Hood’s MFA program prepares students to contribute original knowledge and creativity to the field of ceramics.
Courses are designed to guide the artists far beyond the hobbyist stage to the role of visual communicator of ideas, concepts and passion through art. Students explore the subtle nuances and detail of aesthetic expression as they refine the practical application of science and technology in their work, conduct advanced thesis research and prepare for a solo gallery exhibition.
Faculty members are accomplished ceramic artists and well-known specialists in areas such as East Asian coil techniques, structural strength, wheel techniques, large-scale stoneware and porcelain, ceramic engineering, wood firing, exhibition development and public art. Special course topics taught by distinguished guest artists add another dimension of experience and research. Small classes assure personal attention. Outstanding facilities include a kiln pavilion that has five atmospheric kilns: exploratory research, production soda, large-scale sculpture, hybrid gas/soda/wood, and Sanderson ECO wood train.Through study and studio work, and hands-on experience with these kilns, students produce a comprehensive body of work.
A variety of class formats accommodates working adults and long-distance commuters: evenings; weekends; and four-day, one-week and two-week intensive courses. The program can be completed in two calendar years with full-time study, or longer on a part-time basis to allow time for other life commitments. Another option is to complete the requirements of a Hood M.A. in ceramic arts, and apply those courses to the longer-range goal of an MFA.
The Hood College Graduate School also offers workshops, studio courses and events designed to allow ceramic artists, both experienced and aspiring, to gain specialized knowledge in the field.
Program Director
Director of Graduate Admission
Lillian Ding graduated from Hood College with an MFA in Ceramic Arts in September 2020. She received First Prize in 2018 and the President’s Choice Award in 2019 at Hood’s Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition Awards Ceremony.
Chaz Martinsen, MFA, joins the Ceramic Arts program this fall as its new program director.
"Hood College’s ceramics program is so unique as it offers a robust spectrum of classes that teach graduate students everything from the most basic to the more advanced aspects of ceramics."
For students applying to the MFA in ceramic arts program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
Candidates for the MFA in Ceramic Arts program must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent training in the ceramic arts. Students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than ceramics who provide evidence of life experience and skill in the ceramic arts may be accepted with permission of the program director.
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts requires candidates to complete a studio emphasis in ceramic arts with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater.
60 credits are required for graduation:
19 credits of core requirements
17 credits of required research
15 credits of general electives
9 credits of art history, aesthetics and criticism
Students studying full time will normally spend three years earning the degree. Successful completion of ARTS 570 and a 3.0 grade point average will serve as an interim evaluation for continuing studies. Strong candidate for the M.F.A. will have earned a grade of A- (3.67) or higher in ARTS 570. Students may transfer 9 credits earned from an accredited program to their course requirements for the M.F.A.
| ARTS 501 | Glaze Application | 1.0 |
| ARTS 502 | East Asian Wedged Coil Technique | 1.0 |
| ARTS 505 | Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing Concepts | 2.0 |
| ARTS 508 | Ceramic Sculpture | 3.0 |
| ARTS 523 | Ceramic Materials | 3.0 |
| ARTS 525 | Electric Kilns | 1.0 |
| ARTS 530 | Kiln Technology & Firing Theory | 2.0 |
| ARTS 540 | Clay/Glaze Chemistry Theory & Practice | 3.0 |
| ARTS 574 | Advanced Studies in Ceramic Arts | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19.0 |
| ARTS 543 | History of Ceramic Arts | 3.0 |
| ARTS 564 | Aesthetics and Criticism | 3.0 |
| Three credits Art History (ART) at 500 level |
|
Additional graduate level humanities courses may serve as elective credit with approval of the program director.
| ARTS 569 | Survival Skills for Visual Artists | 1.0 |
| ARTS 570 | Seminar in Personal Studio Research | 3.0 |
| ARTS 576 | MFA Thesis Preparation | 3.0 |
| ARTS 580 | MFA Thesis Research | 6.0 |
| ARTS 595 | MFA Thesis Exhibition | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17.0 |
| ARTS 504 | Ceramic Decoration | 3.0 |
| ARTS 506 | Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing II | 2.0 |
| ARTS 507 | Plates and Platters | 1.0 |
| ARTS 509 | Throwing Large Forms | 3.0 |
| ARTS 512 | Eastern & Western Tech in Trimming | 1.0 |
| ARTS 517 | Dynamic and Asymmetrical Wheel | 3.0 |
| ARTS 542 | Modeling the Figure | 3.0 |
| ARTS 545 | Large Scale and Composite Sculpture | 3.0 |
| ARTS 531 | Wood Firing Theory | 2.0 |
| ARTS 532 | Firing Large Scale Wood Kiln | 2.0 |
| ARTS 533 | Soda Firing Theory and Practice | 2.0 |
| ARTS 520 | Photographing Ceramics | 1.0 |
| ARTS 547 | Creating with Porcelain | 3.0 |
| ARTS 590 | Teaching Assistant in Ceramic Arts | 1.0 - 4.0 |
| ARTS 599 | Special Topics in Ceramic Arts | 1.0 - 3.0 |
| ARTS 575 | Independent Study | 1.0 - 3.0 |
Spring 2019 Workshops
January 10-13 ARTS 505 Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing Concepts
2 Credits, TA 1, Joyce Michaud, Workshop Cost: $400.00
An in-depth study of advanced throwing concepts designed to assist the student to cognitively understand the essence of clay, the broadcast potential of the medium and learn to respond to the forces affecting the movement of clay during the throwing process in a synthesis of skill, knowledge and artistic expression.
January 17-May 9, Thursdays 5-9PM ARTS 554: Modeling the Figure
3Credits, TA 1, Kevin Rohde, Workshop Cost: $750.00
The study of structure, proportion and movement as seen in the human figure is key to the understanding and appreciation of balance, design and the interaction of objects within nature. An in-depth study of the figure in clay, including anatomy and articulation using the life and costumed model, and considerations for finishing and firing figurative work.
January 18,19 February 8,9 March 1,2,29,30 April 26,27 ARTS 543 History of Ceramic Arts
3Credits, Joyce Michaud w/ Guest Lecturers, Workshop Cost: $750.00
A survey of the history of ceramic arts from its beginning through the present time in the context of the history of the people who made and used the wares The ways that these examples were made and their place in the history of ceramic technology will also be examined.
January 20, February 20, March 31, April 28ARTS 524 Clay Calculation, Theory and Practice
3Credits, TA 1, Matt Katz, Workshop Cost: $750.00
This course will explore the composition, properties and application of materials used in ceramics to aid in the development of clay bodies for pottery and sculpture.
January 25-27 ARTS 525 Electric Kilns
1Credit, TA 2, Taylor Pasquale, Workshop Cost:$225.00
An in-depth study of all aspects of modern electric kilns used for ceramics, including design, construction and materials, related supplies and equipment, loading procedures, operation, unloading, routine maintenance, diagnosis of common problems and repair, safety and selection criteria for choosing the appropriate kiln for different applications.
February 15-17 ARTS 520 Photographing Ceramics
1Credit, Carson Cottage, Tim Jacobsen, Workshop Cost: $225.00
The study of aesthetic considerations in photographing ceramic art and composition of the object as it relates to the camera frame. Students will develop a portfolio and slide library of personal works and images.
March 23-24ARTS 507 Plates and Platters
1 Credit, TA 1, Kristin Muller, Workshop Cost: $225.00
An in-depth study of the throwing and finishing plates and large platters, including structural strength concepts for low open forms, methods for centering, a variety of throwing techniques, information on finishing, firing and composition.
April 13, May 8-12, May 19 ARTS 532 Firing Large Scale Wood Kiln
3Credits, Instructor’s Residence, Kevin Crowe, Workshop Cost: $750.00
An in depth study in the history, theory, techniques and aesthetics of the long wood firing in a large single chamber or multi-chambered kiln, including in depth information covering all aspects of firing these large historic kilns and practical experience at each stage of the process.
Summer Term 1 2019
May 31-June 2ARTS 502 East Asian Wedged Coil Technique
1 Credit, TA 2, Joyce Michaud, Workshop Cost: $225.00
One of the most valuable methods for the construction of asymmetrical work, East Asian Wedged Coil Technique provides the greatest wet structural strength for clay sculpture. Learn coil making and building, and the advanced techniques of coil riveting, ribbing, bridging, boating and bracing for large and/or sculptural forms in clay.
June 7-9ARTS 599 Special Topics in Ceramic Arts
1 Credit, TA 1, Shiro Otani, Workshop Cost: $225.00
Selected topics courses, 1-3 credits, offer an opportunity for students to study specific ceramic art topics not included in the regular course offerings. Usually taught by guest artists, the selected topics courses provide a variety of directions and voices beyond the basic curriculum.
June 24-29ARTS 509 Throwing Large Forms
3 Credits, TA 1, Kevin Crowe, Workshop Cost: $750.00
The workshop will focus on the techniques and aesthetic perspective employed to produce large-scale pots. Participants will develop alternate methods to throw and center large pots. Throwing large allows a more elastic understanding of the relationship between object and the space it occupies.
Summer Term 2 2019
July 10-14ARTS 531 Wood Firing Theory
3Credits, Hodson Annex, Joe Delphia, Workshop Cost: $750.00
A study in wood firing with information on stoking patterns, heat rise and firing theory, wadding composition and placement, loading and stacking procedures, types of woods, stoking patterns; the effects of oxidation/reduction cycles and more will be covered. Full participation in all aspects of preparation and firing is required.
July 15-19, July 22-26 ARTS 508 Ceramic Sculpture
3 Credits, TA 2, Kevin Rohde, Workshop Cost: $750.00
Applied three-dimensional ceramic design and construction covering a variety of methods of hand-forming with clay to take a sculptural direction. Techniques include tile relief, eastern coil, slab construction, modeling the figure, the portrait bust, structural strength concepts for sculpture and firing considerations for sculptural forms.
August 1-4ARTS 505 Ceramic Wheel: Masters' Throwing Concepts
2 Credits, TA 1, Kristin Muller, Workshop Cost: $400.00
An in-depth study of advanced throwing concepts designed to assist the student to cognitively understand the essence of clay, the broadcast potential of the medium and learn to respond to the forces affecting the movement of clay during the throwing process in a synthesis of skill, knowledge and artistic expression.
August 7-11ARTS 533 Soda Firing Theory
2Credits, Hodson Annex, Jenna Gianni, Workshop Cost: $400.00
A study in soda firing, presenting information on clay, slip and glaze for the soda firing, loading and stacking procedures, wadding, composition and placement, heat rise, the effects of oxidation/reduction firing cycles, and firing theory will be covered. Information on the history of soda firing, types of soda kilns and basic kiln construction, kiln maintenance, kiln furniture, heat measuring devices, and safety issues will also be covered.
Please contact Shauwney Anderson at andersonc@hood.edu or call 301-696-3621 to register for workshops.
Fall 2019
September 11-15ARTS 530 Kiln Technology & Firing Theory
2Credits, Hodson Annex, Matthew Gaddie, Workshop Cost: $400.00
A study in kiln stacking and firing procedures with concentration on atmospheric firings, types of kilns, fuels and basic kiln construction, firing, kiln maintenance and repair, kiln furniture, heat measuring devices and safety equipment.
Please contact Shauwney Anderson at andersonc@hood.edu or call 301-696-3621 to register for workshops.