The ceramics curriculum encompasses aspects of the medium, from the creation of unique clay vessels that satisfy both aesthetic and functional needs to the construction of larger scale sculptural forms, and the speculative, expansive, unnamed form.

Ceramic classes emphasize clay as an expressive medium while offering a concise study of three-dimensional art. Traditional and contemporary methods of construction, manipulation, and imagery are explored, with an emphasis on seeking integration of form, design, color and concept. The history of ceramic arts is seen as a rich resource from which the student can test precedents and expand their own aesthetic vocabulary.

Students are introduced to numerous forming methods such as coil and slab construction, throwing, clay figure modeling, bas relief and tile making design, and mold making and slip casting, as well as a wide variety of glazing and kiln firing techniques. There are typically three classes in Clay offered each semester, providing each student space to work and store their three dimensional projects. The Clay program has over 100 students per year.

Clay graduates are succeeding throughout the metroplex and beyond, staying active in their studios. Sharon Campbell, B.F.A. in [Clay] was in her second professional gallery exhibition this year at The Upstairs Gallery in Arlington. Chris Cunningham, B.F.A. in [Clay], received his MFA from Texas Tech University in 2004 and is currently teaching at TCCC Northeast and Northwest campuses, and is resident artist at The Upstairs Gallery in Arlington. He recently was awarded Best of Show/First Place for his work at the Irving Art Center’s All Media National. Diane Kieselhorst, B.F.A. in [Clay] has recently received an MFA in Clay from the University of North Texas and works in her own studio. George Sellars, B.F.A. in [Clay], was the subject of a four page color spread in Paper City, the design/arts/fashion publication in Dallas last year, and has recently opened a gallery and studio in Dallas.

Nicholas Wood, head of the Clay program at UTA, has had recent exhibitions at The American Institute of Architects D/AIA Gallery in Dallas, and the Center for the Arts, Montgomery College, Woodlands, Texas. A review of the D/AIA exhibition was published in ARTlies magazine. Wood was one of six artists selected from the United States for the exhibition “Six Visions-Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture," a focus on diverse approaches to the ceramic arts. Wood, an independent curator, has recently organized two exhibitions “Layered, Stacked, Assembled” and “OBJECTification” for the Arlington Museum of Art and The Gallery at UTA, showcasing ceramic artists from the state of Texas. Wood is the designer and co-creator of “The Bridge”, Arlington’s first large public sculpture, installed in Gene Allen Park next to Arlington Museum of Art. He is also co-creator of a large public sculpture in the center of Bad Konigshofen, Germany, Arlington’s sister city. Both sculptural projects commemorate the bond between the two cities. Wood is a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts award in sculpture, Hawn Foundation Millennium Award, Connemara Conservancy Foundation Artist Grant in sculpture, and The Grumbacher Gold Medallion Award in Drawing.