Glass

The Glass program at the School of Art is a reflection of glassmaking practices throughout history, including both traditional and contemporary achievements.

The relatively recent studio glass movement (since the 1960s) has transformed our understanding of glassmaking from primarily a craft to a valid and lively branch of contemporary art. The glass program explores both paradigms, tracing the story of glass over thousands of years. The program aims not only to illuminate the legacy of past artists, but to foster artists who will be on the forefront of redefining studio glassmaking into the future.

The glass program challenges students to explore glass as a creative medium, both technically and conceptually, within the broader context of contemporary art. In addition to the fundamentals of glassblowing, students learn glass casting, slumping, fusing, flameworking, enameling, cold-working and assembly, resulting in a rich technical fluency.  Meanwhile, students are also challenged to think critically about which techniques are best able to communicate their own artistic ideas. 

Students explore glass as both a material and an idea, pushing the boundaries of glassblowing within the broader context of contemporary art. Both interdisciplinary and mixed media approaches are actively encouraged. Serious student-artists with a proclivity for creative thinking will find the glass program congenial to their vision.  Building on the legacy of the American Studio Glass Movement, the program fosters artists who will be on the forefront of redefining studio glassmaking into the future.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Studio Art offers students a more generalized course of study and the opportunity to pursue a minor. The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Studio Art with a concentration in Glass is a pre-professional degree intended to prepare students for graduate study.

Degree information and requirements:

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN STUDIO ART

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN STUDIO ART

The School of Art offers the Master of Arts degree in Studio Art and the Master of Fine Arts degree in Glass. Graduate students are encouraged to develop a sound knowledge of concepts and techniques in the discipline and strong drawing skills.  The curriculum is based on the belief that successful creative work results from spending time with one’s ideas and receiving constructive and supportive criticism from faculty and peers.  We endeavor to create an atmosphere where students pursue ideas and engage in an extended scholarly dialogue.  A major determinant of the success of this program resides in the healthy interaction of students and faculty.  Applicants are accepted into the program based on the quality of the work presented in their portfolio, a demonstrated commitment to artistry and an interest and understanding of glass as expressive form.

Davin Ebanks coordinates the glass program.