Facilities
Among the resources available through the University of Kansas, the Department of Visual Art has a 5,300 square foot ceramic studio and the west campus Chamney barn complex. Other amenities include:
10 new Thomas Stuart electric wheels, 2 new Brents, 10 motorized kick wheels
Brent slab roller
Spray booth
Ball mill
Plaster room
A blunger
A slipomatic casting slip mixer
Fully stocked an
d equipped glaze area
Damp and dry boxes
Clay mixing room with two mixers (Soldner and a dough mixer)
The department has a great variety of kilns:
60 cu. train Kiln
One Alpine updraft gas kiln
Large computerized electric coffin kiln
Small electric test kiln
Large Computerized Geil Kiln
2 new computerized electrics
Manual electric
Counter balanced raku kiln and an electric test kiln
BFA (undergraduate)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics at the University of Kansas offers a multi-faceted learning experience. The curriculum is structured to introduce students to a wide range of approaches to the ceramic medium and processes including: handbuilding, throwing, slip casting and mold making. Specialized surfaces, like earthenware low temperature majolica, decals, as well as stoneware and porcelain high temperature glazes and atmospheric firings, like gas reduction, salt, and wood are fundamental elements of the curriculum. Both contemporary and historical ceramic and art history is incorporated in studio classes as well as regular group and individual critiques. Advanced classes are not project based allowing students to focus their work and personal explorations while maintaining a vital interactive studio experience with fellow students and faculty with scheduled critiques, readings, discussions, visiting artists and slide lectures. Ceramics majors are also provided with courses in kilns and clay and glaze formulation. The program focuses on a combination of conceptual development, technical understanding and a sculptural and functional inclusive approach to clay. students would range from setting up individual studios, to teaching secondary education, to continuing education towards a Master of Fine Arts degree. program in ceramics at the University of Kansas is a three-year, 60 credit hour course of study emphasizing individual growth through independent work in an atmosphere of ongoing critical discussion. We provide our graduate students with rigorous studio and academic experiences. Weekly, graduates and faculty in all disciplines of Visual Art meet in graduate seminar to have critiques, discussions and presentations. Students frequently take independent studies with a number of Art and Design faculty, in addition to those in ceramics, offering a diverse and specialized learning experience. Each student receives their own studio space, separate, yet near, the main ceramic studio and can obtain teaching experience in ceramics and the foundation program, in addition to financial support, with a graduate teaching assistantship. Scholarships are also available to outstanding students.
