The Studio

The Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School, founded in 1974, is Australia’s oldest and most respected sculpture school.

In a fully equipped studio, students of all levels learn one-on-one from professional sculptors in a friendly, creative environment. Whether working in clay, stone, plaster, or wire, you’ll be challenged to see differently and inspired to develop your own artistic voice.

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Tom Bass AM (1916–2010)

Tom Bass AM was one of Australia’s most significant and influential sculptors, known for his large public works and dedication to art education. His practice explored the relationship between sculpture, architecture, and community, with works found in many prominent public spaces. Through his teaching, Bass inspired generations of artists to see sculpture as both a personal and public expression.

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Learn with us

Express your creativity through sculpture

The Tom Bass Sculpture Studio welcomes everyone – from complete beginners to experienced artists – to explore the art of sculpture in a supportive, inspiring environment. With a range of courses and workshops to suit all levels.

  • Learn hands-on sculpting in a variety of materials
  • Explore your creativity and artistic voice
  • Join a welcoming, supportive community
  • Build confidence with guidance from professional sculptors

Term Courses

10 Week Sculpture Courses

Our workshop classes run for ten weeks with students attending a three-hour class at their preferred time.

You can start on any term throughout the year. These workshops are for all skill levels and aim to develop your knowledge and understanding of all aspects of creating sculpture in a range of media.

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Special Workshops

Available

Alabaster Carving with Carol Crawford 2026 – Intermediate Course

Sat 18 & Sun 19 July

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of alabaster carving and learn from popular guest teacher Carol Crawford.

Carol is a specialist alabaster sculptor who interprets the raw stone to create soft, interlocking organic forms. Carol will be assisted by artist and teacher Elena Murgia, who is a specialist stone carver. For this weekend course Carol and Elena will guide you on the use of different hand tools, finishing/ polishing techniques, and how to realise a beautiful soft abstracted form out of the rough stone you have chosen. Please note that this is an intermediate course – some sculpture or stone carving experience is necessary to get the most out of this course.

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of alabaster carving and learn from popular guest teacher Carol Crawford.

Carol is a specialist alabaster sculptor who inte…

General A$495.30

Enrol now
Available

8 Week Stone Carving with Elena Murgia – Tuesday PM

Tuesdays: 21 July – 22 September (8 weeks, no class on 18th or 25th August)
2pm – 5pm

Carving is a magical process that pursues the soothing of the soul and detaches ourselves from the modern chaotic life. It’s a way to connect to nature and it informs a sense of space, training the eye and the mind to see in depth!

This course will help students undertake the basic techniques of carving. Learn how to remove step by step the material that is surrounding a sculpture, starting from unveiling the basic volumes connected together in harmonious composition and the beginnings of the finishing process where time permits.

Please note there will be no class on 18th or 25th August—this is an 8-week course over 10 weeks.

This brief course will help students undertake the basic techniques of carvin…

General A$585.30

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Available

Life Drawing for Sculptors with Simon Harris

Saturdays: 1 August – 12 September (6 weeks)

This 6-week* life drawing course focuses on learning to see and draw the human figure as a three-dimensional, sculptural form. Working from a live model each week, sessions combine guided demonstrations, short warm-up studies and longer poses, with optional group critique. Through a structured progression covering gesture, proportion, light, anatomy and spatial depth, students strengthen observational drawing skills and spatial awareness, culminating in a sustained final figure study that supports and enriches sculptural practice.

*Please note this is a 6 week class running over 7 weeks, there will be no class running on Saturday 15 August.

Please note there will be no class running on 15 August, this is a 6 week class running over 7 weeks.

This 6-week life drawing course focuses on learning to see and draw the hum…

General A$480.30

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Available

1 Day Carving Soapstone Workshop

Sunday 23 August

Create a small, finished soapstone sculpture in this one-day workshop. Soapstone is a soft, easily carved stone with beautiful natural patterns, available in a variety of colours. You’ll be guided in using rasps and files to gradually reveal the hidden organic shapes and forms within—resulting in your very own unique sculpture to take home.

A fun, creative and meditative one-day experience—perfect for those short on time, or a great taste tester for anyone curious about carving in stone.

Book with a friend and receive a special discount.

Fees include GST, a small piece of soapstone and use of tools.

Create a small, finished soapstone sculpture in this one-day workshop. Soapstone is a soft, easily carved stone with beautiful natural patterns, available in a variety of colours. …

General A$255.30
Book With A Friend (min. 2) A$225.30

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Coming Soon

3 Day Limestone Carving Workshop with Paul Hopmeier

Fri 9 – Sun 11 October

Over three days, learn the skills needed to carve your own unique sculpture in limestone. Guest teacher Paul Hopmeier is an established sculptor and artist and brings his wealth of knowledge to this popular workshop. Enjoy carving in a group atmosphere, beginners to advanced welcome. Fees include stone.

This workshop will open for bookings on Monday 6 July at 10am.

Over three days, learn the skills needed to carve your own unique sculpture in limestone. Guest teacher Paul Hopmeier is an established sculptor and artist and brings his wealth of…

General A$595.30

Enrol soon

Exhibitions

Showcasing our creative community

We proudly showcase the work of our vibrant creative community through regular exhibitions. These events celebrate the diverse talents of our students, teachers and visiting artists, offering a unique opportunity to share finished works with the public. Our exhibitions range from student showcases to special themed displays, providing artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals, the chance to exhibit their work in a supportive and professional setting.

Current Exhibition: Simon Harris: Precarious, on show until 19 June.

UPCOMING

Support Us

Support the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio

Your donation helps us continue Tom Bass’s legacy of nurturing creativity and making sculpture accessible to all. Every contribution supports our programs, exhibitions and scholarships, helping artists of all levels to learn, grow and share their work. Thank you for supporting our creative community.

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Team & Private Workshop Experiences

Host your next group experience with us

Our bespoke corporate or private sculpture workshops offer a creative, hands-on team building experience like no other. Working with clay and other materials, participants will explore new ideas whilst creating in a relaxed, inspiring environment. Along the way, your team will connect, problem solve, and have fun together. No artistic experience needed—just a willingness to try something new.

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