Austrian sculptor Karl Prantl died at his home on October 8, 2010. He is believed to have organized the first International Sculpture Symposium in 1959. He invited eight sculptors from around the world to work in an old Roman quarry in St. Margarethen in Burgenland, Austria. During the days, the sculptors worked together to create monumental stoneworks. At night they ate together, drank wine and discussed topics of common interest. The Greek definition of symposium: a drinking party with a free exchange of ideas. The sculptors returned to their respective countries inspired to organize more stone symposia.
The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center in West Rutland reports that in 1968, Karl Prantl came to Vermont to participate in the Vermont International Sculpture Symposium organized by UVM professor Paul Aschenbach. This sculpture, located in Springfield, Vermont, near interstate 89, was produced as part of that event.
