The Art of Plaster and the Full-Scale Drawing

This course introduces students to the craft of plaster work and the process by which design transfers from Architect to Craftsman through full-scale drawings. This skill is vital for a successful dialogue between Architecture and the Building Arts.

Students will be instructed on the uses of plaster as well as its merits in expressing traditional elements. Through demonstration, prototypes, and overview of tools and media, students will understand not only the capabilities and properties of plaster but begin to see the first stages of where design takes form from two dimensions to three. This will prime participants in understanding the utility of the full-scale rendering.

By using simple and accessible media of chalk and charcoal, teams of students will be asked to “assemble” a historic building by recreating at true scale various elements with drawings that successfully communicate form, lighting, and texture. In producing drawings of this size, students will be engaged in externalizing the design, an analogous process to that which is conclusively executed by craftsmen and artisans.

Optional Materials:

• Spiral Bound Sketchbook
• Compass or Dividers
• Mechanical pencil or lead holder
• Pencil or lead sharpener (sandpaper also good)
• Kneaded Eraser, White Plastic Eraser
• Blending Stubs
• Metric Architectural Scale
• Boxed lunches to be provided

Instructors:

Foster C. Reeve attended Marlboro College in Marlboro, VT where he received a BA in Fine Art (classical sculpture) along with a Mathematics minor. Moving to NYC in 1984 Foster worked in construction to support his art, and in 1988 enrolled in Parsons School of Design to pursue his Master of Fine Art (classical painting) in the Beaux Art style atelier program lead by Leland Bell and Paul Resika.

After 30 years of exploration and executed work Foster and his amazing team have been the recipients of the Trumbauer Award, the Mizner Award, and the Bulfinch Award, all for excellence in craftsmanship. Foster is a board member of the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art, and is on the preservation committee of Old Westbury Gardens, where he helps oversee the restoration of the Phipps mansion. Foster dedicates much time to educating craftsmen, builders and designers in the modern techniques and uses of plaster.

FRA Plaster has 100+ employees and factories in Riviera Beach, FL, Sante Fe Springs CA, and Brooklyn, NY. The Brooklyn facility is also the home of an 10,000 sf art studio staffed with 7 sculptors and directed by the very talented Emily Bedard and Kellie Pereira.

Emily Bedard is a sculptor working in the classical tradition. She received her training from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, Connecticut and continues to study and teach with the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art in New York. She is the Creative Director at Foster Reeve Architectural & Ornamental Plaster, where she works with a talented team of artisans to produce new ornamental plasterwork for high end residential projects. Emily is a recipient of the Stanford White Award for Craftsmanship, the Award for Emerging Excellence in the Classical Tradition, and the Dexter Jones Award for Excellence in Bas-relief. She is a fellow of the National Sculpture Society, the ICAA College of Fellows, and the White House Historical Society Next-Gen Leaders.

Richard W. Cameron is the principal of the design firm RWC Atelier & Company. He was educated in architecture at the University of Toronto (B.Arch) and Princeton University (M.Arch). His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Architectural Digest, and numerous other books and publications. He is a co-founder of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art and the Beaux-Arts Atelier. He is currently involved in the effort to Rebuild Penn Station, the advocacy project to replace the current Penn Station with a recreation of the original, demolished in 1963-67.

Mr. Cameron is a member of the University Club of New York and serves on the Board of the Grand Central Atelier, one of the country’s leading schools of figurative art.

For more information please email [email protected] and [email protected].

With Appreciation and Gratitude to our

Patron’s Circle Sponsors
Alonso & Associates, Inc. | Cove Construction Group | Flower Construction | Shoreline Building Group | Woolems Luxury Builders

Lead Lecture Series Sponsor – Architecture & Design
Authentic Provence

& Henry Flagler Donors
Amanda Lindroth Interiors | Belt | Gil Walsh Interiors | Marmotech | Miller's Fine Hardware | Window & Door Design Center of Florida

This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.

AIA Provider Information

Please click here for additional AIA Continuing Education Provider Information:

Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

Prerequisites: None required

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: April 24, 2027

Provider Number: G193

Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.