Ceramics
In our ceramics program, you will gain skills and knowledge that are the foundation for becoming a successful and relevant artist or art educator. You will learn methods for creating both functional and sculptural objects.
In addition, you will develop or further hone your:
- Work habits
- Ability to critique your own work
- Awareness of current and historic efforts in the field
- Ability to express yourself in various ceramics media
If you are interested in learning the technical aspects of ceramics, you can also assist in the use of the kilns and in the creation of clay bodies and glazes.
Ceramics Facilities and Equipment
- Clay and glaze materials that cover a range of temperatures, colors and surfaces
- Electric wheels
- Kick wheels
- 24” slab roller
- Extruder
- Clay mixer
- Spray booth
- Compressor
- Gas-fired updraft kiln
- Numerous electric kilns
Digital Art
Do you want to become a practicing digital artist or enter the digital creative workforce? Our digital art concentration will prepare you to do both with a fundamental art education while allowing you to explore the vast visual possibilities that can result from the combination of art and technology.
Your technical, aesthetic and conceptual investigations will take you into all sorts of dynamic digital media, including:
- Digital photography and imaging
- Vector illustration
- Digital art/mixed-media hybrids
- Video art
- 2D animation
- 3D modeling, animation and imaging
Graphic Design
Are you looking for a creative career where you develop visual solutions for clients? Then look no further than Ashland University’s Graphic Design program.
You’ll begin with solid grounding in drawing, design and art history, then advance to classes specializing in graphic design. Unlike courses offered in other studio art programs, your graphic design classes will be structured and conducted to resemble a real-world work environment. You’ll continue to prepare for a career in graphic design by completing an internship in the field between your junior and senior years.
You will build a portfolio of work that will help you enter the workforce. Near the end of the program, you’ll showcase your finished body of work in the Coburn Gallery during the university’s annual student exhibition.
Graphic Design Digital Facilities and Equipment
Our facilities are equipped with:
- Fifteen state-of-the-art Macintosh desktop computers
- A 44-inch large format Epson printer
- Large screen projection and surround sound systems for digital multimedia
- A 3D printer
- A laser cutter
- A photo studio containing professional lighting equipment and a green screen studio
Illustration
In our illustration program, you begin with education in drawing, design and art history. Next, you’ll be exposed to a variety of skills and techniques for communicating ideas visually. As you tackle the creative challenges presented to you, you will discover and hone your voice, refine your illustration skills and build a portfolio of work that can represent you well to prospective clients and employers.
At the end of the program, you’ll showcase your finished body of work in the Coburn Gallery during the university’s annual student exhibition.
You can use illuminating skills to create a wide range of products from diagrammatic and companion illustrations to character designs and graphic novels. With a concentration in illustration, you’ll have an array of career pathways in the commercial and media arts fields.
Illustration Facilities and Equipment
- Framing and matting station
- Fifteen state-of-the-art Macintosh desktop computers
- A 44-inch large format Epson printer
Painting
In our painting program, you will gain the foundation of skills and knowledge for becoming a successful and relevant artist. Specifically, you will develop:
- Your observational and aesthetic problem-solving skills
- Your painting skills with oil, acrylic, encaustic and watercolor media
- Your ability to articulate your artistic intent and vision orally and in writing
- An understanding of the techniques used by your predecessors and the ways in which their work was a response to that of their predecessors and a product of their culture
- A fuller understanding of how you might link your work to your culture
Painting Facilities
Our painting facilities include all of the following:
- Dedicated studio work spaces for each individual student
- Encaustic materials and work space
- A framing and canvas-stretching station
Printmaking
You will learn to merge advanced printmaking techniques with a meaningful exploration of content, completing a serious body of work that demonstrates your ability to be a practicing artist, art educator or graduate student.
You’ll study:
- Relief - wood & linoleum cuts
- Intaglio - etching, drypoint, mezzotint
- Lithography - aluminum and polyester plates
- Serigraphy, monotype and mixed media printmaking
Printmaking Facilities
Our student facilities include:
- A lithography studio equipped with a 24” x 48” Takach Press
- An etching and relief studio with attached acid room equipped with a 36” x 72” Ettan Press, a 16” x 30” Brand Press and an 18” x 48” Hughes and Kimber Press
- A separate studio for advanced students
Sculpture
In our sculpture program, you can embrace a broad interpretation of the medium and investigate a wide range of materials, processes and contexts to find those that best suit your particular mode of expression. You’ll be encouraged to consider time, space and site when creating your work.
At all levels of instruction, we focus on improving your ability to communicate through three-dimensional form, utilizing the most appropriate methodology and materials available. To facilitate this approach, we introduce you to a breadth of materials and processes and cultivate your understanding of contemporary developments in fine art through engagement in sustained research.
Sculpture Facilities and Equipment
- Multiple MIG welders - large and small
- TIG welder
- Stationary and portable metal chop saws
- Plasma cutter
- Oxy-Acetylene set
- Bronze and aluminum casting facilities
- Plaster room
- Glass slumping kiln
- Compressed air system
- Woodworking equipment
- Outdoor work area
