Graduate Programs in Glass

The School of Art offers both the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Glass.  Students in the program are encouraged to develop a sound knowledge of concepts and techniques in the discipline and strong drawing skills.  The curriculum is based on the belief that successful creative work results from spending time with one’s ideas and receiving constructive and supportive criticism from faculty and peers.  We endeavor to create an atmosphere where students pursue ideas and engage in an extended scholarly dialogue.  A major determinant of the success of this program resides in the healthy interaction of students and faculty.  Applicants are accepted into the program based on the quality of the work presented in their portfolio, a demonstrated commitment to artistry and an interest and understanding of glass as expressive form.

Master of Art Program Outline

              23 hours  - studio major course work

               3 hours - Art History elective

               6 hours - ART 67199, M.A. Thesis

              32 total

Master of Fine Arts Program Outline

              36 hours – studio major course work

               9 hours – electives

               9 hours – Art History electives

               6 hours – ART 69199, M.F.A. Thesis

              60 total

Faculty

Sean Mercer, Assistant Professor of Art and Head of the Glass program, holds a Master  of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University.   bio / website

Admission

Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in painting/drawing and a 2.75 overall grade-point average (3.0 in the art major).

Facilities

The glass program is housed in a spacious, window lined 6000 sq. ft. facility. It is comprised of a 2300 sq. ft. hot shop, 600 sq. ft. cold shop, secure graduate studios, undergraduate major work area, general work space, designated plaster room and a small gallery area. The facility is well equipped and includes but is not limited to the following:

Hot Shop
2 450 lb. Capacity day tanks
2 IFB glory holes
Garage
Glass blowing hand tools
Hot plate
Sand box
Casting ladles and tools

Propane Torches

Oxy-Propane Torch
2 Digitry GB4 and 2 Watlow temperature controllers running the following ovens:
2 78"x 50"x 20" Roll Out Casting Ovens
1 62"x 38"x 18" Roll Out Casting Oven
1 30"x 54"x 26" Roll Out Casting Oven
2 26"x 18"x 18" Front Loading Annealing Ovens
1 24"x 48"x 24" Top Loading Annealing Oven
1 24"x 40"x 22" Top Loading Annealing Oven
1 30"x 58"x 22" Top Loading Casting/Annealing Oven
1 28"x 52"x 22" Top Loading Casting/Annealing Oven
1 30"x 30"x 10" Slumping/Fusing Oven
1 22"x 13"x 7" Slumping/Fusing Oven

Cold Shop

2 30" lap wheels
1 18" lap wheel
2 water cooled diamond saws (14",10")
1 24" oil cooled diamond saw (self feed)
Diamond band saw
Wet belt sander
Merker lathe w/assorted diamond wheels
Glass Drill press
Pumice and Cerium polishing wheels
2 24" reciprolaps
Sand blast cabinet/Pressure pot sand blaster

Miscellaneous
Oxy/Acetylene rig (cutting, welding, heating)
Arc Welder
Metal band saw
Misc. hand tools
Cement mixer (bonded sand molds)
CO2 bonded mold equipment

Wood Band Saw

Drill Press

Material Handling Equipment

Pneumatic tools

Visiting Artists since 2000
Wes Hunting

Daniel Clayman

William Carlson

Michael Scheiner

Fritz Dreisbach

Jeff Mack

Keith & Deanna Clayton

Jack Wax

Deborah Horell

Scott Chaseling

James Mongrane

Nick Mount