Carrara Marble Tours

Caroline, while the marble was, and still is, mined in Cararra, the vast majority was/is shipped elsewhere for sculpting and building. The leading architects and sculptors of the day lived where the money was: near wealthy patrons who commissioned the work. They may live anywhere at all in the world today.

Professional artists don't usually make a habit of opening their studios to visitors while they're working: it's too distracting. They have galleries for showing their works, and they may invite clients who have commissioned a piece into their workspace to see it under development.

That said, there are studios in Cararra, and I have read about a couple of tours which include a look at one or two. The website for one below isn't currently working but you might try the phone #:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g660764-d2486565-Reviews-Carrara_Marble_Quarries_Guided_Tours-Carrara_Province_of_Massa_Carrara_Tuscany.html

And here's another:

http://www.carlonicoli.com/sculptures/visits.asp

I've no idea how old this piece is but you might find it informative:

http://www.sculpture.org/documents/scmag97/carra/sm-carra.shtml

Kathy is right about the separation of artists and the marble quarries. However, the quarries and their mountains are absolutely stunning and well worth seeing. Unfortunately, the Carrara train station at Avenza is some distance from the quarries. You'll need a tour that will pick you up at the RR station or otherwise facilitate a rendezvous. Here's one tour I hope to do soon after reading this: http://www.wanderingitaly.com/places/carrara-marble-tour.html

I'll second the recommendation. The ride up the mountain is spectacular and the site is very interesting, especially the old original tools that were used to cut the marble.