Designing the Pose: A Figurative Sculpture Workshop with Alicia N. Ponzio
Instructor: Alicia N. Ponzio
Dates: August 3 – 7, 2026
Times: 9 am–4:30 pm
Workshop Location: Chandler Studio, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
Directions and Parking: Registered students will receive detailed information before the workshop.
Levels/Ages: This workshop is open to all levels, ages 18+, or with permission from the instructor.
In this workshop, students will model a 24-inch clay figure from life on a wire armature using oil-based clay.
On the first day the students will create small, quick sketches from several 30-minute poses. Toward the end of the day, through guided discussion, they will choose a pose to develop for the remainder of the time.
Alicia will guide students over the next three days through her three-stage method of figure modeling, which will include an introduction to proportions, maximizing the gesture, finding the contours, and realizing the full three-dimensionality of the form.
On the last day of the workshop, students will focus on applying the concepts and bringing their individual piece to a successful resolution.
All levels are welcome. Alicia will demonstrate concepts and will work alongside students over the workshop on a demonstration piece. The workshop will also include brief lectures, demos, and time for individual feedback.
Please note that registration for this workshop is non-refundable and does not include supplies or materials; please see the Terms and Conditions for details before making the final purchase.
Questions? admissions@lymeacademy.edu
Artist Bio
Alicia N. Ponzio (b.1974) began her career as a Lieutenant in the United States’ Navy Nurse Corps. After experimenting with various mediums in figurative art, she found her voice in sculpture and decided to pursue it. She completed her artistic training at the Florence Academy of Art (FAA) in Florence, Italy, graduating the Sculpture Program in 2008. She was then the director of the Artistic Anatomy and Écorché Sculpture programs and a figure drawing instructor at the FAA until 2011, when she returned to the United States and set up her studio in downtown San Francisco. Since then she has studied and practiced foundry work extensively at The Crucible in Oakland, California.
Alicia brings life to her bronzes and plasters, focusing on the abstract movement of forms as embodied in the human figure, as well as the subtle shades of human emotion. Her figure compositions and portraits have received recognition and honors from several organizations including the Art Renewal Center, the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, The Portrait Society of America, The California Art Club and The National Sculpture Society from which Alicia received the Alex J. Ettl Grant in 2016. She is a fellow and board member of the National Sculpture Society, and Signature Member of the Portrait Society of America. In 2018, Alicia installed a life-size bust of Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero in Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, in addition to completing a commemorative medallion for the Brookgreen Gardens sculpture collection. She currently works with The Christopher Hill Gallery in St. Helena, CA as well as creating works on commission for private collections. Alicia teaches at various studios nationally and internationally. She has designed and presented courses at Pixar Studios, The Florence Academy of Art, The University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, Brookgreen Gardens, The Rome Art Workshops, The Scottsdale Artists’ School, The Swedish Academy of realist Art. and many more.
Instagram @alicianponzio
Facebook @Alicia N Ponzio, @Alicia Ponzio
Web: aliciaponzio.com
Supplies and Materials
- 12 lbs. of oil-based clay, available for pre-purchase through de Gerenday’s. This must be the Le Beau Touche from Chavant (gray color). If you bring your own clay, it must be the same kind.
- 24-inch figure modeling armature (Alicia’s design), available for pre-purchase through de Gerenday’s
- 3-inch C-Clamps (1 per student) – to secure armature to sculpture stand
- Clay modeling tools – Bring what you have; we can discuss tools in the workshop.
- Hand towel to wipe clay off of hands and tools. (Cotton, textured is best…bring a few if possible.)
All supplies and materials are available in the Academy’s Art Store (de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials & Curiosities)
– Hours: Mon–Fri: 9 AM–5 PM | Sat–Sun: 10 AM–4 PM
– Phone: 860-434-8725
Terms, Conditions and Policies
Registration and Enrollment Information
Registration and enrollment for workshops operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Full Payment Required:
Registration must be paid in full at enrollment to secure a spot in the workshop. Registrants without payment or payment arrangements will not be on the roster. - Payment Plan Option:
If you would like to arrange a payment plan, please email caitlin@lymeacademy.edu for more information and assistance in setting one up.
Workshop Refund Policy
Please review the following refund policy for workshops.
- 72-Hour Grace Period:
Students may request a full refund for workshop registrations within 72 hours of signing up, provided that the workshop has not yet started. The refund request must be made within this 72-hour period for consideration. - Non-Refundable Credit Card Fee:
A 3.5% processing fee will be added to credit card payments. This processing fee is non-refundable. - After the Grace Period:
After the 72-hour grace period, no refunds will be issued for workshop registrations under any circumstances.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to contact us promptly if you have any questions or concerns regarding your registration.
Questions? 860-434-5232 ext. 202
Local Resources for Visitors
For information regarding dining, lodging, local activities, and more, please visit Explore Old Lyme and/or CT Visit – Greater New London/Norwich Region
Closest airport to campus: Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT (approximately 55-minute drive from campus)
