Sculpture
Code: S0404-25
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I
Level I
Students are new to sculpture and have no formal training.
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II
Level II
Students have a basic knowledge of 3-D art making and sculpture concepts and are comfortable using a variety of hand and power tools. Students have taken one or two sculpture classes or workshops.
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III
Level III
Students have experience with a variety of materials and fabrication techniques and know how to use hand and power tools competently and safely. Students are self-starting with some formal training in critical aspects of sculpture and have completed a portfolio of work. Students have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
Structure and Surface: Experimental Techniques in Steel Sculpture
Jun 23 - 27, 2025
9AM-5PM
Concept
This workshop emphasizes foundational metalworking skills and experimental approaches to surface treatments. We cover techniques for creating forms and structures in steel rod and jig construction for creating repeated forms. Students learn basic metal forming, bending, welding, armature construction, and how to build volumetric forms. The workshop integrates technical proficiency with experimental approaches that introduce unique textures and exciting new possibilities for tactile sculpture.
Media & Techniques
Steel, paper, rubber, fabric, hardware, welding, bending, armature construction, texturing, layering, experimental surface treatments
Faculty
Allison Baker
Allison Baker earned her MFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design and is currently an associate professor at the Herron School of Art + Design. She has exhibited widely nationally and internationally including at the CICA Museum, Spartanburg Art Museum, Hashimoto Contemporary, and Franconia Sculpture Park, where her largest public sculpture is currently exhibited.
Allison Baker, Viral Load II, 2021, steel, concrete, marine rope
Tuition: $1,290.00
Studio Fee: $190.00
Registration Fee: $45.00
NEW: Tuition includes the welcome dinner and daily lunch
Registration Information
Sculpture
Express your creativity and vision by exploring the limitless art of sculpture. At Anderson Ranch, our sculpture program offers a vibrant spectrum of workshops that reflect a variety of studio practices. At the confluence of tradition and technology, these programs are material and technique-rich, ranging from classical metal fabrication to experimental digital production.
Students work in communal and interactive studios designed for all levels of experience, supporting traditional and nontraditional methods. The sculpture studios are fully equipped with advanced machinery and offer additional outdoor covered workspace.
Our renowned sculpture faculty work closely with students through critical discussions, material demonstrations and individual assistance. Instructors encourage exploration and experimentation, emphasizing process and idea development. We complement this with a focus on process and sound construction. You leave with far more than finished pieces—you walk away with the tools and inspiration required to elevate your studio practice.
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
Provided by Anderson Ranch
Equipment
- Angle Grinders
- Bandsaw
- Bench sanders for wood and metal
- Chop Saw
- Cold Saw
- Disc Sander
- Drill Press
- Hand tools: wrenches, hack saws, pliers, chisels, snips, clamps, etc.
- Handheld plasma cutter
- Heat Gun
- MIG welder
- Table Saw
Supplies
- ¼” Steel rod*
- Assorted miscellaneaous steel stock and sheet*
- Chip Brushes
- Glue
- Miscellaneous hardware
- N95 Dust Masks
- Nail Guns
- Nitrile gloves**
- Paper pulp
- Plastic sheeting
- Plywood*
- Pop rivets
- Rope**
- Scrap fabric
What you need to bring
Required Tools and Supplies
- Closed-toe shoes or work boots
Optional Tools and Supplies
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen**
- A reusable water bottle**
- Any materials that you may want for your projects
- Any Materials that you may want to use to pack up your projects to take home, ie: moving blankets, packing tape, bubble wrap or boxes.
- Basic white or light colored T-shirts for screen printing**
- Safety glasses**
- Sketchbook**
- Tools that you own that you will be unhappy without.
- Work gloves**
* Available for purchase in the studio.
** Available to purchase at the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store for 10% off.
Learn more about shipping supplies and artwork to and from the Ranch in the Student Handbook.
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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I
Level I
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Level II
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