STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS · ŌTAKI BEACH
Learn to sculpt.
Take something home.
Pick up a chisel for the first time and discover something you didn't know you could do. Brett and Christine bring the same care to teaching as they do to their own work. Every workshop ends with a finished piece you made yourself. Learn to carve stone in a single day — no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to get dusty.
EVERY WORKSHOP INCLUDES
Oamaru stone
All tools provided
Expert tutorship
Morning tea & lunch
Your finished sculpture
Laughter & good company
At the end of the session you have a completed piece — and the confidence to know you made it.
Whether you've never held a chisel or you've dabbled before, Brett and Christine meet you exactly where you are. Workshops are small by design — a maximum of four people — keeping it personal, relaxed, and genuinely hands-on.
People come solo, as couples, as groups of mates, for team building, for birthdays. They leave with a sculpture, stone dust on their clothes, and almost always a desire to come back.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Workshop options
5.5 HOURS
The Taster Class
A genuine introduction to stone carving in a single session. You'll choose one of three Māori-inspired designs, then work through the carving process with Brett and Christine guiding you every step of the way. You'll leave with a completed piece and a much better idea of whether you want to go deeper.
DURATION
5.5 hours
PRICE
$300 $100 deposit to secure your place
MAX GROUP
4 people — kept deliberately small
Choose from 3 options — view the designs ↗
DESIGN
TUTORS
Brett & Christine Keno
GREAT FOR
First and repeat timers, curious beginners, gift ideas
2 DAYS
The Weekender
Two days with Brett and Christine at their Ōtaki Beach studio. You choose what you'd like to sculpt — your own design or something Brett helps you develop — and you work through the entire process from rough block to finished piece. Many participants have gone on to apply for arts courses on the strength of what they created here.
DURATION
2 full days
PRICE
$520 $100 deposit to secure your place
MAX GROUP
4 people — kept deliberately small
Your choice — in consultation with Brett
DESIGN
TUTORS
Brett & Christine Keno
GREAT FOR
Individuals, couples, groups, team building
UPCOMING DATES
YOUR TUTORS
Learn from the
sculptors themselves
Brett Keno
LEAD SCULPTOR & TUTOR · TOI IHO™ CERTIFIED
Brett has been stone carving since 2005 and teaching workshops for over a decade. His background — from finance to full-time sculptor — gives him an unusual gift for meeting people where they are. He brings technical precision and deep knowledge of Māori design to every session, helping students understand not just the how, but the why behind the forms they're creating.
Christine Keno
SCULPTOR & TUTOR
Christine's warmth sets the tone from the moment you arrive. A successful carver in her own right — and often joked to be the first of the two to sell internationally — she brings a patient, encouraging presence to every session. Participants consistently single her out for making the experience feel genuinely welcoming and fun.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY
Straight from the studio
"We covered the sculpture with a sheet and had our daughter unveil it to great surprise. There was an audible gasp and clapping when I revealed who the artist was — me!"
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT · THE WEEKENDER
"Christine and Brett were amazingly skilled and patient tutors. This two day workshop gave me the confidence to apply for an Art and Creativity Diploma."
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT · THE WEEKENDER
"Kia ora Brett and Christine — amazingly generous hosts, extremely talented artists and the most patient of teachers. I had an absolute ball and cannot wait to come back."
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT · THE WEEKENDER
"Have done a 4-hour class with Brett and Christine — really worthwhile. At the end of the session you have a completed piece. Give it a go. Great fun. Get a group together."
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT · THE TASTER CLASS
"The symbolism of human touch transforming stone into a work of beauty resonated with each one of us. We are so impressed with your work, your lives, and your sense of wonder."
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT · SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE VISIT
"Christine's warmth made the experience comfortable and enjoyable. Brett helped me understand carving from an artistic perspective — not just the technique, but the meaning."
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT · THE WEEKENDER
NEW DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Be the first to hear about them
Dates fill fast. Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as new workshops are confirmed — nothing else.
ALSO IN THE WELLINGTON REGION
Other stone carving events
A great option if you're looking for a longer or more intensive experience.
WITH DONNA CLARKE · BRETT AS ON-SITE TUTOR
Waikanae Workshop
A 3-day hands-on workshop with local sculptor Donna Clarke. Includes Ōamaru stone, t-shirt, morning tea and lunch every day.
3 days
DURATION
March
ANNUAL TIMING
027 210 6254
CONTACT DONNA
WITH MARY ARCHIBALD
Wellington Stone Symposium
A 10-day hands-on symposium. Includes Ōamaru stone, t-shirt, refreshments, and lunch on the final weekend.
10 days
DURATION
January
ANNUAL TIMING
027 306 0559
CONTACT MARY