October 3-5, 2025

Event Fees:

Tickets: Commuter Ticket: $380 or Basic On-Site Event Ticket: $510

Sliding Scale Program Fee: $300, $200 or $100

The Art of the Dry Stacked Wall with James Asbury

Long before the Stone Age, people were building with stone. Today, in urban settings, modern walls are often clad in quickly assembled stone veneers, but they lack the timeless authenticity of true dry stone walls. If you’ve ever driven down a rural road in the Northeast, you’ve likely seen the real thing—moss-covered dry-stacked stone walls lining fields, low walls tumbling and winding through thinned forests. Perhaps you’ve even encountered them in Europe. These dry stone wall structures, built without mortar, rely on gravity, friction, balance, and counterbalance to create enduring beauty—some standing for centuries, so long as floods and shifting earth allow.

You may have inherited one or know of one near your home, but this ancient stone masonry technique is deeply intertwined with the history of agriculture, homesteading, and a sense of place. In a changing world, what could be more grounding than spending a weekend learning the art of dry stone wall building, experiencing its quiet presence, and understanding its enduring nature?

Rowe is honored to welcome James Asbury, one of the only true Dry Stone Trust masons in the world, to guide you in this hands-on stone masonry workshop. Using sections of Rowe’s own historic dry stone walls—some over two centuries old—you’ll gain practical experience in dry stack stone wall construction. This immersive stone wall building retreat is ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike, offering a chance to work with your hands, connect with nature, and learn an ancient craft.

This is the first dry stone wall workshop of its kind at Rowe. It will be physical work, but not backbreaking labor—an opportunity to create something lasting while immersing yourself in the rich history of this stone walling tradition. Under James Asbury’s expert guidance, you’ll shape stone with intention, carrying forward an age-old practice in the crisp, golden light of a perfect Berkshires autumn retreat.

About the Presenter

James Asbury, owner of Mountaineer Stone in central Pennsylvania, is a storyteller, stone lore keeper, and practitioner of almost three decades deep of dry stone walling all over the country. During this incredible weekend James will be employing his time in to show you how to see the land and stone differently and while cultivating your sense of feel and touch to listen with your fingers to start making a real, living stone wall.

Conference Pricing Information

Our presenter is generously offering a sliding scale pricing model for this event. This allows you to choose a payment that aligns with your budget, supporting a diverse community of participants and reflecting our commitment to accessibility.

Sliding Scale Program Fee:

Full Price Event Program Fee $300

For those who can comfortably support themselves and others. Your contribution helps make our programs accessible to others.

2 Discount Options:

Discount 1 – Comfortably Contributing – $200

For those who can meet their basic needs with a little extra for occasional luxuries. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship.

Discount 2 – Berkshires on a Budget – $100
For those who need some financial assistance. You might be a student or a freelancer or retired with a low fixed income. This tier ensures you can still participate without financial strain.

NOTE: Registration is a two-step process. First, select a commuter or basic on-site event ticket and choose your program fee from the sliding scale. If you’d like upgraded lodging (a private room instead of the dorm or cabin included with the basic on-site event price), you will then be directed to our booking engine to complete your accommodation selection. All rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have mobility impairments and need assistance finding an accessible room, please contact our front desk.