What is Crafts?
Crafts is characterized by a material sensibility, a preference for three-dimensional objects and a need to satisfy the sense of touch. Crafts enables the artist to control a process, whether alone in the studio, supervising a few employees, or designing for industry. Craft work may be refined and elegant or rugged and rough. Using real materials—porcelain, ebony, silk, bronze, glass, linen—the craftsperson deals with a range of concepts while expressing a very personal idea.

What's the BFA in Crafts degree program like?
An innovative curriculum allows each student to design a program that best reflects his or her particular interests or goals. Faculty are active mentors, advising students in their choice of courses in ceramics, fibers, jewelry, metalsmithing, wood, furniture and glass. Students focus on one medium or follow an interdisciplinary approach to their craft. Technical instruction and an ongoing studio dialogue encourage students to establish a personal identity through their work.

What if I'm only interested in one material, like ceramics?
Our innovative curriculum allows you to design a program that reflects your interests. You may choose to pursue an interdisciplinary approach or specialize in one of the following areas:

• Ceramics
• Fibers
• Glass (kiln work and glass blowing)
• Metals/Jewelry
• Wood

How will I be prepared for professional practice?
As a University of the Arts Crafts major, you'll develop the practical skills you need to survive as an artist. You'll experience making an artist's presentation, writing artist's statements and grant proposals, preparing work for exhibition, and putting together promotional materials and a professional portfolio.

Are faculty practicing artists?
Yes. Faculty in the Crafts program are practicing artists and craftspersons with national and international reputations. They teach from the perspective of what they know and impart skill and knowledge to students whom they respect. The department combines very high standards of achievement with a warm, supportive atmosphere.

How can I learn more?
Learn more about our Crafts department.   

Top: work by Shannon R. Henry '10 (Crafts); bottom: work by Tara Inman-Bellofatto '10 (Crafts)