/ Majors / Craft + Design
Last cache: 18-06-2025 09:07:52

Major Craft + Design

I push the limits of traditional and contemporary craft techniques.

I Take Risks

It’s an exciting time to explore contemporary craft. You will begin to develop your artistic voice and point of view. You’ll take risks in your work and challenge the conventional use of materials. Your classes focus on cross-disciplinary innovation, creative experimentation, and sharing knowledge.

Concentrations

The Ceramics concentration dives into the ancient art of ceramics, focusing on both its scientific and artistic aspects. You will explore the two main traditions: sculpture and utility. 

The curriculum covers all aspects of ceramic work, including handbuilding, pottery wheel throwing, glaze making, glazing techniques, and operating gas and electric kilns. You’ll also learn about using a wood-fired kiln, one of only a handful at an art and design college.

The glass concentration focuses on four primary methodologies: hot glass, cold glass, fusion processes and flameworking.

After mastering the basics, you will create an independent study and research project tailored to your unique interests. You will begin to develop your artistic voice and point of view.

You will begin with studying the fundamental techniques and materials in jewelry design, metalwork, functional objects, and sculpture.

After learning fundamental techniques, you will have a plethora of electives to choose from to deepen your knowledge. Some of these options include CAD (computer aided design), casting, enameling, fabrication, jewelry concepts, stone setting, surface and color and more!

Your studio space

Our Craft + Design studios are designed to encourage collaboration. Having all these spaces interconnected helps you experiment and think more broadly about materiality and context. You’ll have your own studio space with access to the tools, technology and peer support to help you explore and execute your ideas.

Student Experience

A glass student is working with hot glass on a metal surface.

I love being able to play with such a beautiful material. I am not only thankful for this craft, but the people who push you to create in this department. Glass is about working together, and I wouldn't be where I am today without my classmates, professors, and friends in this field of work.

— Annie O’Brien ‘25

Mike Mentz ’18 is the studio manager for the Flint Museum glass department, coordinating programs and workshops. He also maintains an active studio practice.

Stephanie Schwallie ’06 is creative director for CASTLECLIFF jewelry in New York City,
specializing in high-end, sustainable, handcrafted works for the body.

Jessica Calderwood ’01 is an Associate Professor of Art at Ball State University in Indiana. She is an artist working primarily with the mediums of metal, enamel, and marginalized crafts.

Core curriculum

The core curriculum unites students from all three concentrations. Together you’ll explore common themes of creative process, material, form, and context.

Explore the full curriculum

Meet Faculty

Gretchen Goss headshot.

Gretchen Goss

Professor

Gretchen Goss is Professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art teaching Craft + Design courses for Ceramics, Glass and Jewelry + Metals students. Her personal work focused on enamel has…

View profile
Benjamin Johnson

Benjamin Johnson

Associate Professor

Born in Cicero, Indiana, Benjamin Johnson earned his BFA in glass from Kent State University and his MFA in glass from Ball State University. Johnson’s work is widely exhibited and…

View profile
Seth Nagelberg

Seth Nagelberg

Associate Professor

Seth Nagelberg is an artist and designer working in clay. He strives to close the gap between craft and design. Before joining Cleveland Institute of Art, Nagelberg was an assistant…

View profile

Kathy Buszkiewicz

Adjunct

As a materials magician, Kathy Buszkiewicz creates multi-layered works from U.S. currency which explore themes relating to materialism, environmentalism, consumerism, socio-economic and cultural value. She enjoys enticing then provoking the…

View profile

Student Work

View More Student Work

Request More Info

Assemble Your Portfolio

Visit Campus

Apply + Enroll Today

  • Student Work
  • Student Stories
  • Life at CIA
  • Campus
  • Career Center
  • Diversity, Equity + Inclusion
  • Foundation Program
  • Majors
  • Liberal Arts
  • Pre-College
  • Real-World Experience
  • Support Services
  • Continuing Education Classes
  • Facilities + Labs
  • Interactive Media Lab
  • Fabrication Studios
  • Housing
  • Campus Life
  • Events
  • Safety + Security
  • Request Info
  • Application Requirements
  • Assemble Your Portfolio
  • Visit Campus
  • Finance Your Education
  • For Accepted Students
  • ABOUT
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
  • SHOP
  • EXHIBITIONS
  • CINEMATHEQUE
  • DIRECTORY
  • College Catalog
  • Study Abroad
  • Support Services
  • Registrar's Office
  • Digital Output Center
  • Library
  • Career Center
  • Real-World Experience
  • Housing
  • Cinematheque
  • Exhibitions
  • Events
  • Title IX
  • Safety + Security
  • Finance Your Education
  • Tuition + Fees
  • Types of Aid
  • Payment Options
  • ABOUT
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
  • SHOP
  • EXHIBITIONS
  • CINEMATHEQUE
  • DIRECTORY
  • Cinematheque
  • Exhibitions
  • Take A Class
  • Interactive Media Lab
  • Digital Output Center
  • Library
  • Alumni Relations
  • Career Center
  • Work at CIA
  • Order Transcripts
  • Faculty + Staff Directory
  • Support CIA
  • Donate
  • Corporate + Community Partners
  • Community Impact
  • Annual Report
  • Transformation Campaign
  • ABOUT
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
  • SHOP
  • EXHIBITIONS
  • CINEMATHEQUE
  • DIRECTORY
  • Cinematheque
  • Exhibitions
  • Take A Class
  • Interactive Media Lab
  • Digital Output Center
  • Library
  • Work at CIA
  • Faculty + Staff Directory
  • Hire our Students + Alumni
  • Sign Up For Emails
  • Support CIA
  • Donate
  • Corporate + Community Partners
  • Community Impact
  • Annual Report
  • Transformation Campaign
  • ABOUT
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
  • DONATE
  • SHOP
  • EXHIBITIONS
  • CINEMATHEQUE
  • DIRECTORY
11610 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA 216.421.7000
Accessibility Privacy Careers Consumer Information
© 2025 CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ART