Mastering the Mallet: Mentorship, Memorials, and Monumental Moments

In Episode 10: Go behind the scenes at the 2025 School of Hard Rocks with host Mike Johns and guests Bobby Mattos, Houston Gordon, and Aaron Faehnle. Discover how hands-on stone carving, mentorship, and creative freedom are shaping the next generation of memorialists in this unique, immersive experience like no other in the monument industry. Explore how carving, collaboration, and creativity come together under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Hear how first-timers and veterans alike make lasting connections—and lasting art. Chapters (00:00:01) - Monument Matters(00:02:03) - Interview(00:04:00) - How Much of What You Experience at Hard Rocks Does Affect Your Monument(00:04:48) - Rock Camp(00:07:33) - The Hard Rock Art Exhibition(00:09:57) - Alumni as instructors at the workshop(00:11:23) - At the Art Institute of Alberton(00:15:07) - Carving at the Ames(00:21:30) - Hard Rock Granite Workshops(00:28:09) - A Taste of Hard Rock Camp(00:30:25) - The Lucan Award(00:31:46) - The School of Hard Rocks