The Wyoming Sculpture Society (WSS) allows students and other members of the community to participate in sculptural activities, connect with fellow creators, and listen to guest speakers for further education.
UW sculpture professor Ashley Carlisle said that the WSS came to fruition through a group of students enrolled in sculpture classes that were interested in taking an extra step.
“The Wyoming Sculpture Society began in 2006 when some students, taking consecutive sculpture courses, decided they wanted to have an RSO [Recognized Student Organization] that focused specifically on working with materials as an artform,” Carlisle said.
The club meets weekly and focuses on a new process or material each meeting. UW student Marika Whaley, a member of WSS that joined at the beginning of the semester, said that meetings are very welcoming.
“We sort of talk over the activity we have planned for the day, eat some snacks if they are provided, and then jump into the activities,” Whaley said. “So far, we have done activities like creating our own fancy sketchbooks, casting small pewter forms, sewing masks from fabric, and much more.”
WSS meeting dates and times vary each year but are currently held on Sundays at 4 p.m. in the Visual Arts Building studio 150. Carlisle said that membership is encouraged because it makes it easier to plan for activities, but anyone who is interested and willing to participate is welcome.
The WSS also plans trips for participants to engage in sculptural activities, meet other students with similar interests, and find future opportunities.
“Our trips have included going to Denver for art exhibitions at the museums there, foundry visits to Loveland, and Iron Casting conferences around the country,” Carlisle said.
UW student Lindsay Stewart, who is active in Professor Carlisle’s sculpture courses, said she was hooked after her first semester.
“I realized I loved working with my hands and body to create pieces,” Stewart said. “Additionally, the skills I have learned in these sculpture classes have very practical applications, like welding, woodworking, forging, sewing, and so on.”
Stewart said that participating in WSS is a great way for students who are enrolled in sculpture courses or have a general interest in the area to sharpen their skills.
“I think if any student is wanting to improve their craft and refine skills, extra time in the studio is always a good thing,” Stewart said. “Students will be introduced to a wider range of materials and methods to create quality work.”
Whaley said she enjoys the creativity within WSS and being able to take a break from classes.
“My favorite part of the Wyoming Sculpture Society is the time outside of class can be used to create something fun and take a break from the stress of assignments,” Whaley said. “My favorite activity so far was when we carved into cuttlefish bones to create a cast for pewter. We got to go into the forge and each pour in the pewter into our casts.”
A goal that WSS has for participants is to give them the opportunity to express themselves through creativity.
“Our main goal of WSS is to help making become a normal aspect of one’s life in a natural and productive way,” Carlisle said. “For an hour, those that are participating can come together to create as a form of human expression. I see our making as having an importance in the same realm as scientific study.”
Stewart said that art programs like WSS are important to the UW community for a number of reasons.
“First, Professor Carlisle creates a space of inclusiveness and learning in her courses and WSS. Second, it’s an opportunity to either try something new, or to practice what you love,” Stewart said. “Third, the facility is amazing. We are really lucky to have a space that houses a myriad of tools and materials, enabling us to create to our hearts content.”
Whaley said that the club is open to any student regardless of major or experience, and the cost of membership is $20 for the whole year.
Carlisle said that students or community members who are interested in signing up for WSS can email her at ahc1@uwyo.edu.
