Winnipeg military members to carve connections
A soapstone workshop will bring together serving and retired military members in Winnipeg.
Organized by Soldier On in partnership with Spence Custom Carving, the workshop centres on skill-building, restoration and community. The two-day session invites active and retired military personnel to work with soapstone, transforming their ideas into sculptures.
The initiative focuses on intentionally shaping stones with patience and self-reflection, rather than on production outcomes. According to the organizers, the artistic practice offers participants a structured creative outlet that can complement broader approaches to physical well-being and improved mental health.
This workshop is an introduction to soapstone carving. Attendees will learn how to select, carve and polish a finished piece. No prior sculpting experience is required, and the sessions are designed to accommodate a wide range of ability levels. Each evening includes three hours of slow-paced participation.
The instructional format also encourages peer interaction, which remains central to Soldier On programming, which emphasizes community connection as part of recovery and readjustment to life. Participants will be encouraged to shape pieces that reflect personal meaning, resulting in one-of-a-kind carvings they help conceptualize from start to finish.
For community groups offering similar programming, local printers can support outreach efforts by producing branded promotional products to distribute.
The soapstone carving workshop will take place at the 17 Wing Wellness Centre Annex, on January 19 and 20, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Organized by Soldier On in partnership with Spence Custom Carving, the workshop centres on skill-building, restoration and community. The two-day session invites active and retired military personnel to work with soapstone, transforming their ideas into sculptures.
The initiative focuses on intentionally shaping stones with patience and self-reflection, rather than on production outcomes. According to the organizers, the artistic practice offers participants a structured creative outlet that can complement broader approaches to physical well-being and improved mental health.
This workshop is an introduction to soapstone carving. Attendees will learn how to select, carve and polish a finished piece. No prior sculpting experience is required, and the sessions are designed to accommodate a wide range of ability levels. Each evening includes three hours of slow-paced participation.
The instructional format also encourages peer interaction, which remains central to Soldier On programming, which emphasizes community connection as part of recovery and readjustment to life. Participants will be encouraged to shape pieces that reflect personal meaning, resulting in one-of-a-kind carvings they help conceptualize from start to finish.
For community groups offering similar programming, local printers can support outreach efforts by producing branded promotional products to distribute.
The soapstone carving workshop will take place at the 17 Wing Wellness Centre Annex, on January 19 and 20, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.