Algoma Sculptor Hosts Studio Tour for Lifelong Learning Institute

Sibilsky sculpts using a live model, one of the members of the Lifelong Learning Institute. Submitted.

Algoma sculptor and painter Bren Sibilsky (brensculpture.com) hosted a sculpture demonstration Sept. 10 for the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), a nonprofit program that’s part of UW-Green Bay’s Division of Continuing Education and Community Engagement. 

Those at the LLI office contacted Sibilsky because they thought it would be a great learning experience and a lot of fun for the LLI members. In the works since late 2018, the well-received event included a tour of Sibilsky’s studio and a live sculpture demonstration, and she’s looking forward to hosting another demo and tour next year. 

Because Sibilsky prefers to work from a live model, she asked for a volunteer model from the group, and by the end of the two-hour demonstration, she had created a very good likeness.

The LLI (uwgb.edu/lli) is a volunteer, member-led program that offers a wide variety of noncredit classes in history, travel, cooking, religion and more to its 1,000-plus members. There are no tests, papers, grades, academic or age prerequisites, and new members are welcome. Sibilsky’s current focus is on several commissions and hosting her annual lost-wax bronze-casting class. Lost-wax bronze casting is a centuries-old technique of creating sculpture that replaces an original material such as wax with metal. Two classes are planned for early June 2020 at the Algoma Atelier of Sculpture and Art with professional instructors Ken and Mary Davidson. Sibilsky also plans to have an all-bronze art show at the Robert Ray Gallery in Algoma to feature all of the pieces (about 100) that have been cast during the class through the years.