Scuola di Scultura di Peccia: A Hub for Artistic Exchange and Education

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we take pride in introducing an institution that has inspired creativity for twice as long: the Scuola di Scultura di Peccia in Ticino, Switzerland. This open school offers a welcoming space where beginners, advanced students, and professionals can develop their artistic talents. Almute Großmann-Naef and Alex Naef, the school's joint directors, share their story and their deep connection with Sculpture Network.

The Origins of Peccia’s Sculpture School

The journey began in 1984, when sculptor Rolf Flachsmann rented a land in Peccia. Establishing a modest hut and workspace, he soon gathered sculptor friends and began offering courses, planting the seeds of what would become the ‘Spirit of Peccia’.

In 1987, Alex Naef, a trained stonemason and artist educated in Lucerne, Hamburg, and Ottersberg (Bremen), took over the school, officially naming it Scuola di Scultura di Peccia. With passion and dedication, Naef expanded the school, which quickly gained recognition. The local Peccia community embraced the project, supporting its relocation in 1989-90 to a larger 3,200-square-meter industrial area. With funding from the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Ticino, and Ticino Tourism, the school underwent several expansions, allowing it to accommodate more students and courses. The big studio, completed in 1994, marked the beginning of the WBK (the four-year vocational training course in Stone Sculpting and Three-Dimensional Design).

In 2001, Almute Großmann-Naef joined the school’s leadership, contributing with her expertise in art education and art therapy. She played a key role in course development and school management. Under her guidance, the school solidified its standing as a premier centre for sculpture education. By 2004-05, the final phase of construction was completed, solidifying Peccia’s international reputation.

40 Years of Excellence in Sculpture

In 2024, the Scuola di Scultura di Peccia celebrated its 40th anniversary. Over the decades, the school has welcomed thousands of participants, offering in-depth training in stone sculpture and three-dimensional design. At its core, the school’s renowned sculpture courses enable artists to shape local Peccia marble using traditional tools. Its mission aligns seamlessly with Sculpture Network’s values, promoting artistic exchange, learning, and the transformative power of sculpture.

Strengthening Bonds Through Sculpture Network

Since joining Sculpture Network in 2007, the Scuola di Scultura di Peccia has gained global visibility, fostering artistic exchanges and collaborations. According to Almute Großmann-Naef and Alex Naef, this partnership has been pivotal in the school’s growth.
“Sculpture is more than a craft; it’s a dialogue with the material, a form of communication. Our connection with Sculpture Network has introduced our work to a broader audience while allowing us to learn from fellow artists and institutions,” they explain.

A particularly memorable event was the Sculpture Network Dialogue in October 2023, hosted at Karthause Buxheim as part of the exhibition ‘Let’s Talk About Sculpture’. Artist Lioba Abrell led an engaging discussion on the geological and artistic dimensions of sculpting, sparking curiosity and interaction among attendees. “It is these encounters - whether online, at events or through inspiring stories from other members - that remind us again and again how important community and exchange are in the art world”, they added. The school’s open and collaborative ethos makes it a vital part of Sculpture Network, fostering innovation and cross-cultural artistic dialogue.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Artistic Collaboration

Through its ongoing collaboration with Sculpture Network, Peccia strengthens its role in the artistic community, embracing new opportunities for creative dialogue. Remaining committed to sculpture as a medium of expression and cultural exchange, looking forward, the Scuola di Scultura di Peccia is poised to inspire and shape the next generation of sculptors, ensuring its legacy remains firmly rooted in the global art landscape—with Sculpture Network proudly by its side.

Ilaria Specos wrote the text in English.