Sundays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (*Includes a visit to the PAFA archives on Wednesday, April 8.) 
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt 
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
No class on April 5 

William Rush was the first major American sculptor, a master of woodcarving as well as terracotta and bronze. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ cast collection houses several of Rush’s portraits and figures, and this class offers the rare opportunity to closely study these masterpieces. Students will copy a sculpture by Rush, learning both the particularities of the master’s technique and the basic principles of terracotta figure modeling. All levels are welcome for this exciting opportunity to closely study Rush’s sculpture in anticipation of the PAFA Museum's landmark exhibition, A Nation of Artists. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gain a basic understanding of the osteology, myology, and anatomy of the human portrait and figure
• Learn from William Rush’s techniques for organizing the body into simplified sculptural forms
• Carry out best practices for modeling and maintaining water-based clay sculpture
• Understand best practices for creating ceramic sculpture

*Note: This course includes a visit to the PAFA archives for a behind-the-scenes look at William Rush works on Wednesday, April 8, (time TBA) as well as an invitation to exhibition opening events.

Optional: Add a PAFA Dual Plus Membership to your registration to receive member privileges just in time for A Nation of Artists and 10% off this course instantly, as well as 10% off all other regular CE classes* during your one-year membership -- select membership add-on option with price adjustment during checkout! (*CE member discounts limited to Dual Plus/Friend and above levels and apply to regular CE courses and workshops only -- special programs such as Extended Studio Courses and studio rentals are ineligible for tuition deductions.)

Image: William Rush, Self-Portrait, ca. 1822, terracotta, 15 1/2 x 18 x 11 in. Collection of the PAFA Museum.  Accession # 1849.1.

Register by: March 9 
Materials List  
Please review CE's Winter/Spring 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: RA Friedman 
Weekend Workshop 

This intensive workshop is designed for those looking to push their portrait drawing abilities toward the professional level. Demonstrations and in-class exercises will open up how you see, think, and approach the creation of a likeness, avoiding common pitfalls. Explore subtleties of form and the relationships of lines, planes and tones, capturing the character and energy of the subject. Additionally, instruction will cover facial expressions and deep anatomy of the face, neck, and upper body. Drawing will be primarily in graphite pencil and stick. Introductory portrait drawing or equivalent recommended. Note: Tuition includes a $10 models fee.

For more introductory instruction, see the instructor's Portrait in Pencil Workshop (not required for enrollment in the Advanced workshop).

Image: RA Friedman

Register by: March 20 
Materials List
Please review CE's Winter/Spring 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.