Ceramics

The Ceramics program offers a comprehensive sequence of courses covering all aspects of hand-building, wheel-throwing, slip-casting, glaze and slip application, and various firing methods. Our goal is to equip students with a robust technical foundation and strong conceptual skills. Assigned projects are designed to inspire student imagination by exploring both historic and contemporary ceramic artists and techniques, thereby connecting the past with the present. In advanced classes, students are encouraged to develop their own interests and create a body of work that reflects their personal style, culminating in a BFA exhibition in our gallery. Undergraduate students receive continuous guidance from faculty, graduate students, and the communal studio environment.

At the graduate level, we typically accommodate up to three students, allowing for strong individual attention. Each graduate student is provided with a private studio space and has independent access to well-equipped facilities, including kilns, a glaze area, and a research room. This research room serves as a digital imaging station with two computers, an on-site collection of books, magazines, catalogues, slides, a laser printer for iron toner decals, and small to medium-scale 3D printers for models.

Miami, the fourth largest urban area in the country, boasts a unique blend of diverse cultures, creating a vibrant cultural oasis and energetic art scene. Unlike cities with long-established artistic roots, Miami offers a distinctive mix of high and low thrills, from the excitement of Art Basel fairs and high-end museums to reputable private galleries and garage-converted alternative spaces. Our students have a unique opportunity not only to be exposed to Miami’s dynamic art scene but also to become active participants. The Department of Art and Art History manages a gallery space where we host events throughout the year.

Carlos Enrique Prado, Gladiator (Double Column), 2021 Recycling Piles Series Ceramic 3D print, Stoneware/Cone 6 Oxidation.	Anthony Magnetti, Untitled, 2023 Reclaimed stoneware, oxides, and glazes.
Kimberly Bauldree, ...For a Thousand Years... (I have loved you), 2022 Over 1,000 hand-made stoneware pinch-pots and flasks, Stoneware, oxides, and glaze.	Ximena Salazar, Too Much to Say, 2023 Stoneware and glazes.

FACILITIES

The ceramics facility, spanning approximately 5,000 square feet, is well-organized and includes a fully equipped kiln area. Undergraduate students work in a communal space, while each graduate student has a private studio. Additionally, students can utilize a large outdoor area throughout the year for specific projects.

EQUIPMENT
• 108 cubic feet Bailey computer-controlled downdraft scissors cart gas kiln
• 40 cubic feet Olympic downdraft gas kiln
• 38 cubic feet Bailey computer-controlled downdraft cart gas kiln
• 28 cubic feet Bailey semi-automated downdraft soda gas kiln
• 16.5 cubic feet Bailey commercial duty programmable front loader electric kiln
• 16.5 cubic feet (42"w x 31"l x 27"d) Cone Art oval touch screen programmable electric kiln
• 24” x 60” x 30” Olympic rectangular programmable electric kiln
• 37” x 27” Olympic electric kiln
• two 28” x 27" Bailley cone10 programmable electric kilns
• two 27” x 24” Skutt electric kilns
• 28 ¼ " x 27" drum hoist Olympic Raku gas kiln
• two18” test kilns, and one 7” x 11” x 8” test kiln 
• 15 wheels (Speedball Big Boss, Shimpo, Brent)
• large outdoor filtered and ventilated Paasche spray/glaze booth
• two Peter Pugger vacuum powered wedgers (pugmill and clay mixer)
• Bluebird clay mixer, Soldner clay mixer
• North Star 30” x 75” slab roller 
• Brent and North Star wall mounted extruders
• Ball mill
• One Test gas kiln 18” x 18” x 27”