The Ancient Art of Dry Laid Stone with DJ Kitzel

Description

We are so pleased to team up with DJ Kitzel for a third season of workshops here at Hunt Country Vineyards. Come spend a weekend learning from this talented stone mason, teacher, artist, and renaissance man. He is such a great instructor and sharer of talent, creativity, and skills. A combination of some great outdoor comradery, tinkering with ancient stones, house-made yummy meals, and all accompanied by Hunt Country wines. Learn, Eat, Drink... AWESOME! Dry Laid Stone: Dry-laid stonework is the ancient art of building with stone without the use of mortar. Common in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, it is becoming increasingly popular in North America in functional hardscapes. This two-day course is designed to be a primer in the contemporary skills and applications of this timeless trade. Currently, there are few dry-laid stone workers in the Finger Lakes and demand is growing. This course will be a hands-on experience of dry-laid wall construction. This class will build on skills learned in previous workshops. Beginners are welcome, but this will be a more challenging build than in previous workshops, in terms of design and precision. Students who complete the course will be able to build free-standing stone walls, retaining walls, foundations, walkways and stairs. Hands-on learning will be mixed with direct instruction, discussion and working lunches. Participants will learn the tools, techniques, materials and traditions of this accessible art form. This portable skill set is in demand by landscapers and builders alike. The trade requires few tools to get started. Other benefits of dry-laid stonework include personal creativity, fitness, and a deep connection to an ancient human experience. There will be a tent on site to protect students from sun and rain. All tools and materials will be provided. Participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Sunscreen, sun hat and a water bottle are recommended. You are also welcome to bring safety glasses, work gloves and any personal tools. Instructor: D.J. Kitzel is a stonemason, certified English teacher, and licensed wilderness guide with 26 years of experience in the building trades, 22 years in masonry trades. He has worked on historic structures and new builds across Rochester and the Finger Lakes region while pursuing a life-long interest in traditional trades. Program: Dinner at 6:30 on Friday will include introductions, course overview, expectations, and safety. D.J. will provide instruction, all tools needed, and work songs. Group starts at 9:00 on Saturday and Sunday, end at 4:00 Instruction will be a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on work to construct a functional wall. Food: Dinner on Friday Evening: Casual, introductive dinner. Lunches: Hearty house-made lunches will be included on Saturday and Sunday. Hydration is a requirement of hard work and water, sun-tea, and of course... wine will also be provided. * Please let us know ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions. Covid-19 Update: We're taking all the necessary precautions to host events and workshops in a safe, healthy, compliant and fun way. Over the next few months, as each event on our calendar approaches, we'll be carefully assessing whether or not the circumstances at the time allow us to meet the standards for hosting safe and fun gatherings. If we feel the need to cancel an event, ticket holders will be notified of the cancellation and all ticket fees will be fully refunded.