History of the Figure Modeling Competition The National Sculpture Competition was established in 1978 by Barry Johnston in memory of this father, James Wilbur Johnston, to re-assert the importance and value of figure study in contemporary sculpture. It is now co-sponsored by Brookgreen Gardens, The Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, The National Sculpture Society and The New York Academy of Art.
Objective To successfully model a full-length figure from life. Size. 30”-36” armature Time Limit. 28 hours over a five day period
Eligibility Each competitor must be an emerging sculptor, between the ages of 18 and 39. Applicants must be United States citizens or residents with a social security number.
Selection of Competitors Members of the National Sculpture Society Education Committee, made up of individuals from across the country, select the figure modeling competitors based on the images submitted. No more than 15 sculptors will be selected, along with 3 alternates. Notification of acceptance to compete will be by letter the first week in May.
Competition Location The competition location is on a rotating basis. This year the competition will take place at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. The campus is located in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Future dates include 2009 at the New York Academy in New York city and in 2010 at Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina.
Competition Schedule Welcoming reception is Sunday evening, June 15. Monday morning, competitors will construct their armatures. Monday afternoon, all day Tuesday, through Thursday and Friday till noon (28 hours total) modeling will take place. The judging will occur Friday, June 20 at 1 p.m. Presentation of all prizes and awards will take place at the reception following the conclusion of the judging.
Competition Expenses Each competitor is responsible for his/her own meals, travel and daily expenses. Information on accommodations including camping, will be sent to entrants, and some travel assistance will be available. Travel Assistance awards are made by the selection committee on the basis of merit and need. If you wish to apply, check the appropriate blank on the application and enter an estimate of your travel expense only.
Supplies Gray, water-based modeling clay, modeling stands, and materials to build armatures are supplied. The competitors must supply however personal sculpture tools, large plastic bags, wrapping cloth and spray bottle.
Ownership Each figure modeling sculpture is the property of the artist.
Judging Criteria
The nationally known sculptor, Walker Hancock set the criteria for the competition in 1978, it reads as follows:
Each sculpture is judged on mastery of the human figure in sculptural form as well as each competitor’s comprehension of the action, unity and rhythm of the pose. Emphasis is placed on encouraging the analytic observation of the human figure, including proportion, stance, solidity and continuity of line. Of secondary importance is surface finish and detail.
Jurors Each year 3 nationally know sculptors are invited to judge the competition. These Jurors are invited by the National Sculpture Society and must posses extensive knowledge and understanding of figure sculpture. Individuals directly connected with any of the host institutions are not eligible to serve as jurors. All decisions of the judges are final.
Award Ceremony On Friday afternoon, June 20th, following the conclusion of the figure modeling competition, the entries will be judged. The prizes will then be presented at the concluding ceremony, at which time the Young Artist Awards will also be announced. For those wishing it, individual critiques by the jurors will also be available time permitting. Winners will have a photo of their work published in the National Sculpture Society's News Bulletin.