A studio art bfa student works on a ceramics project while shaping clay into a mound with his hands.
Ceramics

Ceramics Studio Discipline

Our ceramics studio discipline offers a broad technical and conceptual experience through experimentation with a range of approaches to the medium, from sculptural to functional, and nontraditional to traditional.

Beginning and intermediate level courses introduce a variety of ceramic processes and considerations including hand building, wheel throwing, glaze technology and the role of ceramics in world cultures. Courses with specific focus such as mold making, the figure, wood firing and a workshop on gas and electric kiln firing are offered on a regular basis.

Advanced level courses emphasize the development of a personal direction in ceramics and building a portfolio geared toward professional opportunities in the field. Exploring relationships and intersections of ceramics with other studio disciplines of the student’s interest is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Regional resources such as exhibitions and lectures at the Milwaukee Art Museum, John Michael Kohler Art Center and RAM (Racine Art Museum) are integrated into the curriculum. Ceramics students also have an active organization, CASA, through which they participate in community-based projects and write grants to fund visiting artists and travel to professional conferences such as NCECA (the National Council on Education in Ceramic Arts).

First Year Program in Art & Design

We don’t expect our new students to figure out college life on their own. Our First Year Program is designed to help new art and design students. In addition to specific coursework carefully chosen to foster success, we connect students to the many resources and opportunities found within a research university. Plus, we surround students with individualized support as they dive deeper into their program and find their way.

Galleries & Exhibitions

Our art and design programs host many galleries and exhibitions both on campus and throughout the community. Our campus is home to four permanent art galleries, each with its own unique mission. All of them are free, open to the public and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Milwaukee is also home to dozens of galleries and museums. All students in an art and design degree program receive a free annual membership to the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). That means you can visit MAM and its events, including the popular MAM After Dark series, free of charge while you are a student.

Art & Design Programs

Art & Design studio disciplines are connected to a variety of academic programs, including majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs. This is a full list of all programs offered by the Department of Art & Design.

A UWM Art BA studio in community arts paints a large mural while working on a table in the Kenilworth Gallery.
MajorOn Campus
Black and white illustration of a student working at a cluttered desk with surreal creative elements.
Master’sOn Campus
Two Art MFA students sit cross-legged on an industrial floor while exploring a interactive digital artwork.
Master’sOn Campus
UWM Art Education BFA student works closely with a young child on a piece of art with a box of sixty-four crayons.
MajorOn Campus
Arts Integration and Learning Certificate
Undergraduate CertificateOn Campus
A student is seen on scaffolding with a paint roller while painting a large mural on the side of a brick wall.
Undergraduate CertificateOn Campus
Two graphic design students hang colorful cards from strings during the Design and Visual Communication Capstone event.
MinorOn Campus
A colorful set of 3D printed self portraits designed by UWM Digital Fabrication & Design students.
Undergraduate CertificateOn Campus
Individual engaging with a student created game design in Kenilworth Square East Gallery
Undergraduate CertificateOn Campus
An illustration using blue and gold hues of three individuals wearing round glasses.
Undergraduate CertificateOn Campus
Two photography students hold a negative strip and examine their undeveloped photographs.
MinorOn Campus
Two Studio Art BFA students work back to back while screenprinting patterns onto large sheets of paper.
MajorOn Campus
A studio art student works with a loom with fabric and spools of colorful thread sit on shelves behind them.
MinorOn Campus

Faculty

Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Art & Design faculty and staff please click the button below.


  • Lecturer, Ceramics
  • Lecturer, First Year Program
  • Lab Technician, Ceramics
  • Teaching Faculty II, Ceramics
Important Dates

Art & Design

Undergraduate Scholarship Priority Applications
Fall: December 15

Graduate Applications
Fall: January 25
Those eligible for the Advanced Opportunity Program Fellowship (AOP) should apply by December 10.

Contact
Art & Design

Undergraduate Programs
Katie Martin-Meurer, art-admission@uwm.edu

Graduate Programs
Jessica Meuninck Ganger, art-grad-admission@uwm.edu

General Info & Questions
Contact Form | 414-229-4763

Upcoming Art & Design Events