“Architectural Sculpture: Capitals as an Opportunity for Expression” with Andrew Wilson Smith

Class Schedule: Monday evenings from 7:00 – 9:10 pm*

We are expecting to offer this class again in the Spring of 2022.

Dates and times are subject to change.

Course Description: This eight-week class, led by sculptor Andrew Wilson Smith, will explore the use of the capital (the decorative element surmounting a column) within the tradition of architectural ornament. Short slide presentations will explore the history of this form in a broad variety of historical contexts. The bulk of the two-hour class sessions will be devoted to sculpting. Students will each have the opportunity to fabricate their own unique capitals. The instructor will provide students with seven-inch tall plaster blanks. Using this as a template, students will design their project and model their design in oil-based clay. Finally, molds will be made from these models and plaster casts produced resulting in a permanent finished work of architectural sculpture.

Topics addressed in this course will include: Art/Architectural History, Clay Modeling, Mold Making, Plasterwork.

Tuition: $400 + $50 Materials fee payable to: Fire Arts. This course is open to students of all experience levels 16+ (Scholarship funds may be available. Inquire with Fire Arts).

*Raincheck date if a class needs to be cancelled or if students need more time to finish the project.

*All participants must show proof of vaccination for Covid 19.  CDC guidelines may dictate additional precautions.

Students will have access to the Fire Arts Inc. Studios during normal business hours to accommodate the need for additional working time.

Instructor: Andrew Wilson Smith is a classically trained sculptor specializing in statuary, liturgical art, and architectural sculpture in a variety of media including plaster, stone, and bronze. A South Bend native, Smith has recently returned to the area with his family after many years of teaching and practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Smith currently operates his studio out of the Fire Arts facility. Prominent past projects include stone capitals and lintel carved with biblical narratives and depictions of the Twelve Apostles at Clear Creek Abbey, Oklahoma, and Architectural Sculpture in plaster for the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Knoxville, Tennessee. Visit www.AndrewWilsonSmith.com for more information about Smith and his work, or, follow AndrewWilsonSmithSculptor on Instagram.