The Ceramics Area at the University of Mary Washington encourages students to explore this diverse medium through both technical and theoretical development. Strong foundational skills, as well as contextual and substantive concerns are addressed as equal parts of the process. Students learn forming techniques including coil and slab building, wheel throwing, and mold making, and participate in a variety of firing types like Raku, Gas Reduction, and Electric Oxidation. Research into contemporary and historical precedents is integrated into every aspect of the program. Each student leaves equipped with the basic skills to pursue the development of their own voice as an artist, wherever their ideas take them.
The Ceramics Studio in Melchers Hall is composed of three studio spaces, an outdoor space and a walk-in storage room for work in progress. Below is a list of the equipment in each room.
Main Studio
- 11 Shimpo RK and RK whisper Potter’s Wheels
- 2 Bailey Pro Potter’s Wheels
- 2 Shimpo Whisper XL Potter’s Wheels
- 30″ Bailey Slab Roller
- Bailey Manual Extruder
- Thermofax printer
Glaze Lab
- 5 Triple Beam Balances
- 120 Glaze Chemicals and Materials
- Studio Glazes for three temperature ranges: Cone 04, 6 and 10
Kiln Room
Electric Kilns:
- 2 Olympic 2327HE (6.5 cubic feet each)
- 1 Skutt 1227 (10 cubic feet)
- 1 Paragon Test Kiln
Gas Kilns:
- Bailey 18/12 Natural Gas Downdraft Kiln (12 cubic feet)
- Raku Kiln
Clay Mixing Area:
- Peter Pugger VPM30 De-airing Mixer/Pug Mill
- BlueBird Pug Mill
- Raw Materials storage
COMING SOON:
This year we are constructing UMW’s first Wood Fired Kiln!
This will make UMW the only University in Virginia with a wood kiln.
Stay tuned for more details and images!