With the hiring of
Mary Sheerer in 1894, The Newcomb Art Department became the
first Liberal Arts College in America to offer ceramic art as
a significant component within a department of visual art. Alongside
the instructional curriculum developed the quasi-commercial
entity of Newcomb Pottery, which became internationally famous
for the innovative designs and remarkable craftsmanship embodied
in the pots. Though Newcomb Pottery ceased operation in the
1940's, the instructional program in ceramics has continued
to be one of the finest in the country.
Since 1996, when
the Art Department completed a major renovation and expansion
of the building, the ceramics area facilities have become outstanding
by any measure. Separate air-conditioned teaching studios dedicated
to wheel throwing, general construction, plaster working, glazing,
clay mixing and firing allow maximum flexibility and access
to equipment, with optimal control for health and safety needs.
Furnished with modern equipment and safety systems, facilities
allow students to make use of virtually any technique or firing
range of interest.
Curricular offerings
in ceramic include introductory level courses in hand forming
and wheel throwing, ARST 113 and 213, with attention given to
both earthenware and stoneware firing processes. Intermediate
and advanced courses include a plaster technology course ARST
214, advance wheel throwing ARST 314, advanced ceramics with glaze
technology ARST 313 and self directed advanced study in ARST 413
and 414. Special courses such as Kiln Design and Construction
and Ceramic Printmaking are also offered. The curriculum is intended
to provide broad and substantial instruction in the major forming
and firing methods, while exposing students to a range of aesthetic
and conceptual approaches to the field. Advanced students are
encouraged to focus in particular areas of interest, and develop
a more sophisticated conceptual and aesthetic vocabulary with
the material. Both sculptural and vessel oriented inquiries are
encouraged.
