Host: Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers

Guest 1: Sculptor AC Button II founded Carolina Sculpture Studio in 2003, extending his family's unbroken USA heritage in granite excellence since 1891. Button's work in stone sculpture began with family apprenticeship under his cousin as they worked under Master Sculptor Gary Sassi at Celestial Memorial Sculpture Studio in Barre, VT. As a Journeyman, he moved south and established Carolina Sculpture Studio following the retirement of in-law and Master Sculptor Dario Rossi in nearby Elberton GA. Button’s popular YouTube channel features the Virtual Stone Carving Apprenticeship series currently on video 133. At youtube.com/@carolinasculpturestudio/

Guest 2: Steve Kaczmarczyk, Shop Manager at Hunt Memorial where has worked for 11 years although he has worked making monuments for 31 years.

Guest 3: Stan Mullins is CCO – Chief Creative Officer at Stan Mullins Art Studio headquartered in Athens, Georgia. In the last quarter-century, Stan has created thousands of works of art in multiple mediums.

Guest 4: John Theis has been a dedicated member of the Coldspring team for an impressive 43.5 years, contributing his expertise across all areas of granite fabrication. For the past 33 years, he has specialized as a stone carver and sculptor, crafting intricate designs and sculptures on projects both large and small. With his deep knowledge and skill in working with a variety of granites, he has played an integral role in creating lasting works of art and craftsmanship.

Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers, talks with representatives from the Granite and Marble level sponsors supporting the MBNA Trade Show about what they are planning to exhibit.

Episode guests: Paige Lamthi & Mark Gherardi, Buttura and Gherardi Granite Artisans Vaishnavi Ramasamy and Mr. Cannon, Amman Granite Rita Campbell, Precious Souvenir Lenin Kailasammani, Salem Stone Doug Grahn, Barre Granite Association Matthew Pruett, Elberton Granite Association

Welcome to the second episode of MBNA's Monument Matters with host Mike Johns, Jr. CM, AICA, The Johns-Carabelli Co. Semerano Monuments & Flowers

Today, we are talking about cremation trends with Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America, and MBNA member Troy Caldwell, a Certified Memorialist and a Fellow with the American Institute of Commemorative Art; Troy and his brother Tony are third-generation owners of Caldwell Monument Company in Indiana.

As cremation rates continue to rise, especially in North America, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities for memorialists and cemeterians.

Listeners will learn about the innovative ways cemeteries and monument builders are adapting to meet the needs of families choosing cremation. From creative memorials to understanding the cultural shifts influencing these trends, this episode provides valuable information for those in the remembrance industry.