Don’t worry—we won’t be robbing any graves. But we will be piecing together and bringing a creature to life.
In this small-scale sculpture class, you’ll design and build your own creation—whether fantastical, sci-fi, abstract, or eerily lifelike. Open to all skill levels, this class offers a low-pressure, hands-on environment where curiosity and experimentation are encouraged.
Working with papier-mâché, found objects, and paint, you’ll learn how to transform simple materials into fully realized three-dimensional forms. Along the way, we’ll cover essential sculptural skills such as building strong internal structures (for free-standing or hanging pieces), problem-solving, and working with plaster-like materials.
From initial ideas and sketching to final construction and finishing, you’ll move through the full creative process—assembling, shaping, refining, and ultimately bringing your creation to life. We’ll also explore key elements of sculptural design, including balance, form, texture, and proportion.
By the end of the class, you’ll have completed a unique sculpture and gained the skills and confidence to continue building creatures (or anything else your imagination dreams up) long after the class ends.
Week 1:
Introduction to small-scale sculpture and materials
Begin sketching and ideating for your sculpture
Start building a basic structure using wire or armature
Week 2:
Begin working with papier-mâché and found objects to build form
Focus on balancing structure and texture
Explore surface treatment and begin reinforcing forms with plaster-like materials
Week 3:
Develop more intricate details in your sculpture
Experiment with adding complex textures and layers
Introduction to issues of stability, proportion, and surface treatment
Week 4:
Focus on refinement: balancing form, texture, and proportion
Continue adding details with found objects and papier-mâché
Begin adding final elements like paint and finishes
Week 5:
Work on finalizing the structure and integrating materials
Fine-tune the balance, texture, and details
Start preparing for the final presentation (painting, assembly, finishing touches)
Week 6:
Finalizing sculptures and adding any finishing details
Group reflection and sharing of your process and results
Discussion on ways to continue sculptural practice beyond the class.
First day items: sketchbook and drawing materials
Additional supplies I will go over on the first day may include:
9 gauge sculpture/armature wire (can be a little thicker or thinner)
Newspaper
Masking tape
Gesso (at least an 8oz jar)
Variety of acrylic paint and brushes
Piece of wood or other material for sculpture base
Optional: Found objects to incorporate into sculpture
