Ceramics

Ceramics photo

The Ceramics Program provides an inspiring environment that allows you to build your artistic vision with clay. Students work in an inclusive and high energy studio in which they develop strong working relationships with their faculty and colleagues. Beginning courses in wheel throwing and handbuilding introduce a wide variety of building methods and philosophies used in the area of ceramic design and sculpture. Students gain an understanding of the technical side of the process through clay and glaze mixing, material testing, studio procedures and kiln firing, all of which insures a safe and productive working environment. In upper division courses, these acquired skills eventually develop a connection to the senses and intellect, from which students cultivate their unique form of expression.

Every year, one or two post baccalaureate students are accepted to work in the ceramics studio. Those selected are provided scholarships, develop a portfolio for graduate school or residency applications and learn studio management skills.

The student club, “The Clay Body” raises funds through biannual pottery sales to support extra curricular educational opportunities throughout the academic year. The Clay Body coordinates the “Visiting Artist in Ceramics” program which has contracted internationally renown artists such as Julia Galloway, Ayumi Horie, Peter Pincus, Jessica Brandl, Gerardo Monterrubio, George Rodriguez, Shoko Teruyama, and Brenda Quinn to present workshops and give critiques at UAA and via Zoom. The club also assists students in paying for trips to national ceramic conferences and museum tours in New York City and for tuition to attend continuing education workshops in the lower 48 states.