Classes

LEARN TO SCULPT ANIMALS WITH NEIL GRANT

The McGraw Studio, Cotuit Center for the Arts
8 weeks
Thursdays, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Jan 9 - Mar 6, 2025 (Skipping Feb 20th)
$360.00 / $326.00 with CCFTA member discount.

Have you ever wanted to sculpt an animal, be it a pet, something in the wild or even something imaginary? Working with me, you’ll be able to bring your creations to clay life. Bring along your idea, pictures of a pet or just do a class project. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, I'll teach you a method to see your animal as a series of basic, proportioned shapes that you can sculpt and then add detail to.

This class is for both beginners and those with some clay experience. Stands and tools will be provided. This includes 25 lbs. of clay and the initial bisque and glaze firings. If you already have your tools, feel free to bring them along!

As an enrolled student, you can attend up to 12 Open Studio sessions for free during your class.

Click here to go to the registration page

BEGINNER PORTRAIT SCULPTURE WITH NEIL GRANT

The McGraw Studio, Cotuit Center for the Arts
5 weeks
Fridays, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Jan 10 -Feb 7, 2025
$290 / $260 with CCFTA member discount.

Have you ever wanted to sculpt a head in clay?

This five-week class, designed for beginners, will teach you how to create a portrait, whether a realistic representation, a caricature, or simply a replica of the plaster reference head we will use as a guide. Join me for a fun and relaxed class!

You'll enjoy the sculpting process while learning essential portrait techniques. We've created a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for exploring your creativity and learning at your own pace.

You will be provided with all the necessary tools to get started. This includes 25 lbs. of clay and the initial bisque and glaze firings. Any additional firings will incur extra charges. If you require more clay, it can be purchased from the studio. As an enrolled student, you can attend up to 8 Open Studio sessions for free during your class.

Click here to go to the registration page

LEARN HOW TO SCULPT IN CLAY WITH NEIL GRANT

Cultural Center of Cape Cod
8 Tuesdays, Jan 14-Mar 11, 2025, 6-830pm.
No class on Feb 18.
Price: $390, member $350

Have you ever wanted to make a sculpture in clay but thought that it was too difficult? In this class, I'll teach you a method for creating sculptures that simplifies the sculpting process and makes it both engaging and fun. It doesn’t matter whether the sculpture is a person, an animal, an inanimate object, or a work of your imagination; I'll teach you how to see your subject as a simplified set of shapes that you can combine together and then refine through a series of steps into a final piece.

Students are encouraged to bring their own ideas, or you can simply do one of the class projects. No experience is needed, just a desire to learn and to create.

Tools will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own preferred ones if they have them. Each student will receive a 25lb bag of clay.

Click here to go to the registration page

ANIMAL SCULPTURE WORKSHOP WITH NEIL GRANT

Cultural Center of Cape Cod
Saturday, Feb 1-2, 930am-430pm.
Price: $300, member $270

Have you ever wanted to sculpt an animal, be it a pet, something in the wild, or even something imaginary? Working with sculptor Neil Grant, you’ll be able to bring your creations to life in this 2-day weekend workshop. Bring along your idea, pictures of a pet, or just do a class project. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Neil will teach you a method to see your animal as a series of basic, proportioned shapes that you can sculpt and then add detail to.

Areas you’ll cover include:
· Reference images/models
· Getting the overall shape right
· Simplifying animals into basic building blocks
· The concept of maquettes
· Support structures and armatures
· Working your way into detail
· How to hollow and fire your piece when it’s ready
· Finishing your piece with color

This class is for both beginners and those with some clay experience. Tools will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own preferred tools if they have them. Each student will receive a 25lb bag of clay.

There will be a 1-hour break for lunch.

Click here to go to the registration page

MOLD MAKING AND CASTING FOR BEGINNERS

Cotuit Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 1st & Sunday, March 2nd.
9:30 AM-4:30 PM (with a one-hour lunch break.)
$265/$241 with CCFTA member discount

Plaster molds are a great way of making accurate copies of items in clay. They are a versatile tool for every level of clay artist. Some molds can be as simple as a single shape around which a clay dish is formed; others can be more complex and allow the artist to slip cast (pour liquid clay into) to form more intricate vessels or sculptures. Either way, plaster molds create a quick and consistent way for clay artists to replicate their work.

This workshop will introduce you to making plaster molds and using them as slump or hump molds or to slip cast from. Using pottery plaster, you will learn how to correctly make one- and two-part molds and then use them to recreate works. This class is aimed at beginners (including experienced artists new to reproducing their work) and teaches the fundamentals of plaster mold making and casting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Tools and materials will be provided during class.

Click here to go to the registration page