Summer 2026: Figuring it Out: Composition & Problem Solving for Figurative Sculpture with Sophie Gibson, Tues/Thurs, 4-6pm

This four week course (8 sessions) will begin with each student making a series of small, solid-built clay maquettes. After choosing a favorite design, each student will develop that design into a larger sculpture using slab and coil-building techniques. Students will be responsible for gathering reference images to support their work and are encouraged to incorporate figurative elements if they wish.

Demonstrations will include techniques for sculpting heads and hands. Students interested in working at a larger scale will receive guidance on designing internal and external support structures. Students will also learn techniques to help prevent cracking, collapse, and other structural issues during construction, drying, and firing. This course is open to beginners, but it is designed primarily for students with some experience in sculpture. Students should come to the class with ideas about what they might like to make, and they should expect to spend time working on their sculptures outside of class time. We will not have time to glaze these pieces in the class, but we will cover some surface approaches on during the final class meeting.

Recommended Supplies:

One bag of 630 Sculpture clay to start

a variety clay modelling tools

a sculpture rake

wire cutter

small container of slip

fettling knife

metal fork / scoring tool

Skill Level:	Beginner
Skill Details:	Open to all levels, although prior hand building experience is very helpful.
Materials Included:	This class fee includes 8 sessions and a shelf for your use.
Requirements:	Recommended Supplies: One bag of 630 Sculpture clay to start a variety clay modelling tools a sculpture rake wire cutter small container of slip fettling knife metal fork / scoring tool
Instructor:	Sophie Gibson
Instructor Bio:	Sophie Gibson is a figurative ceramic sculptor from Charlottesville, VA. Gibson holds an MFA in Ceramic Art from the New York State College of Ceramics, a B.F.A. in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a B.A. in History from Brown University. Gibson has been awarded residencies at the Red Lodge Clay Center and Cordova Studios. Collected by the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, her work has also been exhibited in galleries throughout the eastern United States including the Jane Hartsook Gallery (NY), Fosdick-Nelson Gallery (NY), Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Gallery (PA), The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VA), Chroma Projects (VA), Second Street Gallery (VA), Gallery 130 (MS), and Granhoff Center for the Creative Arts (RI). Gibson currently lives and works in Connecticut, where she serves as the Full-time Ceramic Faculty in the Visual Arts Department at the Loomis Chaffee School.

This class fee includes 8 sessions & a shelf to store your clay and supplies.

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Summer 2026: Figuring it Out: Composition & Problem Solving for Figurative Sculpture with Sophie Gibson, Tues/Thurs, 4-6pm
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Summer 2026: Figuring it Out: Composition & Problem Solving for Figurative Sculpture with Sophie Gibson, Tues/Thurs, 4-6pm

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