弗吉尼亚联邦大学

The Department of Craft and Material Studies explores the language of ceramics, glass, wood, fiber and metal. The department offers both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies and a Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts degree with concentrations in five disciplines: ceramics, fiber, furniture design, glass working and jewelry/metalworking.

Students are encouraged to learn and explore through the traditional craft media. Together, faculty and students hone, improvise and redefine ancient technologies with new technologies; they bend and blend concepts and materials.

The Department of Craft and Material Studies is housed in a state-of-the-art facility that provides a safe and excellent physical environment in which to work. Students have access to well-equipped studios in each of the five media areas. The department shares the facilities with the departments of Sculpture, Painting and Printmaking, and Kinetic Imaging.

Career opportunities

Craft and Material Studies Alumni acquire different strengths and talents based on their research interests. One of the most obvious career paths that a BFA in Craft and Material Studies offers is as a professional artist. This may also include a Master’s degree in the Studio art, which is one path that the BFA prepares students for. Other career paths include: Ceramicist, Glass Artist, Jewelry Designer, Enameling and Metalwork Artist, Fibers, Textiles and Weaving Artist, and Public Artist/Outdoor Sculptor. Graduates may also consider a career in the business of art, including: Artist’s Agent, Studio Assistant, Gallery Owner, Art Critic/Writer, Educator, Display Designer, or Exhibitions Coordinator.

Bachelor-level job titles

• Ceramic Artist
• Craft Artist
• Etcher/Engraver
• Fabric Designer
• Fashion Designer
• Fiber Artist
• Fine Artist
• Furniture Designer
• Furniture Finisher
• Furniture Maker
• Glass Blower, Molder, Bender, and Finisher
• Jeweler