Ceramics, Metals and Sculpture

Students who enjoy working with their hands are encouraged to take classes in ceramics, metals and sculpture. Each medium offers intro- and advanced-level courses.

Ceramics

In ceramics, students explore the medium of clay through wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Ceramics classes focus on developing students’ understanding of the principles of composition in three dimensions as well as conceptual skill building. Once students have experience working with hand-molding techniques, they begin throwing on the pottery wheel. Throughout the year, students also delve into different clay firing and glazing techniques—from Japanese raku firing to high-fire stoneware in the kiln—and will leave class with an extensive portfolio of work.

Metals

Metals courses are designed to strengthen a students’ imaginative spirit and design capabilities by allowing them to explore the medium of metal using a variety of techniques. Metals courses emphasize understanding the foundational skills and technical aspects of the medium as well as the use of composition and content. Students explore methods of construction with sheet metal, surface textures, basic stone setting, lost wax casting, and forming and forging using copper, nickel, brass and silver. Students in advanced metals classes will refine their techniques with more sophisticated fabrication methods. Students will leave metals with a vast portfolio, including wearable objects, functional objects and small-scale sculptures!

Sculpture

Sculpture courses aim to introduce and develop students’ problem-solving skills using 3-D works as a means of creative expression. Students focus primarily on contemporary forms of sculpture, but are also introduced to historic and cultural backgrounds of sculpture at the beginning of each project. Students in sculpture courses learn how the 3-D form can alter the physical environment through the display of individual works and sculptural installations. Throughout the class, students will also learn the safe operation of hand and power tools while working with wood, metal, found objects and wax. Each year, students conclude their sculpture courses by creating a large-scale group installation and/or work of public art.