Workshop with Sculptor Joseph Kowalczyk

August 1 & 2 2026

Space is Limited

Award-winning sculptor and painter Joseph Kowalczyk (Ko-väl-chick) has been a vibrant contributor to California's Bay Area arts community since earning his BFA in Ceramics from the California College of the Arts in 2006.

Raised in Niles, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, Joseph discovered his passion for drawing at an early age. In high school, everything changed when he encountered ceramics. Sculpture quickly became his greatest passion, and ceramic sculpture week was always the highlight of his year. Although he initially believed ceramics was an impractical career and briefly pursued drawing, music, and even computer technology, he ultimately chose to follow the creative path that truly inspired him. That decision launched a career dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience through sculpture.

Joseph's artistic vision is deeply rooted in personal reflection.

"When I was about six years old, my father began repainting the walls of our home. Before he started, he jokingly painted a huge smiley face on the wall directly above my bed. It terrified me. There was nothing threatening about it—it was simply two dots and an inverted arch—but even after he covered it with fresh paint, I was still afraid. I knew the face was still there beneath the surface, smiling.More than twenty years later, I still think about that moment. The fear wasn't based on any real danger; it existed entirely in my mind. It makes me wonder about the fears I carry today. Which fears are real, and which are simply smiley faces? And how did they get there?"

Over the years, Joseph's sculptures have evolved alongside his life experiences—from animated figures to symbolic portraits of humans and beasts. While ceramics remains his primary medium, he often incorporates metal, wood, and fiber to create richly layered works that tell compelling stories.

His work reflects a philosophy of duality: beauty and ugliness, strength and vulnerability, light and shadow all exist together, each defining the other. Joseph is fascinated by what lies beneath the surface, believing that true beauty is often hidden within rough exteriors, while outward beauty may conceal something far more complex. His sculptures frequently become physical manifestations of the human shadow, inviting viewers to confront emotion, fear, resilience, and transformation.

Two-Day Figurative Wall Sculpture Workshop

Join Joseph for an inspiring two-day, hands-on workshop where you'll create a unique three-dimensional figurative wall hanging inspired by your own experiences, emotions, and imagination. Whether your inspiration comes from something that challenges you, sparks fear, brings joy, or simply makes you think, Joseph will guide you through transforming those ideas into expressive ceramic sculpture.

Participants will explore:

• Figurative sculpting and construction techniques

• Surface treatments and finishing methods

• Design considerations for successful wall-mounted artwork

• Storytelling through symbolism and personal expression

Whether you're looking to expand your sculptural skills or discover new ways to express yourself creatively, this workshop offers an engaging, supportive environment filled with inspiration, technical instruction, and artistic exploration. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an accomplished artist and create a meaningful work of art that is uniquely your own.

Join us for this special workshop!

Participants will need:

• Bmix WC401

• Standard Tool Kit

• Scoring tool

• Rubber smoothing tools

• Ware-board

• Soft Cloth to slow drying