Uniquely the Human Figure.
Always from Life.
The Inaugural Symposium
March 26, 27, 28, 2026
in St. Louis, Missouri
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR TICKET!
The Figure Society Symposium is an intimate, open studio affair, open to only 102 attendees.
Just as the artist-model exchange is a precious, intimate dance, The Figure Society wants the public to feel that same closeness with the artists and models present. Come with your clay, paints, sketch pads, thoughts & questions… and be inspired!
Featuring
These world-class artists and models who will be working together for 15 hours total (5 hours per day)
FAQs
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Yes, please, this is the idea! The Figure Society wants a giant open studio vibe where anyone who wants to jump in on the amazing model action can certainly do so, and alongside incredible artists.
In the Sqwire's Annex, in addition to the 2000 sq. ft. main floor space there is a large, 540 sq. ft. mezzanine where there will also be a 2-hour, open model session every afternoon for anyone interested in drawing, painting, sculpting from the nude model separate from all the great action downstairs.
In the main space, since there will likely be a lot of circulation around the floor, we kindly ask everyone to be respectful and minimal with their setup so as to allow others to circulate freely (and not bump in to your easel or stand right when you were about to place that perfect touch!)
For this inaugural year, this is part of the action we will figure out all together, and of course be as accommodating as possible to everyone.
Please note: The Figure Society will not be providing easels / drawing boards / sculpture stands / tables for supplies / etc, so please come equipped if so desired.
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No. The Figure Society is an entirely unique adventure. Think of it as a giant open studio where you will get to draw / paint / sculpt alongside amazing artists and interact with them the entire time. You are also more than welcome to simply sit back, enjoy some refreshments and good conversations, and watch new works of art pop up out of nowhere!
With only 102 tickets being sold, The Figure Society is curating an intimate vibe to the symposium, thus allowing plenty of interaction with all the artists and models. And of course there will be a great party with great food and drink on the final evening : )
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Absolutely. The Sqwire's Annex is a 2000 sq. ft. factory space where all the artists and models will be working simultaneously (not in separate spaces). There will be plenty of chairs & stools available and also room to walk around. Everyone will be able to get close to each of the artists and also ask as many questions as they can.
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The Figure Society Symposium will be held at the Sqwire's Annex in Lafayette Square in St Louis:
1415 South 18th Street, Saint Louis, MO 63104
Lafayette Square is a beautiful area with a great park, lovely architecture, quality restaurants, bars, etc. We chose a venue that was well-adapted to the symposium's needs and also in an area where attendees can decide to stay for the entire 3-day event if they so choose.
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No. In order to assure a healthy environment for all attendees, it is prohibited for any artists to use solvents on the premises of The Figure Society Symposium. This includes Gamsol, Rublesol, turpentine, mineral spirits, odorless mineral spirits, damar varnish, etc. Any varnishing, spray fixatives, spray varnishes, etc must be used outside.
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Thursday, March 26th:
9 AM doors open. Artists and models work from 10 AM - 1 PM. Two-hour lunch break. Artists and models work from 3 PM - 5 PM. Separate model session for anyone interested in working from the live model on their own (no extra charge). 6 PM doors close.
Friday March 27th:
9:30 AM doors open. Artists and models work from 10 AM - 1 PM. Two-hour lunch break. Artists and models work from 3 PM - 5 PM. Separate model session for anyone interested in working from the live model on their own (no extra charge). 6 PM doors close.
Saturday March 28th:
9:30 AM doors open. Artists and models work from 10 AM - 1 PM. Two-hour lunch break. Artists and models work from 3 PM - 5 PM. Separate model session for anyone interested in working from the live model on their own (no extra charge). Break until 7 PM. Dinner banquet 7 PM - 11 PM. P A R T Y ! !
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Of course! BUT only during model breaks, meal breaks, and after hours. Respecting the intimacy of the beautiful models posing for us is crucial, thus no photography, video, or recording is allowed by the attendees during any times when models are posing nude.
The Figure Society will have professional photographers and videographers on site who will be fully briefed on respecting the sensitivity of the event. These hired professionals are the only individuals authorized to photograph or film while the artists are working from the nude models.
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We wanted to catch your attention there : )
The Figure Society is not imposing any sort of dress code, but please do consider this:
Having the honor and privilege of working with a nude model, witnessing the precious artist-model exchange, and learning from some of the world's most accomplished artists is an exceptional occurence. As such, The Figure Society strongly recommends that each attendee have some earnest intention in his / her dress code for the symposium. This is up to each person to decide; nothing will be imposed. We kindly ask you to simply consider how incredibly unique this opportunity is for everyone involved, and dress as per your preferences.
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Yes! TWO hotels actually, both a very short car ride to the symposium. Be sure to tell them you are coming for The Figure Society, and you will get a nice discount on your room reservation:
For the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites St. Louis Downtown, 2144 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, you can call 314-499-0100 to reserve. The direct hotel link is here.
For the Courtyard by Marriott St Louis Downtown West at 2340 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103:
Either call 800.228.9290 and reference The Figure Society Room Block, or click on this reservation link:
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Via email at admin@thefiguresociety.com or via our Instagram @thefiguresociety
See you in March!
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Yes, please be sure to read the Terms of service to get more details about the event. A lot of it was covered in these FAQ, but there are some other goodies worth knowing. Thank you so much for your interest and support!
The Genesis
The Figure Society was founded on January 1, 2025 by Shane Wolf. Given that no artistic organization exists that focuses solely on this long-standing artform, The Figure Society firmly refocuses the paramount importance of the Nude in Art and in culture.
The Rule of Three’s
Via its annual symposium, The Figure Society will invite three painters, three sculptors, and three models to gather in a common venue and celebrate their passion for the figure. Spaces will also be available for a limited public to witness living legends in the heat of their creation and collaboration.
Meet us in St. Louis
Small City, Mighty in Cultural History
Not only is St. Louis geographically centrally located in the US, the city offers richness of culture as well as accessibility—you can get anywhere in 15 minutes. Though there are divides, there are bridges. Free internationally-recognized museums, food traditions, music scene, large parks, and the origin of The Figure Society.



