Smooth Abstract Sculpture Carving with Mike Sasaki
5 Days: Monday - Friday, June 8-12, 2026, 8 AM-5 PM
Tuition: $1,200
Ages: 18 & up
Instructor: Mike Sasaki
Instructional Delivery Methods: In person
Pre-requisites: Some woodworking or carving experience
Program Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Program Description:
Students will carve an original, small, Eastern Red Pine sculpture in the general style of Mike Sasaki’s wood forms, which are smooth, abstract, freestanding and geometrically and/or organically inclined.
The course will begin with the guided drawing and development of a design which the student is happy with artistically and which is both suitable to their individual carving level and to the material.
The 5-day course will consist of lessons, demonstrations and individual conferencing, alongside the main individual project.
The carving process will be hand tool focused; will include an element of problem solving particular to the shape of each piece; and will involve a body of techniques tailored to softwood sculpting in a simple shop—techniques which have been accumulated and developed by the course instructor through his own work.
*Note: some freehand carving (unclamped) will be involved.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn to visualize, develop, and make an artistically interesting, abstract, smooth, shelf-sized, freestanding sculpture in full 3-dimensionality.
- Learn to design a form for application in softwood and the drawing and visualization techniques of sculptural ideas on paper, and optionally with a clay model.
- Learn to develop a wide range of skills and techniques in carving softwood in full 3-dimensionality using traditional hand tools, including mallet and gouge work, knife carving, freehand rasping, and sanding.
- Learn the challenges of hand tool carving methods for small, softwood sculptures, and, through a mixture of guided problem solving and instruction, find particular solutions for specific situations.
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the finer points and cautions regarding the successful outcome of a clean surface and a precise shape in softwood.
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 8 students
Refund, Cancellation, and Complaint Resolution Policies
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email admissions@sbwi.edu.
AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None
AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: 40 LUs.
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 05/20/2028
Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. 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 (cessupport@aia.org 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.