Artists have an innate need create. While a lot of artists work mainly in one or two areas of art, many are also drawn to other areas of art. Online art classes, some free, and local workshops offer a tempting array of art programs to suit all budgets and artists. For that very special artist in your life, go all out at Christmas with a gift of travel, food, and lodging to go with a several day workshop.
Where to Find Sculpture Classes
Sculpture workshops are often offered in association with museums, public sculpture gardens, as well as in colleges and universities. Local art guilds are an excellent source of information on classes. Some places to start looking include Brookgreen Gardens, Augustus Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, and Santa Fe Creative Tourism Experience. Artshow is an online directory of artists, shows, and classes.
There are many interesting types of sculpture classes. In addition to figurative sculpture, there are classes that focus on specific media, such as clay and plaster, or on the basic structure of armatures. Bronze casting or the patination of plaster to look like bronze, and the making and use of molds are just some of the options. Don't forget sculpted ceramics as well. There are many possible aspects of sculpture to suit both sculptors and artists whose main interest may not be sculpture.
Choosing among Art Programs
Ask the intended recipient questions to try to get a feel about which class would be preferred. If there doesn't seem to be just the right class or schedules aren't decided yet, or if you're unsure which of many sculpture related classes are the right one, consider giving a homemade gift certificate. Set a dollar amount, or make it unlimited, the choice is yours. The artist will have fun choosing, and you'll know that they will enjoy the perfect Christmas present.
Even on a tight budget, local sculpture classes that don't involve travel or lodging are affordable. There aren't as many sculpture workshops as there are painting and drawing classes. If nothing is available locally, go online for electronic art courses to find sculpture classes. There is also a lot of good free information on the web for sculptors. Make a list of websites your favorite artist might like. Print it on special paper, roll it like a scroll, tie it with a ribbon, and hang it on the tree or slip it into a stocking.
However you present it, a sculpture class is a Christmas present that gives long after Christmas. You may inspire the next great sculptor, and your thoughtfulness will be the greatest gift of all.
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
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