6th Annual California Sculptors Symposium - April 20-27, 2008

Dear friend,

When you arrive at Camp Ocean Pines on April 20th, you will be starting a week of high-spirited, creative enrichment with an unforgettable view of the mighty Pacific.   This unique place is on the central coast of California, 12 miles south of the Hearst Castle.  We provide 3 meals a day, new comfy bunk lodging, tent grounds, and several spaces for small RVs.  There is ample room for stone carving and working in metal or wood.  Two studios are available for working in clay, and with a life model.  You will have the opportunity to enjoy about 65 other sculptors representing all skill levels.  Watch the whales and giant sea lions, long sunsets, birds, wild turkeys (non-enrolled guests) and inquisitive deer.

Whether you carve stone or wood, model clay or torch metal, you are welcome to bring your tools and materials and set up your own "tent  studio."  Our days are highlighted by discussions on professional development, technical demonstrations and roaming instructors, who will help you when needed.  We provide a large generator, air compressor, professional model for 5 days, and access to supply vendors on site.  We always plan perfect weather, a great party, a silent auction and a fantastic sculpture show (see below).

California Sculptors Symposium, Inc is a non profit corporation, 501c3 federal tax exempt status, whose purpose is to create and manage educational symposiums for sculptors.

Marine Sculpture Project 2008

At the 2006 symposium we started carving huge pieces of stone donated by Art City Stone Supply.  This totemic marine diorama is being created as a gift to Camp Ocean Pines, and will be installed by the main lodge.  As part of your symposium experience, you are welcome to take part in helping create this monumental work of art.

Paul Lindhard, Project Coordinator
He will designates students to the different sculptors on project and keep track of tools.  He will supervise the overall project and installation.  Paul will be available at least four of the five days.

Chris Provenzano will embrace the "raft."  Sea otters sleep on rafts of tangled seaweed, and this one is large enough to accommodate three to four carvers at a time.  She will bring a sample of carved intertwined seaweed as an idea.  Bring your chisels or power tools and join in on completing this high-relief seaweed raft for the Otter.  All levels of experience are welcome!

G. Ramon Byrne will be carving on the two chipolina marble turtles.  They are in the 3/4 phase of completion, so Ramon will welcome assistance in bringing the work to completion.  This is an opportunity for intermediate and/or advanced students for participation on the large mother turtle.

There is also an opportunity for an advanced carver to take the initiative to work on the baby turtle which will include detailing the face and finishing the sanding.  Ramon will be available for 2 or 3 informative talks about the project as a whole; the scope of the project, working with other artists in a collaborative manner, aspects of installing and handling of large stones, design process and logistics, as well as carving techniques.  Ramon will be available for the entire duration of the symposium.

Rude Calderon
Rude will collaborate on the design and execution of the project.  He will work directly with assigned students on hand carving of the limestone kelp elements.  Emphasis will be directed towards proper hand chisel techniques and composition and design.  Rude will be available at least four of the five days that he will be attending the event.

Sculpture by the Sea exhibit

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Camp Ocean Pines will host our big sculpture show in the lodge and on the deck overlooking the ocean. Each sculptor can show 2 finished sculptures in this show, judged by Don Davis. You are asked to provide your own pedestal.  Cash awards are given to winners.  A 25% commission is requested to benefit Camp Ocean Pines and the CA Sculptors Symposium so they can continue to provide this annual event. 

Our show judge, Donald Davis, is a distinguished and well-known sculptor from Santa Barbara.  We are very fortunate to have Mr. Davis as our Judge for our "Sculpture by the Sea" exhibition.  www.donalddavis.com

Silent Auction

On Thursday afternoon and evening we will have a fundraiser and everyone is asked to donate items that would be of value to other sculptors. More details upon registration.

On-Site Vendors