Explore the versatility of terra cotta clay, which requires neither an armature nor casting. Learn various techniques and tools through demonstration and hands-on sculpting from the life model or imagination. Anatomy, proportion, design, and personal growth will be emphasized, as well as both representational and abstract approaches.

Learning Objectives

• Create representations of the human form in three-dimensions.

• Acquire technical knowledge and develop excellent craftsmanship.

• Learn the practice and philosophy of historic and contemporary approaches to human figure artworks.

• Develop strong observational skills, self assessment and the ability to reflect on one’s own work, as well as that of others.

• Develop a personal artistic direction.

• Develop the ability to explore an idea in depth and breadth through a cohesive body of work.

(Tuition includes $15 model fee.)

Materials List O'Donnell SC 605EA

This course will cover all aspects of the foundry process. Demonstrations and hands-on instruction will be given in wax modeling and casting, ceramic shell techniques, bronze pouring, metal chasing, TIG welding and patination. All levels welcome.

(Tuition includes $65 lab fee.)

Materials List Efremoff SC 711E

Explore the possibilities of stone carving by using traditional and nontraditional methods. All processes from rough carving to polishing will be covered, and various tools and techniques will be demonstrated. Open to all levels.

Learning Objectives

• Procure a proficiency in basic tool use including manual carving, pneumatic carving, sawing, grinding, and sanding.

• Learn the methods of stone carving beginning with "roughing out" a form, and finishing with sanding and polishing.

• Develop a perceptual ability for spatial relationships of the elements that constitute a sculpture or a three dimensional image.

• Learn to use creative and critical thinking in the process of carving sculpture.

• Gain an appreciation for the influence and informing effect that medium and process have on image making.

• Acquire an introductory understanding of the history of stone carving as well as the capacity to conceptualize context for the student's own sculpture.

(Tuition includes $10 lab fee.)

Materials List Nocella SC 602E 

Learn to sculpt the human figure in clay on an armature from direct observation. Experienced students will model a 24-inch figure based on volume, proportion, architectonic construction, and spatial displacement of form. Beginning students will sculpt a life-size portrait first. Instruction will cover armature construction, clay-modeling, and tool usage. All levels welcome.

Learning Objectives

• Develop the conceptual & perceptual skills in order to model an accurate and expressive portrait or figure in water-based

• clay.

• Construct a head and/or figure armature.

• Create a complete head and/or figure study in water based clay.

(Tuition includes $15 model fee.)

Materials List Horn SC600E

This course focuses on metal sculpture fabrication and construction, gas and arc welding, brazing, and forging. Basic equipment will be provided, and all techniques will be demonstrated. All levels welcome.

(Tuition includes $65 lab fee.)

Materiasl List Nocella SC 601E

Compose clay sculptural studies of animal subjects on location at the Philadelphia Zoo. Begin with rapid three-dimensional sketches and progress to extended sculptural renderings in order to identify boney landmarks and convey the gesture of a variety of species. Comparative anatomy, materials, and techniques will be addressed, as well as methods for capturing expression.

(Zoo admission not included)

Materials List Collins SC 610EA

Learn the techniques and tools of figure and portrait sculpture through demonstration and hands-on sculpting from the model. Explore anatomy, proportion, design and expression through the versatility of terra cotta clay (no armature required). Sculptures will be fired at the end of the workshop. Workshop includes all materials.

($20 materials fee included in tuition)

Learning Objectives

• Create representations of the human form in three-dimensions.
• Acquire technical knowledge and develop excellent craftsmanship.
• Learn the practice and philosophy of historic and contemporary approaches to human figure artworks.
• Develop strong observational skills, self assessment and the ability to reflect on one’s own work, as well as that of others.
• Develop a personal artistic direction.

Materials List O'Donnell SC 605FP

Explore clay modeling and expand your portfolio with three-dimensional work. Work from a life model to learn methods of terra cotta clay sculpture, focusing on anatomy, proportion, composition, and personal expression. Sculptures will be photographed for portfolios and kiln-fired after the course ends. NOTE: This class will utilize nude models.

Learning Objectives

• Students will gain awareness of the structure, movement, proportion and form of the human body.
• Students’ sculptures will demonstrate a basic understanding of human anatomy (skeletal framework) and kinesiology (type and range of movements).
• Student will be familiar with sculpture terminology and techniques.
• Students will complete a sculpture work that can be used in their portfolio.
• Students will be prepared for further study in the visual arts.