Post-Baccalaureate in Ceramics

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Post-Baccalaureate in Ceramics program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree to develop their portfolio and research interests while working in an active, academic studio environment within a diverse and inclusive community. The program welcomes applications from students working across the expanded spectrum of ceramic practices including: vessel and tableware design, object-based sculpture, the figure, social practice, installation, performance, multimedia, and digital modeling/fabrication.

Faculty

Technician

Facilities

The 8,000 sq. ft. studio, supervised by a full-time technician, includes: wheel throwing and hand building areas, a well-stocked glaze lab with spray booth, plaster lab.  

Tools and Equipment 

30 electric pottery wheels, 7 computer-controlled electric kilns, 32 cu. ft. gas-fired downdraft kiln, 90 cu. ft. gas-fired downdraft car kiln, and 180 cu. ft. gas-fired downdraft car kiln, 300 cu. ft. wood-fired barrel-arched anagama kiln, 50 cu. ft. gas-fired crossdraft soda kiln, 6 cu. feet gas-fired drum/cantilevered raku kiln, 40 cu. ft gas-fired updraft kiln, 2 Heated Plaster Drying Cabinets, 2 Brent Slab Rollers, Laguna Spray Booth, Soldner and Bluebird Clay Mixers, Bluebird and Shimpo Pugmills and a Shimpo Ballmill.

Visiting Artists

The mission of Frostic School of Art’s Visiting Artist program is tri-fold: to provide students direct, meaningful contact with working artists, both established and emerging; to elevate the regional, national, and international profile of the Frostic School of Art and Richmond Center for Visual Arts; and to nurture a sense of community among students, faculty and staff within WMU’s College of Fine Arts. Recent visiting artists and scholars that have enriched the ceramics curriculum include; Raven Halfmoon, Stuart Gair, Kyle Johns, Chandra DeBuse, Jamie Bates Slone, Lars Zoltz, Gustav Hamilton, Kristen Cliffel, Michael Lorsung, Jenn Cole, Akeylah Imani Wellington, Savanna LaBauve, & Eric Zohn. 

Enrollment

(1) credit hour of ART 5300: Graduate Ceramics I as a non-degree seeking student - university application and transcripts required.

Estimated Semester Tuition and Fees (2023-2024)

$990 (MI Residents) $1360 (Non-Resident) parking pass not included

Program Length

1 semester – 2 academic years

Studio Space

80-90 sq. ft. with flexible shelving, work surfaces and pottery wheel as needed.  24/7 studio access with swipe card.  

Materials and Firing

Full access to Glaze Lab, Plaster Lab, clay mixing facilities, dry materials, and indoor and outdoor kilns.

Work Exchange

The Post-Bac program includes a work exchange of 8 hour per week. Students assist with studio organization, clay and glazing mixing or special projects with faculty members.  Exchange hours are very flexible.

Professional Development and Exhibition Opportunities 

Post-Bac students have several professional development resources available including assistance with CV/resume, artist statement, preparation for graduate school, and application to residencies and gallery exhibitions. Post-Bac students participate in all Ceramics Area exhibitions as well as have the option to propose and mount a solo exhibition of their work.

Student Organization

Ceramic Arts Student Organization (CASO) is a student-run organization that facilitates visiting artists, group artwork sales and other events on campus each semester.

About Kalamazoo, MI:

Kalamazoo, Michigan is a metropolitan community of 150,000 residents located in Southwest Michigan, a little over two hours from Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI. Home to nationally recognized Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo is a city filled with energy and innovation.  A vibrant downtown features quality dining, unique shops, galleries, and live entertainment. In Kalamazoo, you’re never far from a number of lakes and other outdoor recreation or one of over 20 breweries, wineries and distilleries. Kalamazoo averages around $750-950 monthly rent for 2-bedroom apartments, with minimal commutes to campus and an average cost-of-living. Our students enjoy easy access to a wide range of art-making materials and several options for groceries from Trader Joe’s to Costco.

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM

Application Deadlines: 

  • Oct 30th for Spring Semester enrollment
  • April 1st for Fall Semester enrollment    

Please prepare the following items as part of your application. 

  • Cover Letter, explaining you interest in the program and research goals (1-2 pages)
  • CV/Resume
  • Artist Statement
  • 8 - 10 images of your work with descriptions as a single PDF or PowerPoint.
  • Contact information for two professional references. 

Submit via email to Kyle Triplett - kyle.triplett@wmich.edu, please use the subject line “Post-Bac application [your name]” on the email.