Ceramics - Master of Fine Arts
What you’ll learn
The Ceramics program emphasizes the realization of individual goals. We encourage the exploration of ideas and materials to foster an atmosphere of diversity. We are committed to developing individuals who challenge contemporary standards while producing work of exceptional craftsmanship. It is our intent to prepare artists for competition in the complex, professional ceramic art world.
- Twenty five thousand dollars in raw material inventory
- Equipment consisting of over 20 potters wheels, 3 clay mixers (2 Soldners, 1 new Bluebird), 2 slab rollers, a ballmill, sandblaster, Slipomatic, glaze spraying booth and a well-stocked ventilated glaze room and clay mixing area
- The Ceramics department has a total of 14 kilns, 3 indoor and 11 outdoor.
Explore topics like: hand building, wheel throwing, kiln building, glaze calculations, alternative processes such as 3-D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, material histories, alchemy and aesthetics, design, sustainability and social practice, pedagogy and professional practices in contemporary Ceramics.
Career opportunities
Ohio University Ceramic graduates are successful professional artists, secure positions as directors of arts programs and residencies, and are university educators, running and teaching in some of the top programs in the country in Ceramics, Sculpture and New Media. Ninety percent will remain working in fields related to Ceramics throughout their careers.
Areas of focus
- Professional gallery representation; professional studio
- University teaching positions
- Artist-in-residencies
- Fullbright awardees
- Arts administration/museum and/or non-profit positions
- Creative director, studio technicians, industrial design
- Gallery manager, owner, curator, exhibition designer
- Art writer, librarian or consultant
- Studio assistant
Applying to the program
To be considered for the M.F.A. in Ceramics program, applicants must create an account and complete the online application listed below, as well as submit documentation of original artwork through a separate site.
Please prepare the following items as part of your application. All information must be uploaded and received by February 1st.
1. Online Application - http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply. Within this application you will be required to submit the following:
- Application Fee--$50 for US Citizens, $55 for International (credit card or electronic check only)
- Official set of transcripts sent to:
Graduate College
Research & Tech Building
Room 220
Athens, OH 45701 - Statement of Intent: This is typically 1-2 pages. Why are you applying for graduate school? Why OU? What are your future goals? Is there any information about your past experience/skills that is not reflected on your resume?
- Artist Statement: This is typically one page. Tell us about your current research interests, influences, and artwork.
- Resume/CV
- Three Letters of Reference: Submit the contact information for three references. Our system will automatically send these people a request via email for their submission. Their responses should be submitted by the February 1st deadline.
2. Documentation of original artwork -- ouschoolofart.slideroom.com
- Submit 20 images or other documentation of recent, original artwork.
- All uploads must conform to Slideroom’s parameters. Review these before preparing your files.
- Along with each artwork, add descriptive text where indicated.
- Detail slides are acceptable where necessary.
- A $10 fee is required for Slideroom’s service.
- This part of the application must also be completed by February 1st.
Note: Except for the official transcripts, NO materials should be sent through standard mail. Portfolios on CD or DVD will not be considered.
Ceramics faculty
The faculty, like the program, offer a great deal of diversity. Through their own artmaking careers and experiences within the field, they have gathered a large pool of information from which students can draw. If you’d like more information about the M.F.A. in ceramics program, please reach out to Area Chair, Professor, Tom Bartel