Sculpture Workshops

NPS/Rob Strong

Sculpture workshops allow anyone to continue a tradition of creativity and learn from the park's sculptor-in-residence.

Registration is required and includes all materials and supplies. Space is limited to 10 students for each workshop. Students must be at least 14 years old.

Past workshops have included Flower Sculpture, Portrait Sketching, Introduction to Sculpting Bird Wings, Flower Garland Sculpture, Profile Portrait Relief, and Portrait Sculpture Intensive.

 

2024 Workshop Offerings

Drawing from Sculpture

Draw from direct observation of outdoor sculptures on the grounds of the park. Emphasis will be on gesture, outline, silhouette, shadow, and light. $30
Date: June 22, 1pm - 4pm
Cost: $30

Drawing for Sculpture

Draw from direct observation of a live model both indoors and outdoors with a mind towards studies for sculpture. The instruction will center around what information is necessary to create studies for use in the creative process of portrait sculpture.
Date: June 29, 1pm - 4pm
Cost: $30

Portrait Sculpture (Half Life-Size)

Create a half scale sculpture from photo references of a portrait by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and other 19th century sculptors. The instruction will center on the methods of quickly blocking in and capturing a resemblance in a portrait sculpture.
Date: July 6, 12pm - 4pm
Cost: $50

Two-Day Expression Mask Sculpture

Create a “mask” self-portrait using a mirror and photos taken in advance with a fun or extreme facial expression. The instruction will center on the anatomy of the facial structures, methods of blocking in, sculpting primary forms, secondary forms, and details in a portrait.
Date: July 13 and 14, 12pm - 4pm
Cost: $100

Three-Day Portrait Sculpture (Life-Size)

sculpt from direct observation of a live model. The instruction will center around the anatomy of the head and facial structures, methods of blocking in, sculpting primary forms, secondary forms, and details in a portrait. Emphasis will be on creating a portrait with gesture, expression, light and shadow, and likeness using the 19th century methods and style of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his contemporaries. Previous sculpture experience or completion of Portrait Sculpture (Half Life Size) Workshop recommended.
Date: August 2, 3, and 4, 12pm - 4pm
Cost: $150

Two-Day Bas Relief Medallion

create a round format “Bas” or low relief of a portrait in profile of a person or pet/animal from photos. The technique used will be the “Pate’ sur Pate’” method favored by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in his most delicate portrait reliefs. This method consists of the building up a clay “slurry” (liquified clay) on the surface using brushes much like a painting. Participants of this workshop are encouraged to also register for the Bas Relief Medallion, Plaster Casting workshop on August 24.
Date: August 10 and 17, 12pm - 4pm
Cost: $100

Bas Relief Medallion Plaster Casting

Create a plaster cast of a relief using the plaster “waste mold” technique and take home a permanent cast of their work. Participants in the Two-Day Bas Relief Medallion workshop on August 10 and 17 can cast their original work as part of this workshop. A completed clay bas relief will be provided to other participants to cast in plaster.
Date: August 24, 12pm - 5pm
Cost: $50

 

NPS/Rob Strong

The sculptor-in-residence program at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park continues a tradition of inspiration and education at the former home of acclaimed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). Since in 1969, a sculptor-in-residence working in the figurative tradition has created art on site and interacted with visitors through workshops and open studio hours. The program is a collaboration between the National Park Service and Saint-Gaudens Memorial.