The Academy of Classical Sculpture lies in the midst of the rural outskirts of the canton of Thurgau near Lake Constance. It is the only school in Switzerland to offer training in the craft and design of stone sculpture. Since its 34-year existence, over 200 students from Switzerland and abroad have participated in the education. Our workshops, covered outdoor workplaces and studios, surround a gardened inner courtyard and create a unique, artistically inspiring atmosphere. Continuing education and seminars are set up for professionals and amateurs alike. The Academy offers well-equipped spaces for all disciplines, with a gallery, café & restaurant, library and relaxation room. It is the suitable ground for all who appreciate meeting and exchange. In its rooms and open spaces, the passion for stone sculpture, modeling and design, drawing and design, and the study of art and literature are pursued in diverse ways. The exchange among students is instructive, inspiring and exciting.
The apprenticeship lasts four years. As a secondary training, three years. The traditional craft of the stone sculptor is learned. The creative subjects, from the draft to the elaborated model, are included from the first year of study. Figurative-classical studies, nature studies as well as modern-abstract design principles are used. Art history and culture-shaping literature as well as vocational subjects are taught. The training is divided into four levels (see teaching structure).
Continuing education includes courses for both professionals and amateurs. The "Stone Sculpture Course of Study" is a classical structure of stone sculpture over a period of time chosen by the student. The professional continuing education is designed for professionals. The individual continuing education is for all those who want to enter the world of art and sculpture, to be inspired by the environment or to learn something specific from the comprehensive educational offer.
Stone sculpting courses, modeling courses, drawing courses, blacksmithing courses and art history courses are held equally for professionals and amateurs. The appropriate level is taken into account by the teacher. Encounter, inspiration, craftsmanship and design skills are companions on the way to an individualized work that gives a long-term pleasure.
Master class
The master class lasts one year and is dedicated to a challenging sculptural work in stone or wood. Trained stone sculptors, stone masons, stone carvers and wood sculptors are accepted.
The Artists’ Cantina is operated as a public café and restaurant. With a variety of offerings such as fresh ice cream, a seasonal lunch menu, daily homemade pastries or with a refreshing aperitif from the "Fiirobed" menu, there is something for everyone. In addition to providing a CO-Working Space, there are also events, fine dining and every three months the seasonal "Four Seasons Dinner" as a gastronomic-musical synthesis of the arts.
If you want to hold your event in a special and artistic place, you will make the right choice with the Artists' Cantina and the offer to give free rein to your own creativity in the studios. All participants take a polished "miniature sculpture" and beautiful memories with them on their way.
The gallery exhibits sculptures that radiate timeless beauty. Criteria for inclusion of sculptures in the gallery are: level of craftsmanship, artistic value, expressiveness of form, identity of content and form. The gallery can be visited at any time by appointment.In der Galerie werden Skulpturen ausgestellt, die zeitlose Schönheit ausstrahlen. Kriterien zur Aufnahme von Skulpturen in die Galerie sind: handwerkliches Niveau, künstlerischer Wert, Aussagekraft der Form, Identität von Inhalt und Form. Die Galerie kann jederzeit auf Voranmeldung besucht werden.
In our fast-moving times of uniform mass production, we set a counterpoint. We cultivate and prefer uniqueness and quality. This is how we create stone vessels, sculptures, portraits, fountains and tombstone art according to individual requirements, executed by us with love for traditional craftsmanship.
