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Home Department of Art and Design Programs Sculpture

Sculpture

Art - Sculpture, M.F.A.

Overview

In the sculpture concentration, students focus on advancing their skills, conceptual understanding, and artistic vision within the field of sculpture. Building upon their foundational knowledge from undergraduate studies, students engage in a deep exploration of sculptural materials, techniques, and artistic expression.

Technical proficiency is a key focus of the program. Students refine their knowledge of materials such as clay, metal, wood, plaster, or found objects, and expand their understanding of traditional and contemporary sculptural techniques. They experiment with different fabrication methods, carving, welding, casting, modeling, or assemblage, developing mastery in manipulating materials and realizing their artistic visions. Through hands-on work in the studio, students develop a strong command of both traditional and innovative sculptural techniques.

Conceptual development and artistic exploration are equally important. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and conceptual framework within the medium of sculpture. They explore a range of themes, concepts, and artistic approaches, pushing the boundaries of sculptural practice and engaging in critical discourse. They investigate the relationship between form, space, materiality, and meaning, and explore innovative approaches that challenge traditional sculptural boundaries.

The program incorporates critical theory and art history studies. Students engage in critical analysis of contemporary and historical sculptural practices, exploring theoretical frameworks that inform their artistic practice. They examine the socio-cultural contexts, aesthetics, and philosophical underpinnings of sculpture, deepening their understanding of the field and its broader significance.

Collaborative opportunities and interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged within the program. Students engage in collaborations with artists from other disciplines or explore the integration of sculpture with other media such as installation, performance, video, or digital technologies. These experiences broaden students' perspectives, foster interdisciplinary thinking, and encourage experimentation beyond traditional sculptural practices.

Throughout the program, students receive faculty mentorship, critiques, and guidance to further develop their artistic vision and refine their technical skills. They have opportunities to exhibit their work in gallery settings and engage with visiting artists and scholars who provide valuable insights and feedback.

The program culminates in a thesis, successful oral defense and exhibition that showcases students' artistic growth, technical proficiency, and conceptual development within the field of sculpture. This exhibition serves as a platform to launch their professional careers as practicing artists or pursue further studies in sculpture.

Curriculum, Concentration and Application Requirements

Please review the official academic catalog for comprehensive information on requirements.

Graduate Assistantships

Competitive graduate assistantships offer a variety of opportunities to develop teaching and other professional experience through working with a member of the Department of Art and Design faculty or staff. Graduate assistantships provide valuable support for the department both inside and outside of the classroom.

Facilities

Art Building Room 113, 2987 SQ FT

Wood Shop

  • -1 12” Powermatic 1285 Jointer with Helical Cutting Head
  • -1 22” Powermatic 201HH Planer with Helical Cutting Head
  • 1 Grizzly Industrial 19” Extreme Series 3HP Bandsaw w/ Motor Brake
  • 1 Bosch Router Table and Router
  • 1 18” Jet JWSS-18B Scroll Saw
  • 1 1” Belt Sander
  • 1 Baileigh Industrial Downdraft Table
  • 1 Oneway Manufacturing Lathe
  • 1 Safety Speed Cut 55” Panel Saw
  • 1 Powermatic 719T Mortiser
  • 1 Powermatic 18” Adjustable Speed Drill Press
  • 1 Rockwell Manufacturing 220V Disc Sander
  • 1 Porter Cable 220V Belt Sander
  • 1 Jet JOSS-S Floor Spindle Sander
  • 2 DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter Saws
  • 2 Sawstop Cabinet Saws
  • 2 Powermatic PWBS-14 14” Bandsaws
  • Wide Variety of Hand and Electric Tools for Wood

Art Building Room 113B, 710 SQ FT

Metals

  • 1 Baldor 7.5 HP Industrial Chop Saw
  • 1 TennSMITH 36” Bending Brake
  • 1 Roper Whitney 52” Jump Shear
  • 1 Beverly Shear
  • 1 Miller Millermatic 211 MIG Welder
  • 1 Miller Spectrum 375 X-TREME Plasma Cutter
  • 1 Dewalt 14” Chop Saw
  • 1 JET JWBS-14 14” Bandsaw
  • 1 Grizzly G0613 Swivel Metal Cutting Horizontal Band Saw
  • 1 Baldor 2 Sided Stationary Grinder
  • 1 Baldor 2 Sided Buffer
  • 2 Miller Millermatic 252 MIG Welders
  • 4 Oxy Acetelyn Welding Carts, Gasses, Hoses, Flashback Arrestors, and Torches.
  • 4 Fixture Welding Tables
  • Wide Variety of Clamps and Hand Tools

Art Building Room 113B1A, 710 SQ FT

Foundry

  • Burnout Kiln
  • Johnson Gas Appliance Co. Gas Furnace