Ceramics at CIA
At The Cleveland Institute of Art, our ceramics program builds on the age-old medium of ceramic art by teaching both the science and the art of its two major traditions: works of sculpture and works of utility. We expose students to the rich history and contemporary potential of ceramics as a vehicle for the expression of ideas.
Develop a Wide Range of Techniques
As a Ceramics major, you will study nearly every aspect of ceramic work. Coursework includes handbuilding, pottery wheel throwing, glaze making, glazing techniques, and loading and firing gas and electric kilns. Explore ceramic materials in two and three dimensions through the use of mold work and multiples in sculpture, studio pottery, and ceramic design. Expand your creativity as you develop fabrication techniques including press molding, drain casting, solid casting, casting body formulation, slip preparation and use, glazing, and surfacing.
Be Part of a Community
As part of our material culture and craft environment, the Ceramics department offers an interactive open studio environment that encourages collaboration and communication between students, peers, and instructors. You are expected to share responsibilities for firing, glaze making, and studio upkeep. You also will participate in group reviews and learn of exhibition opportunities for your work.
Learn More
Find out more about our ceramics facilities, faculty, courses, and available scholarships. Check out potential career paths in ceramics or works created by our students.
Click on an image to see a larger view.
Antonia Campanella |
Brian Sarama |
Eleni DiMaio |
Jacqueline Miller |
Jake Drake |
Melissa Horner |
Top-Notch Ceramics Facilities
As a Ceramics major at the premier art and design college in Cleveland, Ohio, you will work in an individual studio space replete with sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows, large common workspaces, and glazing areas. You will have access to specialized spaces for clay making, glaze making and testing, and plaster working.
State-of-the-Art Kiln
In addition, our Department of Ceramics is one of only a few ceramics departments in the country to own a digitally-controlled, Blaauw gas kiln. A unique kiln, it is fully computerized and capable of any firing cycle, oxidation, or reduction. Our sizeable kiln room also contains three gas kilns, eight electric kilns and one raku kiln. Students may fire work ranging from six inches to five feet in height.
Careers in Ceramics
After graduation, our ceramics alumni experience continued success within the field, ranging from exhibitions in national and international galleries and museums to attending graduate school.
With a BFA in ceramics, potential career options include:
- Art conservator
- Art consultant
- Studio artist
- Studio designer
- Teacher
Download the Ceramics program of study
Access Course Schedules and Descriptions
Ceramics Courses
- Ceramics: Advanced Handbuilding
- Ceramics: The Alchemy of Fire and Clay
- Ceramics: Architecture-Based Ceramics and Special Projects
- Ceramics: BFA Statement and Exhibition
- Ceramics: Image, Pattern, and Surface in Clay
- Ceramics: Intro to 3D Plastic Media
- Ceramics: Majolica, the Painted Pot
- Ceramics: Nature and Structure
- Ceramics: The Potter’s Wheel
- Ceramics: Raw Materials
- Ceramics: Sculpture in Clay
- Ceramics: Surface and Content
- Ceramics: Table For Two: The Evolving Rituals of Food, Utility, and Community
- Ceramics: The Vessel and Utility
- Craft and Material Culture Core Studios
- Creative Process and Materials Studies
- Freshman Environmental Elective: Craft and Material Culture
- Intro Ceramics: The Narrative Vessel/Basic Ceramic Fabrication
- Language and Materials
- Major Day
- Special Projects
Ceramics Program of Study
Scholarships
The Cleveland Institute of Art offers an extensive merit recognition program, using endowed scholarships and other private monies, to support our students. We offer scholarships through our academic departments, the Office of Admissions, and the Office of Financial Aid. Learn more about scholarships at CIA.
Download Institute Wide (Open) Awards
Download Award Recipient Information Sheet
Ceramics Scholarships
Annette Macneil Watson '29 Ceramics Scholarship
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Ceramics. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $1,960, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Need. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Charles F. Mosgo '35 Memorial Ceramic Prize
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a current 2nd or 3rd year student majoring in Ceramics. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $750, shared by 1 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Guy Cowan Pottery Association Scholarship for Excellence in Ceramics
Awarded for outstanding achievement to a student majoring in Ceramics. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $1,500, shared by 1 or 2 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Viktor Schreckengost '29 Award for Excellence in Ceramics
Awarded for outstanding achievement to students majoring in Ceramics. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $3,400, shared by multiple winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Robert Jergens '60 Scholarship for Excellence in Foundation Design
cross-listed in Foundation and Craft areas
Awarded for artistic achievement and creativity to current 1st year students entering one of the traditional Craft areas - Ceramics, Enameling, Fiber + Material Studies, Glass, and Jewelry + Metals (1 award per major, divided equally). Total Amount of Award in 2009: $20,000, shared by exactly 5 winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.
Jane Iglauer Fallon '36 Scholarship for Excellence in Craft
cross-listed in Craft areas
Awarded to current 2nd or 3rd year students who show great potential or have demonstrated excellence, and are majoring in one of these Craft disciplines: Ceramics, Enameling, Glass, Jewelry + Metals. Total Amount of Award in 2009: $3,760 shared by 1 or more winner(s). Award is based on Merit. Merit is criteria in all awards. Need-based awards are based on FAFSA form and the federal methodology.