Imagination
“The creative abilities and enthusiasms of the child are never more fully satisfied than when he is working with natural or found materials in an unstructured situation. When there are no space limitations; when techniques do not impose restrictions; when the child through his own exploration of the forces and materials involved, decides on his own way of working." – Working Big, Clarence Bunch and John Lidstone
Sculpture School is a hands-on learning program and workspace in the Mad River Valley, VT. Kids work with power tools, construction materials and recyclables to bring imagination to life. Every project provides an opportunity to learn tool safety in an environment that encourages experimentation and creative autonomy.
Projects
“Play is the answer to how anything new comes about.” – Jean Piaget
Our learning happens through the creation of large-scale projects. Every session involves design thinking, collaborating and experimenting with tools and lumber. None of our projects are made from kits or instructions, we improvise and find solutions through an emergent process of tweaking, fixing, and spontaneous creativity.
COMMUNITY
Every project is celebrated through interactive exhibitions. These events are opportunities for kids to share their creative work with friends, family, and neighbors. Our shop is based at Knoll Farm in Fayston, VT. We’ve created projects all around Vermont including Waitsfield Elementary School, Pony Farm in Moretown, Beeman Elementary in New Haven, Phantom Theater, and Taplin family shop in Warren.
PEERS
Teenagers participate as shop helpers to offer support with projects. Their primary responsibilities include demonstrating responsible tool usage and helping to ensure a positive and safe environment by modeling kindness. They are collaborators and encouragers who roll up their sleeves and help breakdown big ideas into manageable steps.
