Ceramics

About the Ceramics Concentration in Studio Art

We believe clay is a means of expression, a tool for communication and a conduit for critical thinking. The Ceramics concentration is an engaged community of undergraduate and graduate students, technical staff and faculty who promote excellence in the field. Students work with the oldest materials while practicing contemporary fine art, craft, and design methods. The concentration offers knowledge, aesthetics, technical approaches and invention through hands-on experiences with raw materials and technical processes. Throughout the course of study, students learn the role of Ceramics within the history of art, design and culture while pushing the boundaries of the medium. 

Students in the Ceramics concentration have active contact with the faculty and technical staff who provide critical and rigorous mentorship, encourage inter-disciplinary exploration and engage students in professional practices. Outside of the classroom, students participate in the student organization, the Clay Guild, which sponsors visiting artist workshops, gallery exhibitions, ceramic art sales and annual travel to the conference sponsored by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

Throughout the curriculum, students have regular access to materials, equipment, and library resources related to the study of ceramics. All students prepare clay bodies and glaze, learn kiln stacking procedures and firing processes — electric, gas, wood, raku, primitive and soda — and surface techniques. The studio environment is one where vessel aesthetics — form and surface design — are taught along with ceramic sculpture — including hand-forming, wheel-throwing, and mold-making.

A sandwich made of stoneware showing layers of bread, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and ham.
"I Made You a Sandwich," stoneware, by Elizabeth Rawson

B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics

As you graduate, you will have been empowered to develop a personal voice, a professional and creative practice, self-discipline and cultural awareness. Students pursuing the B.F.A. complete a final portfolio of original, cohesive work. 

M.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics

The M.F.A. program integrates creative research, contemporary theory, and practice culminating in a project in lieu-of-thesis exhibition. Please visit the Studio Art M.F.A. web page for more information.

Ceramics as a Minor

The Ceramics minor, listed in the current UNT Catalog, is designed to encourage students from all university areas to explore working in this art form.

Contact Information

Future undergraduate students: Apply to UNT; you will meet with an academic advisor during orientation. You also may contact CVAD Recruiter Kevin ContrerasKevin.Contreras@unt.edu, for more information.

Currently enrolled undergraduate students: Contact a CVAD advisor on the CVAD Advising webpage.

Department of Studio Art: 940-369-7671 |  cvad.studio@unt.edu | Art Building, Room 230