Ceramics

An image depicting work at the School of Art + Design.
Risk leads to reward—especially in art. In our master of fine arts program in ceramics, we provide a strong aesthetic and theoretical foundation to guide your decisions—your risks—as a visual artist. As you develop an original body of work, we urge you to challenge conventions, attempt the untraditional, and imagine new connections between ceramics and other artistic mediums. Our ultimate goal: To offer you the space and guidance to develop into a unique and self-sustaining artist.

As a graduate student in the School of Art+Design, you'll reap the benefits of studying under an attentive and supportive faculty. During your time in the program, you'll work with a faculty advisor to shape the curriculum that best serves your artistic and intellectual interests. On your way to completing the MFA, you will take eight ceramics courses, one graduate seminar, and seven electives. These electives are crucial to your development as an artist. We encourage all of our students to move beyond the walls of the ceramics studio, exploring the other art forms taught in the School of Art+Design.

Studio work lies at the heart of the MFA in ceramics, including in-class assignments and individual projects. Professors and peers will offer formal and informal critiques of your work as you progress through the program. Our new, state-of-the-art ceramics facility grants you an ideal place get your hands dirty. And the university's Krannert Art Museum is home to an extensive ceramics archive, as well as a large gallery space where, during your final year, your work will be on display. We eagerly seek applicants who are serious about their art and enthusiastic about innovation and collaboration.

Resources in Ceramics

As part of our commitment to preparing you for the life of a working artist, we invite a wide range of working artists to campus to display their art, share their experiences, and possibly offer critiques. Recent visitors include:

  • Kirk Mangus

  • Eva Kwong

  • Randy Johnston

  • Jan McKeatchie Johnston

  • Dan Anderson

  • Rimas Vis Girda

  • Edward Eberle

  • Val Cushing

  • Wayne Higby

  • John and Andrea Gill

  • Ann Currier

  • Linda Christianson

  • James Lawton

  • Bede Clark

  • David Vertacnik