This first-year-level comprehensive figure modeling course focuses on geometry, anatomy, and proportion, as well as the crucial elements of gesture, rhythm, spontaneity, and the spirit of form-making. Students are encouraged to work in a variety of sizes. Independent study and experimentation are always encouraged, and outside projects should be expected. Broader topics, including the nature, history, and philosophy of figurative art, are also discussed.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Horn
Cost: $1,450
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Foundry metal casting is the process of creating metal objects by pouring molten metal into a mold and letting it cool to solidify. This course will cover all aspects of the foundry process with an emphasis on mold making as an essential element of a sculptor’s toolkit for both bronze casting and creating objects in multiples. Demonstrations and hands-on instruction will be given in wax modeling and casting, ceramic shell techniques, bronze pouring, metal chasing, TIG welding and patination. Course content will include step-by-step guidance in mold making production as students apply this process to their own projects. This class presents integral skills for any sculptor. Beginner-friendly and open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $75 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Pavel Efremoff
Cost: $750
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

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. Note: Tuition includes a $75 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Pavel Efremoff
Cost: $750
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

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. Develop proficiency in basic tool use including manual carving, pneumatic carving, sawing, grinding, and sanding. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632

Join Jerry Bennett, a leading international paper clay artist, as he guides you in making paper clay and bonding slips for hand-built pottery and sculptural forms. Paper clay (fiber clay) is the process in ceramics where artists add cellulose fibers to make the clay easier to work with and more plastic. These fibers burn out after the first firing leaving only the clay remaining. However, many of the rules that govern regular clay do not apply to paper clay. Gain valuable insights as Jerry shares practical, problem-solving advice, such as fixing broken work and preventing cracks. Demonstrations focus on slab construction, but students are free to experiment with coil building, pinching, and extrusion. Decorating techniques include underglaze, textures, colored slips, and glaze applications.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jerry Bennett
Cost: $630
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

In this course, students will combine figurative and animal sculptural designs to create original totems incorporating elements from nature. The instructor will provide step-by-step guidance, from initial design through sculpting it in clay. Individual pieces will be fired and ready for glaze by the end of the session. The course includes 25 pounds of clay, and all skill levels—from beginner to advanced—are welcome.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Jennifer Frudakis-Petry
Cost: $610
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553

This class introduces students to the process of carving stone with hand tools. Beginners start with alabaster or soapstone, both fairly soft stones that can be easily carved. The instructor will provide tools for beginners to use during the class and assist throughout the process. More advanced students are always welcome to take the class. This class provides a regular scheduled opportunity to work, get feedback from other artists and a chance to both learn and share the knowledge students have acquired. Students will need to bring their own alabaster stone, which can be ordered from "The Complete Sculptor" online.
 
Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Piera Raffaele
Cost: $585
Sponsor: Wayne Art Center
Website, email, 610-688-3553