone, she continued to learn, experiment and teach others from 1999 until her untimely death in 2023. Karen’s students loved her dearly and benefited from her candid and “can do” instruction. She and her partner Patricia Sargent operated Stone Sculptors Supplies, selling tools and supplies for stone carvers. The business supported so many and was instrumental in creating new carvers world-wide. Through Karen’s brilliant and generous spirit, she inspired many and the Karen Ryer Scholarship is intended to continue her legacy and support new carvers on their journey.

This scholarship is offered annually and is made possible through a generous donation from Patricia Sargent. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation in Karen Ryer’s name to further this scholarship, please go to the donate page on our website.