Workshops
Seward Johnson’s artwork and the Johnson Atelier itself are instilled with a sense of play, experimentation, and risk-taking. Push yourself to think differently as you channel the inspiration of your surroundings while learning alternative casting and finishing methods, or have us tailor something specifically for your custom needs. Explore and grow through these opportunities offered throughout the year.
Drop off finished mold by - July 28, Pour to be scheduled - week of July 31
Participate in an aluminum casting event while creating your own low-relief sculpture! Curbside pick-up only - prerecorded tutorial, 6”x6” resin-bonded sand mold, simple tools, and materials will be provided for your casting to take shape. We encourage you to experiment with various tools to find and make your desired mark. Finished molds should be dropped off to The Seward Johnson Atelier by July 28 for pour preparation. The pour will be recorded for viewing at your leisure. Castings will be finished with an aluma black finish.
* All experience levels welcome
July 31-Aug 2, 9am-3pm
During this three-day metalworking workshop, participants will be introduced to the work and process of sculptor, Dina Wind, and various techniques for working with metal, employing the use of found materials and experimenting with dimensionality. Participants will work in small groups with their peers and JA staff to assemble an individual work of art inspired by Wind's process.
- Day 1 Introduction by John Wind and GFS site visit to Harp of David #1, safety overview
- Day 2 Choose metal, assemble design with supervision by MIG or stick welding
- Day 3 Completion of design, introduction and application of finishing treatments including varnish, paint, or leave to rust
Fee includes all necessary tools and materials, including gloves and disposable welding respirators to keep. A one-hour lunch is included - a bagged lunch is preferred, refrigerator and microwave available; access to Grounds For Sculpture and Café during open hours is also available (Mon and Wed, 10am-4:30pm).
Please wear: Long pants & long sleeve shirt (98-100% cotton), no wool or synthetic materials/blends such as polyester or nylon. All leather shoes or boots (boots preferred), no synthetic materials. Long hair should be pulled back or tucked under a cotton cap.
Saturday, August 12, 11-4pm
An advanced and hands-on workshop exploring surface finishes and patina applications. Participants can expect to learn more in-depth details of hot and cold patina processes, including the formulation of a vast array of hues and two-part patinas and overlays. Respirators, sample blocks and objects for demonstration and experimentation will be available, but participants should feel free to bring their own mask and small bronze or aluminum artwork. Instructor: Megan Uhaze Wear, Restoration Lead of Paint, Patina and Preservation at The Seward Johnson Atelier
* Prior experience encouraged. Participants must be 16+
Wednesdays, 9/13-9/27, 6-8:30pm
Wire can be a fantastically accessible material - with minimal tools, or even just your hands, an intricate structure can be made. In this 3-week workshop, participants can anticipate, and use as inspiration, a brief history of wire-use in sculpture, as they fabricate a wire self-portrait. The elements learned will be helpful for making models for future works, as interior structures, or as the work itself. Materials and tools supplied.
Instructor: Mike Benevenia, Installation Lead of Metal Department at The Seward Johnson Atelier
* All experience levels welcome. Participants must be 16+
Wednesdays 10/4-10/25, first class 5:30-9:30pm, remaining classes 5:30-8:30pm
Get Halloween-ready with this 4-week introduction class to Latex Mask Making. Participants will sculpt a half face on a head armature and will be guided through the moldmaking processes. Learn setup and preparation, safety, and basic trouble shooting issues. By the final class, participants will be able to pull their unique latex mask and paint and decorate it to scare away the night's ghouls. Fee includes all necessary tools and materials. Instructor: Nick Valenza, Production Lead of Paint, Patina and Preservation at The Seward Johnson Atelier
* Participants must be 16+
Tuesdays 10/17-11/14, 6-8:30pm
Experiment with steel during this unique multi-part studio workshop. This 5-week introduction to metalworking and welded sculpture is focused on creative exploration with steel. Students will learn multiple arc-welding processes, plasma and oxy-acetylene cutting, sanding & grinding, and other techniques while creating a sculpture of their own design. Fee includes all necessary tools and materials, including gloves, disposable welding respirators, safety glasses, and 25 pounds of steel per participant. Instructor: Mike Benevenia, Installation Lead of Metal Department at The Seward Johnson Atelier
- What to wear: Long pants & long sleeve shirt (98-100% cotton), no wool or synthetic materials/blends such as polyester or nylon. All leather shoes or boots (boots preferred), no synthetic materials. Long hair should be pulled back or tucked under a cotton cap.
* Participants must be 16+
Nov 11 & Nov 18, 1-3:30pm
Join us for a unique aluminum casting event! Fragments of winter should be gathered prior to the first class to create your aluminum relief. We recommend looking through the hardy brush found on your local terrain during this season for textured objects, such as leaves and greenery, bark and moss, seed pods and berries. A 6”x6” sandmold will ultimately be created from this collage of collected vegetation and miscellanea. Participants will take part in the mold pour prep and the aluma black patina of each casting.
* All experience levels welcome
