Joel Shapses Stone Sculpture Classes at Marco Island Center for the Arts
April 15 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Ready to sculpt your own masterpiece?
Join artist Joel Shapses and learn how to transform raw material into a 3-D objects or bas relief piece, at the remaining sculpture classes available at the Marco Island Center for the Arts (MICA).
Stone Sculpture with Joel Shapses participants may elect to bring a work in progress or start fresh, experimenting with materials like alabaster, soapstone or other soft stones available for purchase directly at the Art Center. Through expert, hands-on instruction by Shapses, students will learn the fundamentals of subtractive sculpting — transforming raw material into stunning three-dimensional objects or bas relief pieces.
Shapses will guide students through a comprehensive curriculum, including:
- An introduction to stone types, their properties and tool selection.
- Techniques for carving, finishing and polishing sculptures to achieve a professional result.
- Insights into the art of sculpture, including what defines a sculpture and the elements of exceptional design.
Classes are open to all skill levels. Both beginners and more advanced students work alongside one another. All classes take place at the Art Center located at 1010 Winterberry Drive on Marco Island on Tuesdays from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm. The four-session course fee is $135 for MICA members and $165 for non-members. By the end of the course, students will leave with their own unique sculptured polished piece of art and new skills to continue their journey in stone carving. The remaining 2025 class schedule:
- February 11, 18 &. 25
- March 4, 11, 18 & 25
- April 1, 8, 15 & 22
To secure your spot, students may register in person, by phone 239-394-4221 or on the website www.marcoislandart.org. Spaces are limited and filled on a “first-paid, first-served” basis, so early registration is encouraged.
About Joel Shapses
Joel Shapses is well known for his mastery of marble, bronze and alabaster sculptures. His artistic style is defined by fluid, organic forms and a keen ability to evoke movement and emotion from solid materials. Shapses often draws inspiration from the natural world, crafting sculptures that explore themes of transformation, balance and the interplay of light and shadow. His work has been widely recognized for its ability to transform raw materials into forms that evoke emotion and movement.
Among his notable works is Genesis, a striking strawberry alabaster sculpture that seems to defy gravity and Balancing Point, a Portero and Carrara marble piece. Shapses’ achievements include solo exhibitions in prominent galleries, commissions for public art installations and 85 awards such as the National Sculptors Guild’s Excellence in Sculpture. His work is featured in private collections and cultural institutions worldwide, solidifying his status as a leading figure in modern sculpture.
About The Joel Shapses Studio and Gallery
For more than a decade, The Joel Shapses Studio and Gallery has showcased extraordinary works of art, fostering an appreciation for sculpture, painting and ceramics. Founded by sculptor Joel Shapses, the gallery is a cornerstone of the Naples Art District, featuring artworks from Shapses, architect/painter Richard Diedrich and painter/ceramicist Joan Eshkenazi. Gallery is open first Thursday evening each month, select Saturday afternoons from 1 pm until 5 pm and by appointment. Visit www.joelshapsesstudio.com or call (954) 830-3156.
About Marco Island Center for the Arts
Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, brings a wide variety of arts to its community through art exhibitions, engaging educational programs for adults, children and a diverse assortment of events. The Art Center serves as a professional and financial driver for visual and performing artists and educators through exhibition, performance and teaching opportunities while being a catalyst that fuels economic development, an understanding of cultural diversity and community cohesion. Visit www.marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
