Marilyn Ines Rodriguez

                                                     Marilyn Ines Rodriguez
                                                                           Master Sculptor

                     Teaching Sculpture Classes to ADULTS & CHILDREN in San Francisco, CA since 1996
                                    Voted Best Independent Sculpture Class in The Bay Area!
                                                               (Get on our email list to receive class announcements)


List of Classes & Workshops for 2025 

1-  The Human Figure with professional art model - STARTS July 7- August 28 (Enroll now)
2-  The Human Bust with professional art model -  TBA
3-  The Human Bust Workshop - TBA
4-  The Hand Workshop- TBA
5-  The Animal Workshop-  TBA
6-  Adults, Children & family Saturday morning classes - on-going every Saturday. You may enroll now
7-  Painting your Sculpture Workshop -TBA
8-  Zoom lessons offered- on going

What's different about the classes which include professional art models?

My classes are designed to give students enough time to complete the full figure or bust, depending on the class you join. This is one of the most common frustrations with other sculpture classes, and it’s something I’ve intentionally addressed. With our extended format, students don’t have to rush or compromise. Even if you miss a few classes, there’s still plenty of time to finish your piece. You can also catch up by working a little faster or choosing to sculpt a smaller piece. I've also added optional classes on Saturday afternoons in case you want more time. Optional classes are without a teacher and the model's fee is split between the participating student.

After each session, you’ll receive a follow-up email packed with resources: anatomy lessons, illustrations, feedback on your work, classical sculpture references, and photos of your sculpture-in-progress. These are tailored to help you improve and feel supported between classes.

Unlike many other sculpture classes, I hire a professional art model for the full duration of the class. All materials are included in your tuition, tools, clay, sculpture stands, and model fee, so you can just show up and focus on creating.

We also take a 30-minute potluck-style dinner break to share delicious international dishes and wine. It’s a wonderful time to connect, relax, and become a part of a community of friendly artists.

Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience level. If you’re a complete beginner, don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Payment methods 
Venmo, Zelle, cash, check (Bank fees, if any,  paid by student)

About me

I’m a long time San Francisco resident with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and Finance from San Francisco State University. After graduating I spent five years training as a classical sculptor, studying artistic human anatomy, plus two years of stone carving under the guidance of Master Sculptor Harriet Moore.

I’ve been teaching both adults and children since 1996, including eight years as a sculpture instructor at Waldorf high school in San Francisco. I’ve had the honor of being invited multiple times to give live sculpture demonstrations at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

In addition to teaching, I’m the author of the award-winning academic art book An Artist’s Guide: Proportions & Measurement of the Skeletal System, available on Amazon. My sculptures have received numerous awards and accolades over the years, and I continue to be passionate about sharing my knowledge with others.

1- THE HUMAN FIGURE the Classical way with professional Art model the entire duration of class
                  
                                                  

                             

                        
                 
                             

                  

Starts: 

July:  7 Mo, 14 Mo, 17 Thurs, 21 Mo, 28 Mo, 31 Thurs

Aug:  4 Mo, 11 Mo, 14 Thurs, 18 Mo,  25 Mo,  28 Thurs

Learn how to sculpt the human figure using classical techniques in a supportive and inspiring environment. Unlike many other sculpture classes, you’ll work with a professional art model for the entire duration of the course, giving you the time and consistency needed to create a full figure sculpture, not just a fragment.

You’ll dive deep into artistic human anatomy, including:

• Skeletal and muscular systems
• Relative proportions and measurements
• Subcutaneous bone landmarks
• Armature building
• Pre-firing preparation
• Sculpting tools and technique, and much more

This isn’t just a class, it’s a full educational experience. Each session is followed by a detailed email, including:

• Artistic anatomy lessons
• Superimposed diagrams showing the bone and muscle structure over the model’s pose
• Photos of your sculpture in progress
• Step-by-step guidance for the next session

These lessons are designed to deepen your understanding of what lies beneath the skin. The more anatomy you know, the more detail you’ll be able to sculpt. With a small class size of only 8 students, you’ll receive plenty of individual attention. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sculptor, you’ll be challenged and supported to grow your skills, and leave with a piece you’re proud of.

What’s Included:

• Professional model for the full course
• Clay, tools, armature, sculpture stand, measuring tools
• Optional kiln firing ($45 fee)
• Two optional Saturday sessions if you want extra time (model's fee paid by attending students)
• Optional hollowing fee service if you can’t attend the final class (fee based on size and complexity

Community & Connection:

We take a 30-minute potluck dinner break filled with international food, wine, desserts, etc. A fun and relaxing way to build friendships and enjoy the creative process together.

All Levels Welcome:

No prior experience is necessary. If you’ve never sculpted before, don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Note:

This is a small class and the participation of every student counts. Please note that once the class starts the tuition becomes non-refundable, so please make sure to check your calendar prior to signing. No makeup classes available. It's OK to miss a couple classes that's where the optional classes come in handy. If Monday falls on a National Holiday classes will be automatically moved to Tuesday. 

Tuition:               $935  ($26 per hour) includes everything you will need including a professional art model.
Classes:             12 classes + (2 optional Saturday sessions)
Time:                  6:15 - 9:15 PM weekdays, 1:30 - 4:30 Saturdays. During our last class students may come from 5:00 - 10:00 
Total hours:      36 hours (+ 2 optional Saturday sessions)
Medium:             Clay
Size:                    8 students only
Location:            MIR Studio, San Francisco, CA 94112  (near City College) 
Kiln firing fee:  $45 (optional)   


Students Testimonials
                        
"Mari cultivates an exquisite space that has camaraderie, is fun to learn in away from daily stresses." ~ K. Wong 

"I’ve taken 2 classes with Marilyn and both have been very helpful. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or have some experience already, she makes sure that you go home feeling happy with your piece and with tons of new knowledge." ~ R. Riego

"I’ve been taking art classes since very young. Marilyn Rodriguez is the best art teacher I’ve ever had. I’ve been taking her sculpting class since May. She teaches us anatomy in class and spends hours editing educational reference photos after each class and share them with us. It’s been such an amazing learning experience! ~ J. Liu.  M.D.

Marilyn is a master sculpture and an incredible teacher. I have taken many classes with her and no one else I have ever met understands the body inside and out as it relates how to sculpt it in real life. Her classes are intimate and fun with a great sense of community. You will be amazed at to what you can make under her tutelage. ~ Jen P.

2- THE HUMAN BUST CLASS- with professional art model the entire duration of class


                                                              

Starts: TBA

This class is dedicated to sculpting a life-size human bust, with a focus on anatomical accuracy and artistic expression. Working with a professional art model present for every session, students will learn to capture the intricate details of the head, neck, shoulders, and facial features, including musculature, bone structure, expression, and hair.

Whether you’re new to sculpture or have completed a full-figure class, this course provides a focused opportunity to deepen your understanding of anatomy, proportion, and structure. If you’ve felt intimidated by the full figure, this is a perfect place to start.

We share a 30- minute pot-lock break with savory international foods, wine , sweets, laughs, and make new friends. We hire a professional art model the entire duration of class.

All levels of expertise are welcomed. No prior experience is necessary, so please don't feel intimidated if you have never sculpted before. Unlike many other art classes, this is a small class of only 8 students. Each student will receive plenty of individual attention. It's OK to miss a couple of classes, most students do. Having taken a full figure class is not a prerequisite for this class. 

Note

• No make-up classes are available. It’s okay to miss a couple of sessions, most students do
• Tuition is non-refundable once the class begins. Please check your calendar before enrolling
• If a Monday class falls on a national holiday, we will meet on Tuesday instead
• Two optional Saturday sessions are available for those who need more time. No teacher, just students and the model. Model's fee split between attending students

What You’ll Learn

• Participating in pose selection with the model
• Understanding relative proportions and landmarks of the skull and face
• Learning the skeletal and muscular systems, including fat pads and neck muscles
• Properly sculpting clavicles and shoulders
• Building a solid armature for your bust
• Mastering surface modeling techniques
• Using professional tools to sculpt, measure, and refine details
• Repairing sculptures before and after firing
• Exploring finishing techniques: patinas, glazes, and paint mediums
• Preparing your work for kiln firing

Tuition:              $699 ($26 per hour) includes everything you will need including a professional art model
Classes:             9 classes (+ 2 optional Saturday sessions)
Time:                 6:15 - 9:15 PM weekdays, 1:30 - 4:30 P.M. Saturdays optional sessions                                                                                              
Total hours:     27 hours  (+ 2 optional Saturday sessions)
Medium:           Clay
Size:                   8 students only
Location:          MIR Studio, San Francisco, CA 94112  (near City College) 
Kiln fee:            $45 (optional)
  

Students Testimonials
                             
"I love these workshops and classes. Best teacher" ~ S. Popham

"It is rare these days to find a true master in classical sculpture who instructs in an intimate environment reminiscent of the way it was done at the turn of the 20th century.  Marilyn is a naturalist at heart who guides with detail and confidence, but who also allows the student a lot of space to explore their artistic expression in a structured environment.  She understands the process."   ~ R.

"Marilyn is a fantastic teacher! The class is very informative and fun. The models are also very professional. Marilyn is extremely experienced and knows just how to guide you, no matter your skill level. Everything is provided for you so all you need to do is show and work on your piece. I was so impressed with finished piece. The class is really enjoyable as well, with a break in the middle to enjoy some shared food and connect with others. I highly recommend this class!! " ~ Hanna B.

Children art classes    children art classe

3- THE HUMAN BUST Workshop - TBA
       An in depth study from the inside out of  the head, neck, & shoulders. We start with a real skull as our model.
     

    

      3 hours                                                                                                                                        6 hours

      10 hours                                                                                                                                   13 hours                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

      16 hours                                                                                                                                    18 hours


                                                         

      20 hours                                                                                                                                                                             27 hours


Starts: TBA 

This is an essential class for any artist serious about mastering the anatomical structure of the human head, neck, and shoulders. You’ll sculpt a life-size bust, working from the inside out, starting with a real human skull as reference (no art model), then layering on skin, facial features, muscles, fat pads, and hair. You’ll learn to correctly depict bone structure, muscle groups, and proportions, as well as how to sculpt neck anatomy and clavicles with accuracy. After you are done, you will learn how to hollow your piece in preparation before going to the kiln.

Whether you’re aiming for realism or artistic interpretation, your imagination is your only limit!

Tuition                  $705 ($26 per hour) includes everything you will need    
Classes:              9 sessions + 1 optional Saturday sessions with no teacher)
Date:                     TBA
Time:                     6:15 - 9:15 P.M. weekdays + Saturday 1:30 - 4:30 P.M.
Total hours:         27 hours (plus optional Saturday session)
Medium:              Clay
Size                       8 students only
Location:            MIR Studio, San Francisco, CA 94112  (near City College) 
Kiln fee                $45 optional 


"The Head workshop" is an awesome class. I designed it for artists who wish to learn how to sculpt a proportionate and realistic human head, including shoulders. We start by sculpting a skull and learning the names and shape of all the head bones.  You will also learn the most important "Relative Proportions" and "Bone landmarks" of the head and shoulders.  We use a real human skull as our initial model. 

After you finish sculpting the skull you will learn how to add skin, ears, lips, nose, eyes, hair, the correct way. We don't use a life model in this workshop, as our main goal is the understanding of the anatomy, measurements, accurate placement, angles, and relative proportions of a human head and its features, not the rendering of a particular person. I'll teach you how to hollow" so it can safely go  in the kiln. You will be taking home a beautiful bust. Don't miss this class!

We take a 25 -minute fun food break where we share food, laughs and get to know each other better. You will have lots of fun while learning in a very creative, supportive and free environment! 
             

Students Testimonials

"After I participated in Marilyn's very informative and fun Head workshop I was able to later sculpt a bust of my Mom from an old photograph.  I was very pleased with the results.  I couldn't have done it without taking the workshop first.  I highly recommend it!"   ~ N. Giles

"I have taken the Hand and the Head workshops and they are both terrific.  I now understand much better human anatomy and how the bones and muscles help shape the outside. I also learn very useful relative proportions"  ~ T. Gant

" I had never sculpted a human bust or any other human part before. This was extremely valuable and fun. I had no idea we would get so far so fast!"  ~ C. Hixon

"While Marilyn's sculpture classes are really fun, and I learn a lot, and my pieces turn out so much better than I'd imagined, the classes help me in life, too. Marilyn has taught me to observe, see, and notice more - not just about human bodies, but about everything.  It's easier to find more things in life that are interesting ("look at those ears!")  and to solve problems more easily because I notice more details   I suddenly have more information to work with because I perceive more of what's around me.  For instance, after the last class,  I got in my car and found myself feeling shapes, contours, and textures in my steering wheel, which I've handled a thousand times,  but never noticed before.   It opens up a world of wonder, that there's still so much I haven't noticed yet."  ~ S. Young

"Through Marilyn's personal attention, I experienced the joy and magic of sculpting.  A wonderful experience."  ~ K. Lind

4- THE HUMAN HAND - Workshop

 
                                       

                                                             

 
                                                       
   
                                                                      

     
STARTS: TBA 

A Must Class for Artists Seeking to Master the Human Hand!

Nothing undermines an otherwise strong figure like inaccurately sculpted hands. This focused workshop is essential for artists who want to learn how to accurately and expressively depict the human hand. One of the most complex and expressive parts of the body.

You’ll sculpt a larger-than-life hand (or hands, depending on your pace), while developing a deep understanding of hand anatomy and surface details. The workshop is designed to be fun, relaxed, and incredibly informative. Perfect for both beginners and advanced sculptors.

This is a low-key, enjoyable class where we sit together, sculpt, and learn from each other. Beginners will find the subject manageable and inspiring, while advanced students will benefit from the deep anatomical focus and expressive possibilities.

You’ll work from hand castings provided as references, with plenty of individual guidance and peer learning in a small, collaborative circle.
We also enjoy our customary potluck dinner break.

What You’ll Learn

• Skeletal structure of the hand
• Relative proportions of fingers, palm, and thumb
• Subcutaneous bone landmarks
• Joints, knuckles, finger webs, and nail placement
• Fat pads, tendons, surface veins
• Folds, wrinkles, and subtle anatomical details
• Sculpting artistic and expressive gestures

 
Tuition:            $549 ($26 per hour) Includes everything you will need
Classes:          7 classes (+ 1 optional Saturday sessions with no teacher)
Time:               6:15 - 9:15 P.M. weekdays + Saturday 1:30 - 4:30 P.M.
Total hours:   21 hours (plus optional Saturday session)
Firing fee:      $35 optional


Students Testimonials

"The HAND class was 8 weeks of continuous fun and step by step support from our amazing teacher, Marilyn! We learned all the anatomical details, measurements and proportions of the hand. Each week we shared a yummy potluck dinner/wine with an international flair! The next step is for the hands to be placed in the kiln after they dry out naturally" ~ J.Liu

"I recently completed "The Hand Weekend Workshop" with master sculptor Marilyn Rodriquez. The course was amazing and I can't wait to take much more. You will absolutely get more than your money worth.  I finally understand and did a terrific hand!”  ~ M. Robinson

“I would like to thank Marilyn for her patience, and easy-going ability to teach me the finer points of measuring, and working the clay from a large gray lump, into something quite beautiful, and balanced. The weekend workshop seemed to go by so very quickly, and yet there was adequate time to ask questions, observe and learn new measuring techniques, and create an extremely pleasing result ...a beautiful sculpture of a hand" D. Barrelier

"To whoever might be interested in The Hand Workshop:  It was awesome.  I really enjoyed it & with good instruction from Marilyn, I was able to create a hand I liked.  I highly recommend the workshop.  It was fun!”  ~ T. Gantt

"This is what I had been looking for: a specialized subject you knew well and could teach us.  It was fun, too!"  ~ C. Q.

"This was my second workshop with Marilyn. I was very pleasantly surprised at of how much fun we had and how great my hand came out. Marilyn is a fabulous teacher. I plan on taking more of her classes." ~ S. W.

5- THE ANIMAL WORKSHOP - Learn to sculpt your favorite animal 


  
                                            

"Mari is a natural teacher and a gifted sculptor. Her classes are informative and enjoyable. She works with both novices and pros to perfect their craft. I look forward to our weekly classes where the time flies by as the magic of creation unfolds. I highly recommend her courses to anyone looking to explore their creative side." ~ J. Pleasant

"Sculpting classes helped me appreciate the beauty of creation and discover my new passion.  From my experience, sculpting is the creation process where we can put our body, our soul, and the clay to work to materialize our perceptions and feelings.  I was amazed by the results of my first sculpture.  Her teaching technique lets you use your best abilities to accomplish great results."   ~ V. Machinski




6- SCULPTURE CLASSES FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN 9 years +
              Saturdays drop-in class: 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. or 10:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. 


                        

     

hildren Sculpture classesChildren

How wonderful would it be if every person could experience the magical world of sculpture? In this unique class, students are encouraged to sculpt whatever inspires them:  people, animals, mythological figures, or creatures from their imagination. Students choose the subject, style, and size, all within a safe and fun environment designed to spark creativity.

Students will explore a variety of techniques including sculpting tools, armature building, hollowing methods, and artistic anatomy. I highly encourage students to bring printed reference images of their subject from multiple angles,  so I can better assist them in creating accurate and proportionate sculptures.

This is not a clay or pottery class. It’s a hands-on, imaginative sculpting experience, and the quality of the students’ work truly reflects that. Just take a look at the marvelous sculptures the students have created. Your imagination is your only limit!

Each student will sign and date their finished piece, turning it into a cherished family heirloom. After firing in our in-studio kiln (if desired), you have the opportunity to paint your sculpture if you so desire. All materials provided.

Please confirm your participation for next day class by no later than Friday's afternoon as it helps me prepare the classroom according to the number of students attending.

Tuition:         $75 (2 hours) or $100 (3 hours)
Dates:           This is a drop-in Saturday morning class. Come as your schedule permits 
Time:            10:30 - 12:30 or 10:30 - 1:30 P.M. 
Limit:            8 students only
Kiln firing:   $35 -$45 optional 

Students testimonials Children art classes
"Mari deserves 100 yelp stars. Her sculpting class is amazing only because she is such a talent herself and an amazing and inspiring instructor. My daughter really loves this class. We were so impressed with what she made. My daughter is talented but this is beyond sheer talent. This is because the instructor she has is so patient and direct. Her studio is perfect. The class structure is organized. And her home is full of inspiring pieces that Mari has sculpted herself. I highly recommend this class for your young one. I look forward to taking an adult class soon." ~ Y. Franco

Art classes for children
Art classes for children

7- PAINTING YOUR SCULPTURE WORKSHOP- TBA

Sculpture Painting Workshop — Bring Your Creation to Life!

This is one of our most fun and rewarding workshops, and when the weather is warm, we take our paints outside and enjoy the fresh air as we work!

Learn how to paint your sculpture to give it the look of bronze or another professional finish of your choosing. You’ll explore several color application techniques and get to choose the color palette that best expresses your vision.

Adding color can completely transform your sculpture — bringing it to life and giving it depth, richness, and character. Whether you’re aiming for something bold or subtle, I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

This workshop is not just a painting session — it’s the final touch that makes your artwork stand out and feel complete. It’s worth every penny for the transformation your piece will undergo.

Limited to just 5 students, this intimate setting ensures that everyone receives plenty of one-on-one instruction.

All materials are included with your tuition:

• A variety of acrylic colors to choose from
• Real metal powders
• Shoe polish and specialty finishes
• High-quality brushes, sponges, and tools
• Primer, paint mediums, and fixative — everything you need for a stunning finish

Tuition:          $100 per sculpture
Date:              TBA
Time:             1:30 - 5:30 P.M.
Limit:             5 students 




                                                                               

             

                                          

8- ZOOM Lessons/Critiques/Feedback

With nearly 30 years of teaching experience and consistent feedback from students, I can confidently say that even a 30-minute consultation can significantly improve the quality of your sculpting.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been sculpting for years, I offer gentle, honest, and constructive guidance to help you take your work to the next level. My goal is to help you create a more proportionate, expressive, and beautiful piece, tailored to your unique style and vision.

We will focus on:

• Anatomical accuracy (from basic proportions to fine detail)
• Design clarity and composition
• Areas where your piece could be strengthened

All skill levels are welcome. Every student is different — and that’s what makes teaching so rewarding.

How it works:

1. Email me clear photos of your sculpture (front, side, and any angles you’d like feedback on) before our call.
2. We’ll set up a Zoom or phone consultation at a time that works for you.
3. You’ll receive actionable, personalized advice you can immediately apply to your work.

Cost: 30 minutes $60. I offer a one-time trial of 15 minute for free

How to send tuition:
Venmo, PayPal, Zelle. (Bank fees, if any,  paid by student)


Students Testimonials

"Dear Marilyn, I had no idea that so much could be learned from a 30-minute phone call.  What you taught me about hands makes me realize that up to this point I have just been lucky in my sculpting pursuits. I now know that I have so much to learn.  Now when I look at other sculptors work and the seven pieces I have sculpted with hands I can immediately see where improvements can be made.  It is amazing.  I am starting my next set of hands soon and can't wait to see the improvements.  I'll be back!  ~ Sincerely,  Goran"

"Mari, thanks for sharing your artist's eye. It's amazing how our 30 minute sessions generated so many improvements to my sculpture. I look forward to working with you on future sculptures. ~ John C"

"My sculpture went from Ok to great with Marilyn's feedback. I hired her for three 30 minute sessions and it was well worth it. Thank you." ~ Joseph R"



MORE STUDENTS TESTIMONIALS 

"I love these workshops and classes. Best teacher" ~ S. Gethaline 

"The first time ever I’ve put my hands on clay was in Marilyn’s “human figure in clay” class in January this year (2023) with a live model. Needless to say, this experience transformed me. It is my favorite time in the week, when observation, absorption and creation takes over any thoughts, worries, pressure and Heaven in Earth. Even when I feel tired at the end of a long day,  have a headache or just don’t feel great, the moment I pass the door of Marilyn’s studio, it’s all gone. And when I leave, I feel so alive! It is addictive: I'm in heaven for 3h (that pass like a minute), followed by my best sleep nights, and in the morning, I am already looking forward to the next. Which is way too far away...." ~ S. E.  

"Sculpting with Marilyn is an absolute joy. After a hectic week, it is such a stress relief to come and exercise your artistic side with such an amazing artist and teacher. She is there to help and teach you no matter your experience or level. The classes are small so there is ample time for helpful critique and individual instruction. Also, you will make friends with your classmates. Once you take one course, you will discover the inner artist in you and will make this your therapeutic hobby. Finally, you will be interacting with one of the kindest, sincerest, and most talented artists in the Bay Area. You don't want to miss this opportunity!" ~ C. Manios

"Recently, had the pleasure of taking a sculpture class taught by a truly exceptional teacher. As someone who had never attempted sculpting before, I was a bit nervous going in, but from the very beginning, our teacher made me feel at ease. Not only was the class well-organized and easy to follow, but the teacher's approach to teaching was both supportive and challenging. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience in sculpture, and her passion for the art form was infectious. One thing that really stood out to me was the use of a live model during our sessions. This was such a valuable experience, as it allowed us to really hone our observational skills and capture the human form in a way that we wouldn't have been able to otherwise.By the end of the class, I was amazed at how much progress I had made. I had gone from feeling intimidated by the medium to creating a piece that I was truly proud of. And I have no doubt that it was thanks to the skill and guidance of our teacher. If you're considering taking a sculpture class and are looking for a positive and supportive environment in which to learn, I would highly recommend this class and teacher. They are the perfect choice for beginners and experienced artists alike." ~ Zhiyin V.

"Mari is a natural teacher and a gifted sculptor. Her classes are informative and enjoyable. She works with both novices and pros to perfect their craft. I look forward to our weekly classes where the time flies by as the magic of creation unfolds. I highly recommend her courses to anyone looking to explore their creative side." ~ J. Pleasant

"You can see Marilyn's work online, so you will already know she is an amazing artist - but the best part is that she is also a fantastic teacher.  She offers real, practical assessments that improve work.  She runs the class like a salon, there is a lot of playfulness to go with the critique and in the middle of the session, we take a short break with food and wine and conversation.   I feel like I've learned a lot in only the 13 weeks I've been there.  I will be taking another class and I highly recommend the class to anyone - from beginner to advanced intermediate."   ~ K.


"This is a class where a person can get a lot of help and information from a teacher who has a lot of indispensable knowledge of anatomy.  I have been in plenty of classes, and I have not experienced students being helped in this way.  It also helps that the class is small, and it is not intimidating, and this just increases the opportunity for a person to get personal attention from a knowledgeable person who is naturally willing to help anyway.  And sometimes jokes are cracked.  It's cozy, and personally, that's an ideal atmosphere for my creativity to manifest" ~J. Rell

"Marilyn's sculpture class was a 3-hour oasis of calm in the midst of a stressful weekly urban routine.  No matter the events of the week, I always felt centered and at peace within a few minutes of arriving at Marilyn's studio.   Marilyn has a gift for staying out of the way when you're in the flow, but suddenly materializing at the precise moment that help is needed.  Her advice was always concise and dead-on.  With her ever-present encouragement to "measure, measure, measure", she managed to coax beautiful work from all 7 novice sculptors."   ~ J. Hoffis

"This is an excellent class for all levels of experience - from beginners to advance.  The class decides on the pose as a group, hen everyone works at their own level and gets individualized instruction from Marilyn.  The classes are small and a very nice rapport develops among the students & model & instructor.  Marilyn is a superb teacher for many reasons.  First of all, she is excited by sculpture and in what we get out of the class, both for the artwork that we create but also for the intangible benefits we get from our conversations and critiques.  She is a great believer in the beauty that art brings to our lives, not only the art "piece".  I have taken the class twice so far and plan on taking more classes in the future.  It is not so easy to have access to a live model for such an extended period of time, & to have Marilyn's experienced instruction on top of that is a great combination."  ~ K. C.

"Marilyn is not only talented she is warm, loving, and generous and she clearly has both anatomical and aesthetic understanding of the human figure.  I feel nourished and encouraged by her style of teaching.  This class offers an intimate setting t in which to explore and evolve in this medium."   ~ A. Pearl

"Sculpting with Marilyn cannot be likened to anything else.  Whether or not you have sculpted before or not is completely independent to what you get out of this class, and I am not just talking about the actual sculpture!  Enlightenment into one's self from a very different perspective and talent flow to greet you and leave you feeling like you can do anything you ever put your mind to.  I guarantee you will be surprised with what you take away from this class, and you'll have a new love and respect for yourself and sculpting. I am addicted."  ~S. P.

"Marilyn, I love seeing the progress in your career..., and of course hearing from you. Thank you for teaching me that I had within me an undiscovered talent I was unaware of until I took lessons from you. I appreciate you as a wonderful friend, human being, and excellent teacher."  ~ Dr. David 

"I enrolled in Marilyn's class and what I discovered was a warm, friendly group of people who were enjoying art for the sake of art. Marilyn has an amazing gift in that she knows how to explain and help without taking over and making it her work instead of the students.  I learned an amazing amount of information in a short amount of time.  I would strongly recommend Marilyn's class for anyone with a love of art.   There were people with years of experience and complete amateurs like me.  She treated us all with respect and genuine caring.  I look forward to taking another class with her soon." ~
D. Rudell
 
"I look forward to your class so much.  I especially love the silent moments when you become so intent on what you're working on that the only thing that reminds you where you are is the sound of the wind chimes...  Or is it the wind chimes that help you let go... Maybe they're more like a string holding onto a helium balloon.  Regardless, your class offers a peaceful escape from the rest of the world. Thank you for that."   ~ L. Steinberg

"She supplies everything one needs. Each student has a say in the pose to be addressed for the course.  The organization she has developed over the years makes the experience of being an artist seem so natural. The classes are small and intimate, always very friendly.  Lastly, she teaches by example; patience, spirit, determination, humanity, and self-esteem."  ~ D.J.

"Sculpting classes helped me appreciate the beauty of creation and discover my new passion.  From my experience, sculpting is the creation process where we can put our body, our soul, and the clay to work to materialize our perceptions and feelings.  I was amazed by the results of my first sculpture.  Her teaching technique lets you use your best abilities to accomplish great results."   ~ V. Machnicki

 "I highly recommend Marilyn's sculpture class. Of course she is a highly talented sculptor, but more importantly, she is a skilled teacher. She is able to communicate the techniques and strategies that many artists have trouble articulating.  Her many years of experience have allowed her to develop just the right balance between teacher instruction and student discovery.  I have always been extremely impressed with the student's final products, particularly the students sculpting for the first time. Finally, the icing on the cake is her half-hour wine +in the middle of class - great people and great conversation.  I couldn't recommend it all the more."   ~ M. Vary