New networking group for carvers and theme builders announces contest

There's a new networking group called R.A.T. International - the letters stand for rock carvers, artists and theme builders. Thom Hunt, the craftsman who founded the group, just bought a vintage post office in Fairbury, Neb., to act as a home base and training center. He's going to be building a big dinosaur out of concrete at the 2012 Concrete Decor Show in San Antonio.

Last but not least, he's hosting a design competition for concrete artisans.

The awards will recognize any new project or piece finished between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. They will be handed out in several categories: Best Overall Concept, Best Use of Color, Best in Design, Best Use of Water as a Feature and Best in 3D Sculpture.

Enter via email. Submit photos and a short summary, including project name, medium and materials, to Thom at thom@ratinternational.org. He’ll announce the winners at the Show.

You can’t find out much more about the contest or R.A.T. International itself unless you apply to join, but doing so is free.