At RISD the MFA program in Ceramics offers a contemporary context for rigorous investigation and dialogue in support of individual artistic development. Graduate students engage in independent research and experimentation with new processes and ideas in consultation with faculty advisors and peers.
Our graduate candidates are professionally committed, materially articulate, intellectually curious and open. Grounded in global and cultural awareness, they pursue areas of practice and research in pottery, sculpture, installation, design, architectural ceramics, decoration, and other diverse ceramic processes and ideas. Their recent field research has taken them to New York City, Boston, Denmark, Germany, Japan and the UK.
current enrollment
graduate students: 12
undergraduates: 13
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- What is the focus of the graduate program in Ceramics?
Our faculty supports the rigorous development of each graduate student's independent, studio-based practice. Whether focused on sculpture, installation or functional pottery and pursuing architectural, design-based, experimental, traditional or pedagogical inquiry, our graduate students approach their work differently, yet leave the program equipped to contribute a remarkable depth of material research and critical perspective to the field.
- Is my work good enough for me to get into your program?
We'll look at your portfolio images and consider the depth, breadth and momentum of your exploration. We're interested in how you make forms, form questions, question conventions and take risks. By intelligently editing and organizing your portfolio, you can emphasize the issues most central to your work.
- How do I know if I'm ready for grad school?
In addition to a strong portfolio, we're looking for quality of thought and purpose, and a high level and range of skills, experience, innovation, commitment, curiosity and ambition.
- If I pursue my MFA at RISD, what other opportunities are available to me?
Ceramics faculty members make it a priority to seek out international opportunities for our students and, when possible, to provide financial support. This includes visits to the UK, Germany, Japan and Canada to participate in international conferences, along with field trips to New York City and the national NCECA conferences.
- Does the Ceramics Department offer any financial aid?
With a combination of fellowship money, teaching assistantship stipends and work-study awards, you can plan to cover from a quarter to a third of your graduate tuition costs at RISD.
link to general questions on Graduate Studies at RISD
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“As a grad student, your willingness to be alternately vulnerable and bold in the studio, to participate in intensive, hands-on material exploration, to take risks in your artistic production and to maintain a strong work ethic are all integral to the highly charged, transformative experience we offer.”
Linda Sormin, Graduate Program Coordinator / Assistant Professor
Larry Bush, Associate Professor / Department Head / Graduate Program Coordinator
Linda Sormin, Assistant Professor
adjunct faculty
Frank Bosco
Jan Holcomb
Richard Haynes
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