Summary

It is hard to imagine sculpture without plaster. The countless processing possibilities make it a unique design material. Plaster can be built up just as easily as it can be removed. It can be poured, dripped, filled, pointed, sawn, drilled, rasped or sanded. Depending on the setting stage during the modeling process, different surface structures are created: from smooth, taut surfaces to rough, fragmented bodies, anything is possible. Art history is full of wonderful examples such as Giacometti, Henry Moore and Hans Arp.

In this course we will create an individual figurative plaster work. This can be a head, a whole figure, a fragment or a group of figures. We will familiarize ourselves with the properties and the setting process of the material plaster. While working on the individual figure, we also learn how to use the different tools.
Based on sketches, we will build a stable reinforcement from metal and wire mesh. The reinforcement supports the volume of the figure, which is gradually built up in plaster. Jute or sisal can be used as aids. Layer by layer, we work our way towards the form; what is missing is modeled, what is superfluous is removed. Over the course of the week, a very personal figure is created which can then be placed on the work surface or on a suitable base.
No previous knowledge is necessary.

Course language: German
Language skills Course instructor: EN

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories: Modeling, Creative Retreats, Nanas / Objects
Date: 2025-08-24 - 2025-08-29
Language(s): German, English
Level: Beginner
Place: Peccia, Switzerland
Accommodation: not included
Catering: No meals
Services: You can work freely beyond the course times. Departure possible after the end of the course, on Saturday until 10 am.

The Scuola di Scultura maintains its buildings, workplaces and technical facilities to a professional standard.

The didactics of the Scuola di Scultura combine practical creative work with theoretical consolidation.

Working together in the course groups encourages creative design.

Arrival: Sunday meeting point 5 p.m., working hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30 a.m. to 12 noon, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Our courses are taught and supervised by highly qualified instructors.

The atmosphere in the studio is ideal for getting started in artistic work.

Accommodation

Ambience of the houses
If you rent a room in one of our course houses, you will be staying with the other participants in one of the old Ticino houses in the area. The original furnishings are charming and the atmosphere around the open fire is very cozy...
Costs:
Double room for 1 week: 200.- CHF
Single room for 1 week: 300.- CHF
Please bring your own towels, bed linen is provided.
Hotel rooms or a rustico (Ticino vacation home) can also be rented as accommodation, we will be happy to help you arrange this!

Catering

Breakfast and lunch will be organized by the participants themselves and can be arranged freely, in the evening there will be a meal together in one of the accommodation houses in Prato Sornico.

Various chefs are happy to cook for our course participants and offer dinner in the Ex-Osteria Mignami during the week (Mon-Fri). Dinner costs CHF 26 including starter/main course/dessert (drinks such as wine, beer etc.) can be purchased from them by the bottle.

sequence

Course times: The courses start on Sundays at 5.15 pm in the Werkplatz, the assembly hall or in the large studio of the Scuola di Scultura and end on Fridays at 5 pm.

Course leaders are present from Monday to Friday: 8.30 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. In addition, you can work freely.

Arrival

Arrival is by car or public transport.

Arrival by car via Gotthard (A2) / San Bernardino (A3 / A13) or Chiasso (A2) / exit "Bellinzona Sud/Locarno" direction Locarno (main road) / tunnel Locarno / exit "Vallemaggia/Centovalli/Onsernone" (DO NOT leave Locarno!) continue direction Vallemaggia (from the end of the tunnel 40 km to Peccia)

Coming from western Switzerland and Valais: Simplon route to Domodossola / Centovalli / Ponte-Brolla, then turn left into Vallemaggia (from here 35 km to Peccia)

Arrival by public transport from Locarno SBB station. Take the "Vallemaggia" bus to Bignasco, then change to the Postbus to the "Peccia Paese" stop.

Arrival in Peccia: Turn left towards Piano di Peccia, after 30 meters there is a bridge over the river, here you can park your car on the left. The sculpture school is located directly on the river opposite the former stone processing company Cristallina S.A.

Vial al Piano di Peccia , 6695 Peccia, Ticino, Switzerland

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 28 days before arrival, you will receive a 90% refund of the booking price.
After this, if you cancel up to the day of arrival, you will receive a 100% refund of the booking price.

Cancellation of course/seminar/accommodation: From registration up to 4 weeks before the start of the course/seminar, a cancellation fee of 10% will be charged for the course, seminar and accommodation. 4 weeks or less before the start of the course/seminar, a cancellation fee of 50% will be charged. If you cancel 1 week or more before the start of the course/seminar, the entire fee is due unless you provide a replacement.