California Sculptors Symposium (CSS) is an annual, week-long program of workshops and demonstrations given by sculptors for sculptors. Intimate hands-on sessions with expert instructors will improve your technique, inspire your designs, and build your expertise. Participants return to CSS year after year to share their passion for working with stone, wood, metal, clay, and more. It’s a place to learn, exchange ideas, and recharge your creative batteries for both the novice and the seasoned artist.
2025 INSTRUCTORS
Additional information can be found on the CSS website here.
JASON ARKLES: Beginner and Advanced Stone
Jason is a sculptor, podcaster (Sculptor’s Funeral podcast), author and figurative sculpting instructor. He uses traditional methods in his clay and stone artworks, tending toward narrative and character studies, particularly of mythology and religious subjects. His professional specialties are portraiture and sacred art.
In the stone field, Jason Arkles will be bringing his European training to the fore by teaching and demonstrating the age-old techniques of pointing utilizing a pointing machine ('macchinetta a punto') and the compass technique. Additionally, we will cover the process of enlarging or reducing the scale of the sculpture directly from the model into the marble. Each student will have a hand in helping to point up a group project.
ROBERTO BENAVIDEZ: Piñata Paper Mache
Piñata-based sculptor, Roberto Benavidez (b. 1973, Beeville, TX) lives and works in the Los Angeles, CA neighborhood of El Sereno. His piñata sculptures have been featured in national, international and on-line publications including ARTnews, Artsy, Atlas Obscura, The Guardian, hifructose.com, Hyperallergic, LUXE Interiors + Design, Politiken, The New York Times and This Is Colossal.
Roberto's work is centered around the piñata technique and materials so naturally, we will focus on sculpting forms using paper as a medium. We will explore the paper mache technique and the different materials used.
He will be demonstrating how he makes his paper birds as well as the crepe paper piñata fringing technique used to cover the completed form.
ALICIA PONZIO: Figurative Clay
Alicia N. Ponzio (b.1974) is an award-winning figurative sculptor and instructor based in San Francisco, CA. She completed her training at The Florence Academy of Art (FAA) in 2008. Her work is held in numerous private collections throughout the United States, Europe and Canada. She is currently on the faculty at The Lyme Academy of Fine Art Core Sculpture Program. IG: @alicianponzio
The Daily Pose: Practice Figure Modeling Core Principles
In this 5-day workshop Alicia N. Ponzio will share fundamental concepts of figure modeling: Gesture, Structure, and Proportion. At the beginning of each session, Alicia will set up a live model in a unique pose. She will then provide a detailed demonstration of how to approach the pose. Students will work from the same pose to practice the concepts provided and create their own clay sculpture inspired by the pose. Participants will work in water-based clay on a wooden board at an 18-inch scale. Students may choose to share work from the previous day to receive feedback (from Alicia and/or in a group discussion).
Options:
Plan A – lodging, activities, meals, and all instruction – $1,250*
Plan B – off-site lodging, all activities, meals plus all instruction – $1,150*
Plan C – day rate includes 1 night’s lodging, 3 meals, and all instruction – $250
Full payment is due upon registrationPlan D – day rate – off-site lodging, 3 meals and all instruction – $220
Full payment is due upon registrationPlan E – work study rate with onsite lodging, all meals and activities – $600
(work study artists must be approved by symposium director) Do not submit a registration without prior approval from symposium director. Please reach out to stephanie@stephanierobison.com before registering.Plan F – work study rate with off site lodging, all meals and activities – $600
(work study artists must be approved by symposium director) Do not submit a registration without prior approval from the Board. Please reach out to stephanie@stephanierobison.com before registering.*Rates increase after 3/15/2025.
Don't Miss Out! Pay in full by December 15, 2024, and receive a 10% discount. Use the Coupon Code: “early” during registration.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required for the weeklong plans and the balance is due at least 30 days (03/06/2025). No refunds available after 03/06/2025. Participants are welcome and encouraged to protect their purchase through travel insurance. Camp has vetted multiple companies to choose the best option for you. To learn more and purchase travel insurance, please follow this link: https://atc.tripassure.com/main/. This is not a requirement for attendance.
Have questions about the instructors or general symposium questions email
Jennifer at cssjencrump@gmail.com
Need help with registration, please contact Camp Ocean Pines at admin@campoceanpines.org or call 805-927-0254