| Undergraduate degrees include the B.A. in studio art and B.F.A. in Ceramics. A minor in studio art is also available to non-majors. Graduate degrees include the M.A. and M.F.A.
Both the undergraduate and graduate programs in ceramics give students the technical knowledge and skills they need to become mature, independent, and resourceful creative artists who respond to their culture. Graduates of the ceramics program have gone on to operate successful studios and in many cases to teach at all educational levels.
The ceramics program encompasses approximately 5,000 square feet of studio space and a 3,000-square-foot kiln room, with additional kiln space outdoors. Kilns include six large electric and six large gas reduction, including salt and sagger types. Three woodfired kilns are used to study that particular aesthetic quality and to explore renewable fuel possibilities. Students are encouraged to build and be resourceful in design and material use. Two large clay mixers, an industrial clay reprocessor, a slab roller, hand extruder, 25 pottery wheels, and ample work space serve 250 or more students per year, including six to nine M.F.A. majors.
Hazardous materials information about toxicity and handling procedures satisfies state and federal standards.
The School's Office of Visual Materials has an ample supply of historical and contemporary examples of ceramics available as slides, videos, and films. A good selection of contemporary slides is available within the ceramics building library also. The Art Library in the Art Building has an excellent selection printed material on reserve, including theses on technical, aesthetic, and multicultural resources. Art history classes deal specifically with African and Pacific Rim ceramics.
The ceramics program supports a lab coordinator and three part-time assistants who help manage and maintain equipment, stock materials, and teach entry-level courses.
Visiting artists conduct several two-day workshops each semester. Enrollment in required courses ranges from 15 to 20 students. Grading is based on completed piece work, class attendance, and participation.
Some past graduates have established scholarships at the University for students studying the ceramic arts. Angelo Garzio, a 1954 M.F.A. graduate, established a scholarship for a graduate and/or undergraduate student who excels in vessel making. The Glen C. Nelson Ceramic Scholarship recognizes Nelson, a well-known educator and author of a ceramics textbook that is widely used in universities world wide. The scholarship is given to a student majoring in ceramics. Students must be nominated by a ceramics faculty member.
|
