During the past half century, the studio glass movement of the 1960s has bridged the gap between individual artists and craftsmen making one-of-a-kind sculptures to creating handmade functional glass objects. This melding of personal expression with the business of being a working artist has led to the exponential growth in private, artist-owned studios, community studios, and glass programs in universities including our BFA degree program at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
As a student in the Glass department, you will learn four main methodologies:
After you survey all basic methods during your introductory classes, you will explore various techniques and concepts before performing your own independent study and research individually tailored to your developing voice. You will do all of this under the guidance of our devoted Glass professors, whose commitment to the art form has earned them international recognition as leading contributors to the medium.
Real-world experience for real-world careers
What may best set CIA apart from other colleges of art and design is its commitment to engaged practice. CIA’s Engaged Practice provides you opportunities to learn through experience by working on real-world projects with external partners or clients, or in the public sphere—all before graduation.
These opportunities allow you to put your classroom and studio knowledge to work in a professional setting while still being guided by faculty. You’ll learn what it takes to meet clients’ expectations, and you will emerge with confidence that will serve you as you launch your career.
Creativity coursed through previous endeavors
For Glass major Betty Rozakis, 63, drawing was an early interest-... more
Benjamin Johnson
Assistant Professor| Chair of Glass
Born in Cicero, Indiana, Benjamin Johnson earned his BFA in glass from Kent State University and his MFA in gl...more
While at CIA, you'll learn from the masters through our rigorous, world-class curriculum and connect with working professionals to begin your career.