Art Workshops, Classes & Retreats

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"Sculpture Processes II: Wood and Metal Construction"
Tuesdays, January 6 - April 21, 2026
 

This class focuses on welding and other methods of construction. Students will explore sculpture through the processes of cutting, forming, and joining metal and other construction materials. They will learn to use an array of equipment and tools, such as saws, drills, torches, welders, plasma cutter, etc., and will learn a variety of construction techniques, including MIG and TIG welding, forging, tapping, threading, bolting, etc.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Building on Traditions: Independent Directions in Sculpture"
Wednesdays, January 7 - April 22, 2026
 

This class teaches students how to individualistically develop their ideas and challenges them to create sculpture with originality and uniqueness. Students will learn how to explore and expound on their aesthetic affinities and desires, to express and affirm their personal perception of the world and their existence in it. Students will look at contemporary art, art from a variety of histories and cultures, and art from other disciplines. They will see how artists independently respond to art and culture and create context. Assignments will prompt students to approach subject matter, medium, and form, with open-mindedness and divergent thinking. Individual instruction as well as group discussion are essential to the learning objectives of the class.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Fifteen-Week Extended Studio: Figure Modeling"
Wednesdays, January 7 - April 22, 2026
 

Figure Modeling is a comprehensive figure modeling course for first year students. The class will focus on geometry, anatomy, and proportion, as well as the crucial elements of gesture, rhythm, spontaneity, and spirit of form making. Students will be encouraged to work in a variety of sizes. Outside projects should be expected. Independent study and experimentation are always encouraged. Broader topics/discussions, such as the nature, history and philosophy of figurative art will also be discussed.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Horn
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Fifteen-Week Extended Studio: Figurative Open Studio"
Thursdays, January 8 - April 23, 2026
 

Open Studio is a comprehensive clay figure modeling class. The class will continue the study of the figure, with a focus on anatomy and proportion, but will also emphasize the crucial elements of gesture and rhythm, spontaneity, and spirit. Students will be encouraged to work in a variety of sizes and outside projects should be expected. Independent study and experimentation are always encouraged. Issues concerning advanced students will be discussed on an individual basis. Broader topics/discussions, such as the nature and philosophy of art and the artist will also be introduced.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Horn
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Fifteen-Week Extended Studio: Form and Structure in Sculpture"
Thursdays, January 8 - April 23, 2026
 

This class introduces students to sculpture. It provides a point of departure by defining a sculpture as being a three-dimensional complex comprised of medium, subject matter, form, and content. The class focuses on the integration of these comprising principles, but more importantly, how process informs and changes their interrelationship and ultimately integrates them. Students will be given assignments that stipulate one or more of the comprising principles and are asked to create those remaining. They will be taught skills for a variety of mediums such as modeling, carving, and constructing, as well as skills for creative and critical thinking such as divergent thinking, convergent thinking, and inferential thinking.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $1,400
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Introduction to Foundry and Mold Making"
Thursdays, January 22 - April 16, 2026
 

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. This class presents integral skills for any sculptor and is an excellent follow-up for students who have taken a clay-modeling class and wish to preserve their work. 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


"Foundry: An Introduction / All-Levels"
Thursdays, January 22 - April 16, 2026
 

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


"Stone Carving"
Saturdays, January 24 - April 18, 2026
 

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 $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $570
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Metal Sculpture"
Saturdays, January 31 - April 30, 2026
 

This ten-week course teaches the basic skills needed for making metal sculpture. Learn fundamental methods of cutting, bending and welding metal such as sawing, heating, and MIG welding. Students will be encouraged to explore the medium with directness and spontaneity to gain a knowledge and understanding of its complexion. Open to all levels. Note: Tuition includes a $65 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Terracotta Figure Sculpture"
Wednesdays, February 4 - April 8, 2026
 

Modeling the figure in clay is the foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Working from a model, learn to sculpt in clay from initial gesture to surface finishing techniques. Topics of study will include proportion, composition, structure, and simplified sculptural form. Students will complete two sculptures in the course of the class. All work will be fired after class. Beginners welcome. Note: Tuition includes a $65 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt
Cost: $515
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Ceramic Sculpture"
Tuesdays, February 24 - April 28, 2026
 

Unlock your creativity through the art of sculpting with clay. Through hands-on instruction and practice, learn essential techniques such as pinching, slab-building, coil-building, and surface treatments. Explore the principles of form, texture, and composition, as well as the fundamentals of the firing process. Join us to express yourself and develop your sculpting skills in a supportive and inspiring environment -- open to both beginners and experienced artists! Tuition includes a $30 lab fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Matthew Courtney
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Wood Studio"
Tuesdays, February 24 - April 28, 2026
 

This class will explore wood as a primary art-making medium, looking at its many types, techniques and uses. Students will develop a well-rounded foundation of wood-working skills including cutting, milling, laminating, joinery and safe use of wood-working tools. Contemporary, traditional and ancient art works made of wood will be presented for historical and contextual understanding. Students will be encouraged to find their own unique voice within the material while building skills. Tuition includes $30 materials fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: John Greig
Cost: $480
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Sculpture from the Masters: William Rush"
Sundays, March 15 - April 26, 2026
 

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.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt
Cost: $345
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"The Figure in Clay Workshop"
April 18-19, 2026
 

Learn the techniques and tools of figure sculpture through demonstration and hands-on sculpting from the model. Explore anatomy, proportion, gesture, and design through the versatility of clay. Personal expression will be emphasized though representational and abstract approaches. Open to all levels and perfect for beginners. Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
 
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instructor: Colleen O'Donnell
Cost: $230
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Website, email, 215-972-7632


"Wet Concrete Carving"
June 5-7, 2026
 

Learn to build forms, prepare sand mix concrete, sculpt and hand carve in the soft matrix in this wet-carved concrete workshop. No power tools or hammer and chisel are required. Students will be given a working understanding of Portland cement and the variety of possibilities the technique offers. Choose to make either a planter or sculpture of about 30 lbs. Carving tools and materials provided. By the end of the carving day everyone will have completed their piece short of it having sit overnight to cure before handling. Elder Garrison Jones is a native “baby boomer” of Chattanooga Tennessee. He received his undergraduate, biology and art, and graduate, biology, degrees at Middle Tennessee State University. For more information, visit sandpudding.com.
 
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Instructor: Elder Jones
Cost: $500 Museum members/ $550 non-members
Sponsor: Huntsville Museum of Art
Website, email, 256-535-6372


 

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