CORE SCULPTURE
The Core Sculpture Program at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts offers an intensive, three-year foundational course for figurative artists, with an optional fourth year of advanced study. The Program is unique within the US in its ability to introduce mold-making, wax casting, bronze casting, and stone carving to interested students, all in state-of-the-art facilities. The curriculum encompasses basic drawing and sculptural elements as well as higher-level compositional theories and professional practices. Students can expect to spend 45 hours per week in the studio classroom, with 30 instructed hours dedicated to life studies. An additional 10-12 hours per week is allotted for uninstructed practice, inside or outside the studio classroom.
Students of all levels in the Core Sculpture Program work with the instructor to grow their individual skill sets, engaging in proven, historically-based lessons in an academy-style studio setting. Hands-on experiences and exposure to a variety of materials are complemented by an introduction to philosophical frameworks and theories.
Traditional courses such as figure drawing and plaster cast studies are considered essential foundational practices for all Core Sculpture students. These are supplemented by lessons in artistic anatomy, structure, and composition, each derived from 19th-century Parisian principles of art and realism, and lecture classes in the Histories of Art. Students in the program will also study écorché during their second year, and, in their third year, advanced theories in dynamic symmetry. Lectures, demonstrations, critiques, and essential practices are reiterated throughout the duration of the program, reinforcing learning and proficiency.
Interested in this program?
Please complete and submit our Program Inquiry Form and we’ll be in touch.
Academic Calendar 2024-2025
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts uses a trimester schedule. Trimesters are separated into Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. Each Trimester is eleven weeks.
FALL TRIMESTER
First Day of Fall Classes – Monday, September 30
Thanksgiving Holiday – Wednesday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29
Last Day of Fall Classes – Friday, December 13
Winter Break – Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, January 5
WINTER TRIMESTER
First Day of Winter Classes – Monday, January 6
Last Day of Winter Classes – Friday, March 21
Spring Break – Saturday, March 22 – April 6
SPRING TRIMESTER
First Day of Spring Classes – Monday, April 7
Last Day of Spring Classes – Friday, June 20
Core Program Tuition
2024-25 Annual Tuition $12,555
2025-26 Annual Tuition $13,185
Students are billed per trimester, with payments due one month before the start of each term. Students are responsible for keeping their financial accounts current.
New students must submit a non-refundable $1,000 deposit within ten days of acceptance. Returning students must submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit by the end of the academic year to secure their fall trimester spot. Deposits are applied to the first tuition payment.
Each student is provided a shared studio space (8′x10′), with partial privacy walls (9′ high) and open doorways for easy access. Art supplies are not included in tuition.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
2024-25 TUITION PAYMENT DEADLINES
Fall Tuition – $4,185.00 due by September 1
Winter Tuition – $4,185.00 due by December 3
Spring Tuition – $4,185.00 due by February 28
2025-26 TUITION PAYMENT DEADLINES
Fall Tuition – $4,395.00 due by September 1
Winter Tuition – $4,395.00 due by December 3
Spring Tuition – $4,395.00 due by February 28
PAYMENT METHODS
We accept cash, checks, major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, Discover), and money orders. Please make checks payable to Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.
Checks may be mailed to:
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
c/o Admissions
84 Lyme St.
Old Lyme, CT 06371
Credit Card: A 3.5% processing fee will be added to the tuition payment.
FEES
A $50.00 per week fee will be assessed for late payments.
A $50.00 fee will be assessed for checks returned by the bank.
Scholarships
As part of the Academy’s commitment to making art education affordable and supporting Core Program students in the pursuit of their artistic goals, we offer a variety of merit based work-study scholarship opportunities. Students must complete at least one trimester in the Core Program to be eligible for a scholarship.
The Carleton Wiggins Scholarship for Painting
$10,000
Established by Grafton Wiggins in memory of his father, Carleton Wiggins, a scholarship granted annually to a different recipient each year. Awardee is selected by Artistic Directors with input from faculty and announced at graduation.
2023 awardee – Nathan Pennington
Opus Animae Caritas Travel/Study Abroad Scholarship
$4,000
Awarded to a Core Program 2nd or 3rd year student for the purpose of international travel and to immerse oneself in artistic and cultural activities that will advance his/her artistic & professional development, expand learning, and provide opportunities to connect with local artists, as well as international students & peers.
Made in loving memory of Opus by best friend Christopher Morrissey
Housing
Students who are accepted into the Academy and need housing assistance will be granted access to a network of available rooms and rentals in the local area. Securing acceptable housing is ultimately the student’s responsibility. We work with our community to provide the best possible options for accommodations. Please contact our Admissions Office for further details.
International Students
Lyme Academy is currently not authorized to accept international non-immigrant students. We are actively pursuing SEVP certification to issue I-20 forms, allowing candidates to apply for Student Visas. Please check back regularly for updates.
Student Benefits
Current Core students can enjoy these discounts:
- 10% off at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials & Curiosities (the Academy’s art store)
- 10% off workshops
- Special pricing on first-year sculpture supplies for Core Drawing & Painting and Core Sculpture students.
