Kids Camp: Sculpture, Molds and Casting

with Marlene Collins

Kids Camp: Sculpture, Molds and Casting with Marlene Collins
August 20-23, Tuesday - Friday 10am-4pm | (4 sessions)
$360+GST | Supplies included
ages 8 - 12
Maximum class size: 8 (pre-registration required)

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Please note that we are unable to offer refunds on workshops and programming unless there is a medical emergency.

In this 4-day program, artist Marlene Collins will guide students through the exploration of a variety of materials such as clay, plaster, polymer clay, and alginate to create free-standing and wall sculptures. The learning and exploration in this tactile camp is gently directed so students are able to experience success, yet still have the joy of self-expression.

Students will create one-of-a-kind sculptures, and learn how to create art copies and multiples. Some projects include:
- create a replica of an "archaeological" find and cast it
- sculpt a self-portrait from clay
- make a butterfly cane with polymer clay and a papier mâché diorama
- make a thumb casting using alginate

Camp Schedule
Day 1
Morning: Intro to hand-building
Afternoon: ARTifacts

Morning: Our day begins with pinch pot, slab and coil creations just to learn hand building techniques. Our first project will be an elephant cup made using coils and slabs.

Lunch break from noon till 1

Afternoon: A bit of a discussion introducing the concept of found objects and artifacts. Students will be encouraged to bring in their own “artifacts” and meaningful small objects to imprint into clay for our next day project.

No sculpture camp is complete without a papier mâché project. Students will construct a forest diorama which will be the setting for butterflies and bugs created later in the week using polymer clay.

In preparation for the next day, I photograph the kids at the end of the afternoon, taking front and profile shots to begin work on clay self portraits.

Day 2
Morning: An archeological dig
Afternoon: Block heads

Morning: Discussion around casting and how it is used in art, environmental science, archeology, etc. Students will create an “archeological dig” for casting out of clay. We will use found objects, personal artifacts and natural materials. Once complete we will do a plaster pour into the clay and create a casting. After drying overnight, students will finish the casting with watercolour washes and chalk pastel. Lunch break from noon till 1

Afternoon: We begin a clay self portrait by blocking in dimensions and marking out the areas where we place features. Just for fun we’ll practice making features such as ears and noses for our next session.

Day 3
Morning: Our defining features
Afternoon: Working in miniature with polymer clay

Morning: Sculpting the features for our portrait. Students will make and attach their ears, learn about and sculpt basic facial anatomy and expression as well as blocking in their hair.

In preparation for the afternoon, we will take an outside break to scout for natural textures and objects.

Lunch break from noon till 1

Afternoon: Time to take a break from working life-size and sculpt some teeny, tiny bugs and learn how to make polymer clay butterfly canes for our diorama.

Day 4
Morning – Afternoon: The finish line!
• Hollow out the back of the portrait for drying. This a super fun part of the process! Kids remove the sculpture from the support and carefully remove excess clay and paper, details are tweaked and the portrait is put aside to dry for firing.• Create a thumb casting with alginateLunch break from noon till 1• Paint our papier mâché diorama and install our bugs and butterflies.• Paint our thumb castings
• A bit of a show-and-tell and celebration to end the camp!

Notes about this workshop:

• Supplies are included

• Please note this camp is geared for ages 8-12, younger students are not eligible for this camp.

• When you sign up for this workshop, please note that your email will be added to a class-specific newsletter, which we will only use to contact you regarding this workshop. You can unsubscribe yourself from the newsletter at any time. Emails are sent via Mailchimp. Please make sure to whitelist Mailchimp so you don't miss any information!

• Please include your child's name and age in the comments section of the transaction so we can ensure the attendance list is correct.