Ceramics

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.

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
Ceramic vessel by Rawan Khatib.
Ceramic match box by Cora Barnett.
Art work by Jess Bowles.
Cora Barnett's handmade artist book with ceramic cover.
Art work by Andrew Quick.
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.
James Myers' ceramic work.
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

A student cuts pieces of denim fabric.

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

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:

  • Educator or instructor
  • Production potter
  • Studio technician
  • Sculptor
  • Educational outreach coordinator
  • Ceramic designer
  • Consultant
  • Gallery manager

Faculty

Rachel Bleil

Rachel Bleil

Associate Faculty

Andrew Davis

Andrew Davis

Ceramics Technician

Dawn Holder

Dawn Holder

Director of Visual Art Graduate Programs, Associate Professor

Corey Jefferson

Corey Jefferson

Senior Lecturer

Scott Russo

Scott Russo

Associate Faculty

Denise Troyer

Denise Troyer

Associate Faculty

Join Indiana’s only professional school of art and design

Degree programs