This four-part course invites participants to explore plaster as a sculptural medium in depth from its raw material properties to its expressive and structural potential. Each session focuses on a distinct technique, encouraging hands-on experimentation and a deeper understanding of how plaster interacts with the body, space, and other materials.
Session 1 Jan 25th 11am-1pm— Casting and Carving Plaster
Introduction to plaster as a sculptural material. Participants will learn how to mix, pour, and cast plaster into simple molds, and then shape and refine it through carving. We will discuss form, balance, and surface as key sculptural elements.
Session 2 February 1st 11am-1pm— Body Casting and Plaster Bandages (Life Casting Technique)
This session introduces the life casting technique — a process of taking direct body molds using plaster bandages and liquid plaster. Participants will explore the relationship between the body and sculpture, working with gesture, presence, and touch. We’ll discuss safety, preparation, and various ways to translate body impressions into expressive sculptural forms.
Session 3 February 8th 11am-1pm— Mixed Techniques: Combining Plaster with Other Materials
This class expands the material vocabulary by combining plaster with fabric, wood, clay, wire, and found objects. Participants will experiment with structure and layering, discovering how different materials influence the weight, tension, and character of the final form.
Session 4 February 15th 11am-1pm— Surface, Restoration, and Color
Focusing on finishing techniques, this session explores plaster’s surface potential — from polishing and texturing to painting, tinting, and subtle patination. Participants will also learn basic restoration skills and how to repair small damages or refine details in their works.
3 Hours of open studio time weekly and no instruction included during open studio time.
No make ups or refunds are available due to the limited size and special nature of the class. If you miss a class, we will provide you with extra open studio time.
Instructor - Katerina Sokolovskaya
This four-part course invites participants to explore plaster as a sculptural medium in depth from its raw material properties to its expressive and structural potential. Each session focuses on a distinct technique, encouraging hands-on experimentation and a deeper understanding of how plaster interacts with the body, space, and other materials.
Session 1 Jan 25th 11am-1pm— Casting and Carving Plaster
Introduction to plaster as a sculptural material. Participants will learn how to mix, pour, and cast plaster into simple molds, and then shape and refine it through carving. We will discuss form, balance, and surface as key sculptural elements.
Session 2 February 1st 11am-1pm— Body Casting and Plaster Bandages (Life Casting Technique)
This session introduces the life casting technique — a process of taking direct body molds using plaster bandages and liquid plaster. Participants will explore the relationship between the body and sculpture, working with gesture, presence, and touch. We’ll discuss safety, preparation, and various ways to translate body impressions into expressive sculptural forms.
Session 3 February 8th 11am-1pm— Mixed Techniques: Combining Plaster with Other Materials
This class expands the material vocabulary by combining plaster with fabric, wood, clay, wire, and found objects. Participants will experiment with structure and layering, discovering how different materials influence the weight, tension, and character of the final form.
Session 4 February 15th 11am-1pm— Surface, Restoration, and Color
Focusing on finishing techniques, this session explores plaster’s surface potential — from polishing and texturing to painting, tinting, and subtle patination. Participants will also learn basic restoration skills and how to repair small damages or refine details in their works.
3 Hours of open studio time weekly and no instruction included during open studio time.
No make ups or refunds are available due to the limited size and special nature of the class. If you miss a class, we will provide you with extra open studio time.
Instructor - Katerina Sokolovskaya
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