Ceramics Concentration
The ceramics concentration allows students to investigate and develop a deeper understanding of one of the Earth’s most abundant and easily manipulated materials— clay. Clay is one of the most technically challenging materials to work with and has a long and expansive history of being used by people of almost all cultures to make utilitarian wares for the preparation, cooking, and storage of food.
More recently, since the early 1950’s, clay has also been embraced by artists as a material to create unique objects for the sole purpose of artistic expression. Students studying ceramics will have the opportunity to improve and hone technical skills, further develop creative and critical thinking abilities, and cultivate their own artistic voice in a supportive, yet challenging, studio environment. Students are encouraged, as they progress through the concentration, to foster an appreciation of the broad potential and inherent complexities of clay through experimentation and personal discovery.
Ultimately, advanced level students articulate their individual interests and develop a focused direction in their work. Possibilities could include aesthetically considered functional work, expressive vessel or sculptural forms, or conceptual installation. A variety of topics related to ceramics and studio practice are also included in the curriculum—an introduction to different clay bodies, making clay and glazes, construction techniques, glaze applications, and firing processes. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Problems courses are offered in both handbuilding and wheel throwing classes.
Our Programs
- Our BA/BS Art-Studio Major, Ceramics concentration, is a 42-credit major program that provides a well-rounded education in fine art and visual communication with a course sequence focused on ceramics. There is no portfolio review and admission is open to anyone.
- Our BFA Art-Studio Major, Ceramics concentration, is an intensive 78-credit major program that provides a rigorous fine art education with an in-depth focus on ceramics. Admission to the program requires an application process and portfolio review.
- Our Art-Studio Minor is an 18-credit minor program that provides a complimentary fine-art experience with students able to select electives focused on ceramics. Any undergraduate student may declare this minor.
To work in ceramics is to know the whole world and to learn about all times and cultures. Susan Peterson, Working with Clay