PIERCETON - Kerrie Walls and her 10-year-old daughter Kayla worked side by side Saturday learning how to carve alabaster.
They were part of a one day 8-1/2-hour class Saturday at Blue Lion Coffeehouse, Pierceton, instructed by Wayne Harshberger.
"My daughter is artistic, and I like to encourage her to learn new things," Walls said.Sheryl Ruegner, Warsaw, also attended the class and said she hopes to use the techniques she learned Saturday in her jewelry making. Ruegner is the current treasurer of the Lakeland Art Association.
Harshberger instructed the students how to shape the alabaster with files, dry sand, wet sand and wax the alabaster.
"The goal of the class is for the students to learn the process of shaping alabaster," Harshberger said.
The students at the end of the day took the alabaster piece home.
The students used files to create a simple small piece of alabaster that came from Colorado.
Alabaster is a soft stone that allows for the creation of sharp edges blending with soft curves. Found worldwide, it is available in a variety of colors, may be opaque or translucent, marbled and crystal-like, according to instructor Wayne Harshberger. He said a small piece of alabaster costs $3 to $4.
He said there is soapstone that is softer stone that can be easily shaped, limestone that is slightly softer than marble, and marble, the hardest stone that is used for outside sculptures.
Harshberger has been self employed as a mason since 1963 and does about 20 art fairs a year throughout the Midwest. He teaches alabaster classes in northern Indiana.
He has an abstract sculpture piece he completed with limestone in 1996 that is at Warsaw Community High School in a sculpture garden. The piece represents teachers, administration and students working together.
Harshberger, Goshen, has a studio and art gallery where he teaches every Wednesday night. On weekends, he does workshops. He also has three pieces of art on display at Blue Pearl Art Gallery, Pierceton.
Dave Taylor, owner of Blue Pearl Art Gallery, participated in the alabaster class Saturday, creating an abstract sculpture.
"It is relaxing, exciting and fulfilling. It takes patients but at the same time you have instant gratification that you see something evolving," Taylor said.
The students paid for the materials. This fall, Harshberger will offer another alabaster class at the Blue Lion Coffeehouse for all ages.
For more information about the fall alabaster class, call Harshberger at 574-534-1934.
