Sculpture practice in the 21st century encompasses the widest range of possibilities, from traditional figure modeling to contemporary installation and performance art, kinetic and interactive objects, video, audio and digital media. The Sculpture program at ACAD is built upon this diversity. The program encourages conceptual growth and material-based inquiry by offering students a broad range of experiences as they work toward a professional practice in the visual arts. Students are encouraged to experiment, question artistic conventions and develop critical approaches to pursue their personal vision.
The Sculpture Program challenges students to address a variety of concepts and strategies, both contemporary and traditional as they learn to organize their thoughts in visual forms. As students develop these ideas, they learn to employ a wide range of additive, subtractive and reproductive methods such as modeling, casting, carving, welding and fabrication. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore performative and time-based formats including digital media and video.
Intermediate and senior students develop and refine a personalized approach to art making through studio work and research, individual tutorials, seminars, lectures and critiques. While studying sculpture, students are also able to enroll in a variety of other programs and courses, both studio and academic, to complete their credit requirements.
The Sculpture faculty, complemented by accomplished technicians, guest lecturers and visiting artists, offer students a broad range of professional expertise and advice. Facilities available to Sculpture students include a supervised, well-equipped metals shop that houses welding and metal working equipment, bronze-casting facilities, a dedicated plaster working area, an excellent woodworking shop, as well as spacious, well-lit “home studios” for intermediate and senior students. All sculpture students have access to the ‘Ivan Gallery,’ a student managed facility, where they can mount exhibitions, photograph their work or simply experiment with their ideas.
Students in all ACAD programs can access individual program requirements within the Academic Calendar, and are responsible for meeting the outlined requirements of their academic program.
Don’t miss out on any of the exciting events happening in the Sculpture Program at ACAD – be sure to check out the Sculpture Program Blog! Here, you’ll find updates and announcements about visiting artists, studio visits, upcoming fundraisers, Ivan Gallery openings and news from the world of sculpture. With new visiting artists and initiatives being announced every day, it’s your one stop to keep in touch with the Sculpture Program at ACAD.
ACAD’s Sculpture Program is not only home to some of our most exciting students, but to some of ACAD’s most creative and dedicated faculty as well. As practicing artists who each exhibit at an international level and as award winning leaders in their fields of study, ACAD’s Sculpture Program Faculty act as mentors and collaborators with their students – guiding them through an exploration of the history, theory, critical discourse and practice of three dimensional work in the studio setting. They are:
- Dick Averns
- Gord Ferguson
- Jason Hussey (Technician)
- Walter May
- Rita McKeough
- Katie Ohe
- Shelley Ouellet
- Blake Senini (Program Head)