Artist Joel Shapses Teaching Stone Sculpture Series at Art Center

Art enthusiasts and budding sculptors will have an opportunity to learn from renowned sculptor Joel Shapses in a new series of hands-on stone sculpture classes available at the Marco Island Center for the Arts (MICA). 

“Whether you’re new to sculpture or seeking to refine your skills, these immersive classes are designed to inspire creativity and help students create their own original work of art,” says Shapses, who began teaching at MICA four years ago. 

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. 

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 2025 class schedule: 

• January 28 

• February 4, 11, 18 and 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. 

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.