Program Overview

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MFA, Ceramics Concentration

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics is designed for students interested in expressing ideas through sculptural formats. The program emphasizes exploration through research and experimentation with materials and processes. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, with students working closely with faculty across the School of Art and the broader university community. MFA students engage with both traditional and contemporary ceramic methods, developing the critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for success as creative professionals.

Program Highlights

Curriculum

Our program follows a rigorous, three-year course of study. The first two years of study include coursework in ceramics and electives in the School of Art and across the university. In the third year of study, students are responsible for developing, executing, and defending a project of their own design. Along with other School of Art MFA candidates, these projects culminate in an exhibition and/or presentation at the School of Art’s Ewing Gallery.

Facilities

Discovery requires the freedom to explore. Our MFA students have access to extensive facilities and individual studio spaces around campus.

Exhibition Opportunities

We encourage our graduate students to present their work publicly. There are regular opportunities to exhibit at Gallery 1010, Tennessee’s only off-campus, student-run gallery, and other local galleries.

Assistantships

The School of Art minimizes the financial burden of graduate studies by awarding teaching assistantships with a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits to eligible students.

Artists in Residence and Visiting Artists and Scholars

Our students benefit from frequent interactions with accomplished artists in our prestigious Artist-in-Residence Program and Visiting Artists and Scholars Program.

Current Graduate Students in Ceramics

• Shelby Reed
  • Area of Study: Ceramics
• Raquel Riemer
  • Area of Study: Ceramics
• Lindsay Skvarek
  • Area of Study: Ceramics
• Willow Stevenson
  • Area of Study: Ceramics

Faculty in Ceramics

• Sally Brogden
  • Director of Foundations, Professor
  • Area of Study: Ceramics
• Jason Brown
  • Professor
  • Area of Study: Sculpture
• Amanda Evans
  • Assistant Professor
  • Area of Study: Ceramics
• John Douglas Powers
  • Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor
  • Area of Study: Sculpture + Time-Based Art

Ceramics News

• Ceramics MFA Student’s Work in 2026 NCECA Exhibition
• Student Study Abroad + Residency Reports: Summer 2025
• School of Art Holds 2025 Kimberly D. Iles Art Awards

Areas of Study

• Art History
• Ceramics
• Cinema Studies
• Painting & Drawing
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture
• Time-Based Art

Resources

• Media Pool
• smART Lab
• Wood Shop
• Letterpress Lab

Opportunities

• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Graduate Assistantships & Aid
• Artist Residencies + Internships

Art at UT

• Ewing Gallery
• Downtown Gallery
• Gallery 1010
• Local Exhibit Spaces
• MFA Exhibition Catalogs
• Faculty Work
• ArtBox: Limited Edition Prints

School of Art

• College of Arts and Sciences
• 1715 Volunteer Blvd
• 213 Art + Architecture
• Knoxville, TN 37996

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.