Sculpture

Transforming Nature: How Sculptors See Animals

Jennifer Van Winkle, Artist and Arts Choreographer

What is it about the nature of animals that captivates artists? Is it their shape? Is it their similarities or differences from humans? How does an artist create volume in sculpture? How does a sculptor imply mass/form? In this workshop, participants compare and contrast the sculptural styles of two American artists who sculpt animals, Herbert Haseltine (American, 1877-1962) and Deborah Butterfield (American, 1949- ). Haseltine's sculptures are part of the Mellon Collection and Butterfield's work is in VMFA's Contemporary Collection. Participants then create their own animal-inspired sculptures using natural wicker reed, glue and rice paper. The elements of design are applied to these sculptural structures, including volume, negative/positive space, rhythm, movement, and pattern.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is supported by the Paul Mellon Endowment.
Available: July 2009 - June 2011
Audience: 7th graders-high school and adult
Enrollment: 5-20 participants

Mixed Media Sculpture

Robyn Raines, Artist

Participants in this workshop are asked to bring ten objects that can fit into a backpack. Using those objects plus a variety of provided “treasures,” students will enjoy a day of creating sculpture! Concepts such as connections, texture, focal points, stability, longevity, and other elements involved in developing mixed media sculpture will be explored. Students will walk away with new brainstorming techniques as well as the information and skills needed to create sculpture using a variety of materials.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is funded, in part, by the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.

Available: November 2010 – June 2012

Audience: high school through adult

Enrollment: minimum 10, maximum 15

Twist and Transform

Susann Whittier, Artist

Want to break away from traditional sculptural materials?  In this one-day workshop students will create engaging works with materials such as wire, knee highs, glue and paint. All the elements of design are captured in these dynamic abstract creations that define and defy the imagination.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is funded, in part, by the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.

Available: November 2010 - June 2012

Audience: middle school through adult

Enrollment: minimum 5, maximum 15