Soapstone Carving Workshop and Discussion with Lazaro Arvizu

Teaching artist Lazaro Arvizu will discuss and display steatite stonework of the Gabrielino/Tongva people during a lesson on Native California lifeways. Then, carve and decorate a soapstone amulet that you can wear home. All materials will be provided.

Found throughout the region of Southern California, soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a softer rock that has been used as a medium for carving in many cultures for thousands of years.

Lazaro Arvizu, Jr. is an artist, educator, musician, and researcher dedicated to the culture of the first people of Los Angeles. Born in the Los Angeles Basin, he is knowledgeable of the landscape and cosmology of the Gabrielino culture. He has worked for over 20 years facilitating creative and meaningful cultural experiences to people of all ages and walks of life, in many venues.