Ceramics

Shape the future of contemporary ceramic art

Herron’s ceramics program will develop your understanding of ceramics both in the context of contemporary practices and historical tradition.

You will gain extensive studio experience working with clay, glaze formulation, and firing kilns while applying a range of techniques from other disciplines. Balancing hands-on investigation with materials and processes, you will also explore current art-making trends such as slip casting and 3-D printing.

Moreover, our ceramics program will position you to develop your own style and utilize clay as a conceptual artistic medium.

Expansive ceramics space

Over a span of 8,000 square feet, students earning their degree in ceramics have access to a full glaze lab, a pit firing area, and five different types of kilns. You will work with skilled faculty and graduate peers to master the processes of throwing, glazing, firing, and molding.

Think outside the kiln

Contemporary ceramic practices go beyond vessels. You will have opportunities to explore glasswork, screenprinting, prototyping, and 3-D printing in an effort to broaden your studio practice and explore inventive applications – from sculptures to installations, products to environments.

Plan of study

B.F.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.F.A. in ceramics

IU Indianapolis Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.F.A. in ceramics

The instructors I interacted with at [Herron] encouraged me to push the boundaries of what is leading-edge within the field of ceramics and art as a whole.
Evan Hauser (B.F.A. Ceramics '14)

Student work

See more student work

Detail of ceramic art works by Justin Grubb

Cora Barnett's handmade artist book with ceramic cover.

A detail of a series of vessels from Lindsey Hoffman

Morgan Kerberg installation of handmade vessels.

Detail of installation view of Catherine Merski's capstone exhibition.

Sam Murphy's hand fabricated game console.

Detail of an installation view of Julia Riley's ceramics exhibition.

Left to right, top to bottom: Justin Grubb, Set of Three Meteoroid Forms (detail), 2018, Mid-range stoneware and hard maple. Rawan Khatib, Untitled II, 2018, Sagger fired stoneware clay. Cora Barnett, Untitled, 2022. Jess Bowles, Untitled, 2021. Jess Bowles, Untitled, 2022. Andrew Quick, Untitled, 2021. Lindsey Hoffman, Exploration of Form and Identity (detail), 2018, Ceramic and glazes. Morgan Kerberg, Untitled, 2022. Catherine Merski, Untitled (detail), 2022. Sam Murphy, Untitled, 2022. James Myers, Untitled, 2022. James Myers, Untitled (detail), 2022. Courtesy of the artists

Foundation studies

Your first year at Herron focuses on skills that are crucial to your success in art and design school. You will explore basic principles and techniques, as well as your own historical, cultural, and personal influences as an artist or designer.

Learn more about foundation studies

Facilities

Herron’s ceramics program is supported by lavish space and equipment in the heart of the 16th Street tech corridor of Indianapolis. You'll have every studio amenity at your disposal.

Complete glaze lab
Pit firing area
Clay mixing and storage areas
Mold making and casting areas
Electric kilns

Electric test kilns
Downdraft gas kilns
Atmospheric (soda) downdraft kiln
Gas fired raku kilns

Enhance your degree

Pursuing a minor or certificate can help broaden your perspective and give you a competitive advantage in your chosen field.

Integrative Studio Practice (B.F.A.)

Sculpture (B.F.A)

Minor in Art History

Certificate in Pre-Art Therapy

Professional opportunities

As a ceramics major, you may open your own business, collaborate with local artists on public art projects, or teach at community art centers. Your degree may even lead to museums, manufacturers, and design studios.

Pursue your calling as a professional: