M.F.A. in Ceramics
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A) degree in Ceramics is a concentrated three-year program devoted to studio, seminar, art history, and elective coursework. Our program emphasizes diversity, rigorous conceptual investigation, and contemporary critical discourse to develop individuals who challenge existing norms while producing compelling artwork. Through individual research, students develop skills, techniques and use of material as evidenced through a mature body of creative artwork.
Program Highlights
- Morean Spring Residency: Each spring, graduates participate in a funded, short-term residency through the Morean Workshop Space (MWS) in St. Petersburg, Florida. While at the MWS, students interact with visiting artists and curators and participate in the vibrant art scene of St. Petersburg-Tampa through professional learning and exhibition opportunities. As part of the residency, students also travel to Miami, FL for a 2-day trip filled with museum tours and gallery visits. The Morean Spring Residency typically includes three trips to Florida: 1.) January: Florida Heat Woodfiring Workshop (16 days), 2.) February: 1-2 Visting Instructor(s) Workshop (5 days) and 3.) April:1-2 Visting Instructor(s) Workshop (5 days).
- Morean Ceramics Research Center Summer Workshop Series: Each summer, graduate students participate in an intensive on-campus workshop series, working alongside and connecting with visiting artists, designers, and curators.
- Funding: Each graduate student receives the Audrey Morean Petersen Graduate Fellowship. Graduate Fellowship awards include full or partial tuition coverage, a generous material budget, and stipend. Once enrolled, Frostic School of Art and the Graduate College offer a variety of additional funding opportunities for travel and research.
- Paid teaching opportunities that provide valuable classroom experience.
- 170 sq.ft. private studio space.
Faculty
Technician
Visiting Artists
The mission of Frostic School of Art’s Visiting Artist program is trifold: to provide students direct, meaningful contact with working artists, both established and emerging; to elevate the regional, national, and international profile of the Frostic School of Art and Richmond Center for Visual Arts; and to nurture a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff within WMU’s College of Fine Arts. Ceramics Graduate Students have the unique opportunity to work with 8-10 visiting artists each year through the Morean Spring Residency Program and the Morean Ceramics Research Center Summer Workshop. Students have direct input on our visiting program and are encouraged to recommend artists, designers, and curators they would like to work with. Recent visiting artists and scholars that have enriched the ceramics curriculum include; Michelle Summers, Tom Jaszczak, Matt Long, John Balistreri, Brad Schweiger, George Rodriguez, Alex Zablocki, Peter Pinus, Mark Errol, Sam Chumley, Julie Moon, Trey Hill, Nathan Prouty, Raven Halfmoon, Stuart Gair, Kyle Johns, Chandra DeBuse, Jamie Bates Slone, Lars Zoltz, Gustav Hamilton, Kristen Cliffel, Michael Lorsung, Jenn Cole, Akeylah Imani Wellington, Savanna LaBauve, & Eric Zohn.
Facilities
The 8,000 sq. ft. studio, supervised by a full-time technician, includes wheel-throwing and hand-building areas, a well-stocked glaze lab with spray booth, and a dedicated plaster lab. The Ceramics Area also includes a 5,300 sq. ft. outdoor kiln pad with enclosed material storage and atmospheric kilns.
Tools and Equipment
30 electric pottery wheels, 7 computer-controlled electric kilns, 32 cu. ft. gas-fired downdraft kiln, 90 cu. ft. gas-fired downdraft car kiln, and 180 cu. ft. gas-fired downdraft car kiln, 300 cu. ft. wood-fired barrel-arched anagama kiln, 50 cu. ft. gas-fired crossdraft soda kiln, 6 cu. ft. gas-fired drum/cantilevered raku kiln, 40 cu. ft gas-fired updraft kiln, Two Slab Rollers, Laguna Spray Booth, Soldner and Bluebird Clay Mixers, Bluebird and Shimpo Pugmills and a Shimpo Ballmill.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have several avenues for employment across multiple industries including:
- Professional Artist or Designer
- University or Secondary Educator
- Entrepreneur
- Fabricator or Studio Assistant
- Art Handler or Preparator
- Artist-in-Residence
- Arts Administration, Museum and/or Non-Profit Positions
- Gallery Manager, Owner, Curator, Exhibition Designer
- Art Writer, Librarian, or Consultant
About Kalamazoo, MI:
Kalamazoo, Michigan is a metropolitan community of 150,000 residents located in Southwest Michigan, a little over two hours from Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI. Home to nationally recognized Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo is a city filled with energy and innovation. A vibrant downtown features quality dining, unique shops, galleries, and live entertainment. In Kalamazoo, you’re never far from a number of lakes and other outdoor recreation or one of over 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Kalamazoo averages around $750-950 monthly rent for 2-bedroom apartments, with minimal campus commutes and an average living cost. Our students enjoy easy access to a wide range of art-making materials and several options for groceries from Trader Joe’s to Costco.