BOB RAGAN
Bob Ragan is a nationally recognized master stone carver who has spent a lifetime studying art and architecture. During extensive travels throughout Europe and Central America, he researched the works and carving techniques of Old World masters.
Ragan and his partner Mary Condon founded the architectural and sculpture stone-carving firm Texas Carved Stone forty years ago. As a member of the National Stone Carvers’ Guild, he regularly teaches stone carving classes and mentors young people in the field.
Ragan's sculptures communicate a deep sense of spontaneity, originality, and creativity. He transfigures large blocks of stone into intricate designs that feel remarkably buoyant and often contain humorous elements.
Bob Ragan has been featured in numerous local publications, and state and national publications including Fine Homebuilding (June/July 1989), Southern Living (November 1991), Building Stone Magazine (Winter 2005), Tex Appeal (December 2012), the San Antonio Express News (June 5, 2005), the Dallas Morning News (May 20, 2003), the Texas Monthly (July 1996, July 1998), the Indiana Limestone Symposium, Stone World, Masonry Magazine, and Stone Update. A show about Ragan and his work is considered by the Texas Country Reporter to be one of its classics.
Ragan’s work was exhibited in the TCS showroom before he retired. His work has been exhibited at a variety of prestigious locations, including the New York Design Center, the Los Angeles Design Center, and EC Dicken at the Dallas Design Center, in addition to being featured right here at Austin Galleries.
In addition to his original architectural and sculptural work, Bob led restoration projects on buildings such as San Antonio City Hall, the Erath County Courthouse in Stephenville, the historic Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House in Fort Worth, and the Highland Park City Hall in Dallas.