October 7, 2009
Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pennsylvania: From Ceramics Monthly’s MFA Factor
|
Students in the graduate ceramics program at Edinboro University are expected to develop a strong individual direction, whether it is in ceramic sculpture or functional pottery. Our extensive facility provides all methods of firing and studio access 24 hours a day. Three diverse full-time faculty members offer different approaches to the medium as students cultivate ideas and techniques. Our program averages eight MFA students, and two or more MA students per year. Students choose a committee of at least three graduate faculty members and the committee formally meets with each student a minimum of two times per semester. Our graduate classes meet twice a week for critical analysis of studio work, lectures, and discussions to support students in their research. The ceramics program is part of an Art Department of 50 faculty with 900 undergraduate art majors. Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of the breadth of our accomplished faculty and to explore other mediums in the context of their ongoing work. Our NASAD accredited program also includes specialty courses in kiln building and glaze calculation. Other topics including marketing and photographing artwork for portfolio and publication purposes are integrated within the curriculum. Edinboro’s ceramics program brings in at least two nationally known visiting artists per year in addition to other guest lecturers, critics, and demonstrators. Our graduate students are instrumental in selecting these artists and organizing their itinerary. These lectures and demonstrations add variety and depth to our already comprehensive course offerings. Many of our ceramic graduate alumni are pursuing careers as studio artists with a large percentage teaching at the university level across the country and internationally. Check out the Program Details and Facilities Highlights |
|||
| Faculty | |||
|
|
Steven Kemenyffy, professor of art/ceramics, received his MFA from the University of Iowa. Steve has been teaching at Edinboro University since 1969, while maintaining an active exhibition history. He has participated in hundreds of workshops and lectures across the country and internationally. Kemenyffy is best known for his contributions to American raku and his innovative approach to ceramics. Right: Orb # 1, 36 in. (91 cm) in height, earthenware with variegated styrene inclusions, steel, iridized ceramic, 2008. |
||
|
|
Lee Rexrode, professor of ceramics, earned his MFA degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. Since 1990, Lee has been teaching at Edinboro University, making pots, and teaching workshops across the country. Rexrode’s expertise is altered wheel-thrown pottery and he often fires his work in salt. He is currently researching salt firing at cone 6 and plans to publish his results in the near future. Right: Black jar (nesting), 17 in. (43 cm) in height, wheel-thrown stoneware, salt fired to cone 10, 2007. |
||
 |
Chuck Johnson received his BA in ceramics from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater and his MFA from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Johnson is a sculptor whose main focus is narrative stacked forms made of unglazed clay. Much of his work explores issues of environmental sustainability and the impact of human activities on endangered species. He also has a background in vessel making and production pottery and he continues to produce functional forms. Above: Rhino with Gothic Organ, 34 in. (86 cm) in height, unglazed cone 1 sculpture body fired to cone 1 in reduction, 2008. | ||
|
This was published in the November 2009 issue of Ceramics Monthly magazine. To get great content like this delivered right to your door, subscribe today! |
|||
| Graduate Students |
|||
 |
jonathan matecki |
||
 |
rachel carpenter |
||
 |
bob shields I taught high school mathematics for 10 years before resigning to attend graduate school full time. I had been working as a potter for years when, with the support of my wife, I decided to follow my passions and pursue a career in the arts. My assorted degrees and certifications will allow me to apply for teaching positions in grades K-12 as well as post-secondary levels, while continuing to create and exhibit my work. |
||
 |
heath papa After considering my options, talking to the faculty, students, and alumni, the overall reason for my coming to Edinboro is how it felt, and it’s been a blessing. I did take a few months between receiving my undergraduate degree, and coming to Edinboro, but I was able to keep working in clay. I would like to get a job after school, teaching would be nice, but as long as it supports a family it will do. Though I haven’t exhibited much, I plan on doing more as I get closer to graduation. |
||
 |
amy eaton rutledge When I finished my BFA in Ceramics, I felt graduate school was the next logical step, so I chose not to take time between academic degrees. Ultimately, I chose Edinboro because of the Graduate Assistant program and the rural location. The school currently provides all of its graduate students with a tuition waiver and a graduate assistantship, which provides a stipend. The rural location was important to me because I wanted to find a school that didn’t have a lot of distractions that bigger cities often provide. |
||
 |
tomas schneider I took about six years after earning my BFA to learn every aspect of bronze casting, mold-making, and the business of running a foundry to expand my knowledge and marketability. I plan on seeking a professorship after graduation. I am aggressively pursuing exhibitions while in school, the last being the Slipstream concurrent exhibition at the Pittsburgh NCECA. |
||
 |
anne mormile Edinboro allows me to freely explore my creativity through clay and experimentation with surface treatment. This and the diversity of the faculty is what initially drew me to this school. After graduating with a BFA, I took four years off. In that time frame, I had the opportunity to set up and run a ceramic program at a private arts center. |
||
 |
jason stockman I spent a year after undergraduate school working as a teaching assistant at my alma mater while I solidified my portfolio and researched graduate programs. Edinboro stood out, both for the reputation and ability of the faculty and for the quality and diversity of student work. After earning my MFA, I plan to seek a college level teaching position, while also pursuing exhibition opportunities. |
||
 |
eric h. schwartz |
||
This was published in the November 2009 issue of Ceramics Monthly magazine. To get great content like this delivered right to your door, subscribe today! |
|||
Tags: Amy Eaton Rutledge, Anne Mormile, Bob Shields, Ceramic Sculpture, Chuck Johnson, Eric H. Schwartz, Functional Pottery, Heath Papa, Jason Stockman, Jonathan Matecki, Lee Rexrode, Rachel Carpenter, Steven Kemenyffy, Tomas Schneider
