Dates: 8 Sunday classes Summer 2026:
July 12th – September 6th (no class August 30th)
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Class Overview: To better see and understand the underlying forms of the portrait, students will sculpt a human head and neck from the inside out at life size scale, first sculpting the skull and spine of the neck, then subsequently adding the muscles and tendons. Instruction consists of lectures, demos, and individual critiques. The class is open to all levels of experience, beginner to advanced. A live model will be available at two of the eight classes.
“My sculpting improved exponentially after taking ecorché classes with Alicia” -Michelangelo Buonarroti (former Dogtown member)
Cost: $500, fee includes instruction & model fees only, students are responsible to buy and bring their materials. Maximum class size 10 students. Payment is non-refundable unless the class is cancelled or a student from the waiting list is available to take your spot. This class is now full, however students occasionally drop out, so contact paul@dogtownsculptors.org to get on the waitlist.
Instructor: Alicia N. Ponzio studied sculpture at the Florence Academy of Art and has taught at Florence, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, SF Academy of Art, her own San Francisco studio, and given numerous workshops around the world. She’s received several notable commissions as well as awards and recognition from the Portrait Society of America, National Sculpture Society, and others.
Materials: Students are responsible to acquire and bring their own materials needed for the class (armature, clay, & tools). Materials are not covered by the class fee.
Armatures may be purchased from Alicia’s web-store (password protected for Dogtown class students). Paul will notify enrolled students when the armatures are available for purchase and provide instructions and password at that time. The armatures will be delivered by Alicia on the first day of class. Students may choose to make their own armatures and should use images of the armature provided by Alicia as a guide.
Oil Clay (plastilina/plasticine) – 10 lbs of Freeman Classic Clay, AB210 Brown – Medium, SKU 600620 (formerly j-mac).
Tools – see Alicia’s recommendations on tools here.
Contact Paul with any questions.
Dogtown Sculptors 