The Ceramics program at the University of Florida is one of the major ceramics programs in the southeast. The program is designed to promote growth in aesthetics, technical knowledge, and conceptual approaches. The strength of the program lies in its diversity: no one style, aesthetic or technical focus is stressed over others, and experimentation is encouraged. The curriculum addresses the broad range of perspectives found in contemporary ceramic art, from sculpture to vessel-reference works to pottery, and includes historical and contemporary references. The program includes professional practices information to help undergraduate and graduate students make the transition from school into the field, and encourages students to participate in the semi-annual sales of Florida H.O.T. (Handbuilt Or Thrown) Clay (a student organization), which fund an active visiting artist program and travel to the annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

The undergraduate program in ceramics provides a broad base of ceramic knowledge and addresses both technical and aesthetic vocabulary. At the introductory level, clay is used as a material for exploration of perceptual skills and design concepts while students build studio abilities and become familiar with clay and glaze materials and firing methods. Historical precedents, contemporary issues, artists, and art works are incorporated throughout the curriculum. Studio work addresses many types of expression, and supports both sculptural- and vessel-oriented approaches to art making in clay. Within these varied expressions, students encounter hand-forming, wheel-throwing, mold-making, and a variety of firing techniques. Advanced students use this foundation knowledge to express individual concepts in their work and develop a personal body of focused expression that culminates in a B.F.A. exhibition.

The graduate program offers a strong community of active students who are researching questions about individual issues in art-making and pursuing solutions to resolved, focused, personal work. Ceramics graduate students meet weekly for topical seminar and critical discussion of works, and also have individual tutorials with faculty. The faculty believes that the ability to evaluate and discuss works should extend beyond one's personal studio involvements, and students alternate semesters with each professor, regardless of personal studio orientation. Students are encouraged and regularly attend summer programs at Penland, Arrowmont, Watershed, Haystack, often with scholarships.

Alumni from the UF Ceramics program are teaching ceramic art in national programs. In 2007 Andrew Cho, recent Ceramics BFA Alumnae, was awarded a 2007 NCECA Undergraduate Fellowship. NCECA has also recognized the strength of the artists who graduate from the Ceramics Program at the University of Florida. We are pleased to acknowledge the following Alumni who have been honored as NCECA Emerging Talents: Kathy King, Associate Professor, University of Georgia, Lynn Duryea, Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University, Kate Murray, Studio Potter, Katy Rush, Studio Artist, Tara Wilson, Studio Potter, Erin Furimsky, and Studio Artist.

H.O.T. Clay sponsored Workshops 2007-2008: (workshops are open to the public, free to students, non-students are suggested a modest donation to the student organization).

Andy Martin, Mold-making - Spring, 2008 (date TBA)
H.O.T. Clay Sales are held in December and April at the Reitz Union
Colonnade. You can be placed on our sale and workshop list serve!

We invite you to visit the Ceramics Program, faculty and staff websites:

Ceramics Website
Linda Arbuckle, Professor, UF Ceramics http://lindaarbuckle.com
Nan Smith, Professor, UF Ceramics www.nansmith.com
Anna Calluori Holcombe, Director SAAH www.annaholcombe.com
Raymond Gonzalez, Teaching Lab Specialist UF Ceramics www.gonzalezstudio.com

For more information contact: ceramicsinfo@arts.ufl.edu