Richard, also an avid diver, discusses care of stone staircase.

just one of many stone and other vernacular landscapes around a village home

The homeowners hand picked everyone of these Beaver Island rocks, washed them in acid, and then entrusted the arrangement to Richard.

the modern vernacular

Despite several injuries including a recent stroke and bursitis in both arms, Richard Burris continues his pursuit as a mason believing that "work is therapy."

Remembering the Islanders who lost thier lives on the Great Lakes – this monument was built by Richard Burris.

Richard staring up at big wall.

Richard Burris moved to Beaver Island in 1971.  Since his time on the island he has created a legacy with his stone and other masonry art.  The purpose of this project is the gather the stone masonry of Richard Burris for exhibit purposes.  This project will be the first of many that will document the cultural landscape of Beaver Island.

The process for this research is the following:
1) Gather background research on the stone masonry in Michigan, as well as a geological history Michigan’s stone and sediment. 
2) Fieldwork – Interviews of Richard Burris and touring sites. 
3) Organization and preparation of materials for archival.

The Michigan Folklife Center will apply for an award from the American Folklife Center in Washington, D.C.  A written report of Richard Burris’s philosophy and work methods along with photography, audio and video recordings will be presented to a partnering institution.