Why a sculpture course?
Because sculpture is a space for thought even before it becomes form. It is the place where an idea takes shape through direct engagement with material, weight, volume and void. A sculpture course is not limited to learning a technique, but offers a research-based experience, in which making is always inseparable from thinking.
The course does not aim at reproducibility or utility, but at the exploration of a personal, critical and contemporary language. Matter is not an end in itself, but a means through which to question space, gesture and meaning.
The course is aimed at those who wish to approach sculpture as an artistic practice: students, emerging artists, creative professionals or enthusiasts who want to develop an informed perspective on three-dimensional form. No advanced technical skills are required, but rather curiosity, a willingness to experiment and an interest in a path that combines practice, reflection and individual research.
For technical reasons, ceramic techniques are not included.
Extension: the course start has been postponed to April 11
Course type: group – in person
Participants: Max 15
Schedule: weekly, on Saturdays from 14.30 to 18.30 PM
Duration: 8 lessons – total 32 hours
Cost: €490.00 – in the case of payment by instalments, a €100.00 deposit is required at the time of enrolment
Materials: to be purchased by the student
Requirements/supports: none
Language: Italian
Instructor: Davide Miceli
Location: RUFA – Via Degli Ausoni, 7 – Rome, Sculpture Room
Registrations open: October 5, 2025
Registration deadline: March 23, 2026
The short sculpture course guides students through a practical and intensive programme focused on clay modelling, starting from the observation of a live model and leading to the creation of personal works. Through the study of volumes and proportions, and an introduction to plaster mould-making techniques, the course provides essential tools for understanding the sculptural process. The programme is enriched by a special contribution from Davide Dormino, RUFA lecturer and visual artist, focused on sculpture as a form of public art, and concludes with an open-theme project designed to stimulate research and individual expression.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
First lesson
Lesson with a live model.
Students will work on observing the subject, starting from its reproduction through drawing and photography. These materials will serve as references for the following lessons dedicated to sculptural portraiture.
Second and third lessons
Beginning of clay modelling of the portrait.
Students will have time to develop and further refine their sculptural work.
Fourth lesson
Special lecture by Davide Dormino on the theme of art and activism.
Followed by: final refinements to the clay portrait and concluding remarks on the completed works.
Fifth and sixth lessons
Practical demonstration of the plaster mould-making technique.
Students will then create small objects with simple forms or bas-reliefs, from which they will produce an open mould to obtain one or more casts.
Seventh and eighth lessons
Free subject.
Each student will propose their own subject (a person, an animal, or an object) to reproduce in clay, applying the skills acquired during the course.
11 April 2026
18 April 2026
9 May 2026
16 May 2026
23 May 2026
30 May 2026
6 June 2026
13 June 2026
Make-up date*
20 June 2026
*“Make-up dates” refer to additional sessions proposed by RUFA in the event that any lesson is cancelled due to reasons related to the instructor, the Academy, or force majeure. Make-up sessions are not provided in case of student absences.
A Roman artist active in sculpture and art printmaking, Miceli trained at RUFA, where he earned a degree in Sculpture (2023) and in Art Printmaking (2024). His artistic research moves fluidly across disciplines, with a path including solo and group exhibitions, artist residencies, and participation in prestigious competitions. He has collaborated as a technical specialist with internationally renowned artists, including Giuseppe Gallo and Adam McEwen.
Alongside his artistic production, he works in academia at RUFA, where he supports Davide Dormino in the Sculpture programme and Maria Pina and Gianna Bentivenga in Art Printmaking.
In 2024, he led the *Roman Post-Cards* workshop on synthetic lithography for a class from the American Academy in Rome. With RUFA’s Short Courses, he officially begins his teaching career.
He works steadily with the Lorcan O’Neill Gallery, curating exhibitions and installations by internationally acclaimed artists.
RUFA Students and Alumni: 50% discount
Former Short Course and Summer RUFA 2024–25 students: 10% discount
University students: 5% discount (upon presentation of student ID)
Course packages/groups/family: contact corsibrevi@unirufa.it for personalised solutions
Discounts are available for all enrolled students, regardless of specific conditions, based on registration date:
Very Early Bird: by 31 December → €416.5 (–15%)
Early Bird: from 1 January to 10 February → €441.0 (–10%)
All students with certification under Law 104/92 are entitled to a 20% discount on the registration fee, regardless of the registration period. To apply, documentation must be sent to the secretariat at corsibrevi@unirufa.it.
Enrolment in a short course entitles participants, for the month in which the course takes place, to access various partner discounts with local businesses.
These discounts apply to both the purchase of creative materials and lunch breaks at venues near the campuses.
Each year, the Short Courses Office will provide a list of affiliated partners.
For information about the course please fill in the form and we will contact you.