Fathom Stone Art
A working stone-carving studio and gallery inside the Westin, where you carve and polish your own piece of British Columbia
Fathom Stone Art is a locally owned Whistler gallery and working stone-carving studio inside The Westin Resort & Spa, a few steps from the Village Stroll. The gallery shows one-of-a-kind Canadian stone sculpture carved from British Columbia jade, marble, alabaster, serpentine, brucite and other stone, from small collectible pieces to monumental work, custom commissions and sculptural alabaster lighting. A second collection, including the life-size marble polar bears, is on view at the Four Seasons.
The studio is the reason it belongs on a rainy-day list. In a stone-carving class you shape and polish your own genuine stone piece, with the stone, tools and guidance all supplied. No experience is needed, ages three to ninety-five are welcome, and classes run daily by appointment from 9am to 9pm, so it fits around a ski day, a spa booking or dinner in the Village. You leave with something made by your own hands.
Marble polar bears
Vancouver Island marble, the collection on view at the Four Seasons
British Columbia jade
Collectible pieces carved from the province's own stone
Sculpture and lighting
Monumental work, custom commissions and sculptural alabaster lightingCarve and polish your own stone keepsake
The classes are built for beginners. You choose what to make, pick your stone, and a carver walks you through it step by step, from roughing out the shape to sanding and polishing until the stone comes up glossy. All tools, stone and materials are included, and the guidance runs for the whole session, so nobody is left staring at a block wondering where to start.
Most guests make a soapstone pendant or ornament, an Inukshuk, or a stone bowl or candleholder, and larger sculptures are there for anyone who wants to spend the afternoon. Classes run from around an hour to most of a day depending on the piece, priced from $90 to $500. They are offered year round and work just as well in the evening or after a day on the hill as they do when the rain sets in.
Ages three to ninety-five are welcome. The studio also works as a childcare option for children aged five and up, so parents can hand over for a couple of hours knowing their kids are busy, supervised and making something they will keep.
Soapstone pendant
A slim shape such as a heart or a bear paw, polished and strung as a necklace. The most popular first carve and the easiest to fit between other plans.
Mini sculpture
A small animal in the round, an orca, a fish or a bear, shaped and polished on a stone you can hold in one hand.
Stacked Inukshuk
Choose and finish the stones, then design your own traditional stone stack. Open to the youngest carvers, from age three.
Carved Inukshuk
The traditional figure carved from a single block of stone, the piece most guests take home as their memory of British Columbia.
Bowl or candleholder
A functional piece for the table, hollowed and polished by hand. A good choice for couples and anyone who wants a keepsake they will use.
Sculpture
Small, medium or large pieces on bigger stone, with more detail and more time at the bench. The large sculptures can run over more than one session.
From a family of four to a conference of 150
Private in-gallery experiences take up to ten guests at a time, which suits families, couples, small groups of friends and wedding parties. For twelve or more, Fathom brings the studio to you: mobile carving experiences run at hotels, conference venues and private homes, and can accommodate events of up to 150 guests. Corporate groups and conference attendees leave with a keepsake rather than a lanyard.
Staying with Whistler Wired in one of the larger homes? A mobile session in your own living room is a good answer to a wet afternoon for the whole group, and we are happy to help you set it up.
Book a class with Fathom Stone Art
Classes are booked directly with the gallery, daily by appointment between 9am and 9pm. Check the schedule and reserve online, or phone (604) 962-7722 if you cannot see the time you want.
Prefer we arrange it as part of your stay, or planning for a group? connect@whistlerwired.com
