3-D Bachelor of Fine Arts Program (BFA)
In the 3-D Division undergraduate program students are challenged to understand contemporary art issues, to explore diverse media, and to gain command of a range of technical processes to effectively explore their ideas. All studio work is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of traditional 3-D media, which includes sculpture, ceramics, and fibers. The diverse faculty facilitates conceptual development relevant to the interests of each student. Our goal is to provide students with the analytical and critical ability to effectively express ideas in order to actively participate in our broader cultural and global discourse, as well as to succeed in graduate art programs and as professional artists.
The 3-D facilities are well equipped to accommodate both traditional and new media processes. Those who wish to work large-scale and/or site-specifically in an installation format are encouraged to do so.
Click here to view requirements for the 3-D Division B.F.A. degree.
3-D Master of Fine Arts Program (MFA)
The 3-D Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Arizona is a three-year program that emphasizes conceptual development and critical understanding of contemporary issues. Our six full-time faculty offer a range of philosophic views and technical expertise to serve the research and production needs of students. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged with other media areas within the School of Art. Graduate seminars serve as meeting grounds for the exchange of critical and theoretical ideas from all areas of the fine arts. The culminating Thesis Project at the end of the program entails a review by the orals committee and an exhibition in the University Art Museum.
The studio facilities are extensive and well equipped. 3-D graduate students have their own studio building with private workspaces and a large common shop area.
Ceramics
The Ceramics Area provides an open, dynamic and supportive environment for students to explore personal expression in clay within a broad, fine art context. Students are encouraged to develop and practice work techniques according to particular needs and vision while mastering beginning to advanced ceramic processes. Students are given in-depth exposure to historic and contemporary ceramic art issues, artists and concepts to inspire their evolution as artists and are further fostered to investigate mixed media concepts in their work.
Fibers
The Fibers area emphasizes fiber as a fine art medium. Both off-loom and loom processes, as well as color and dye and surface enrichment concerns are included in formal course offerings. The program focuses upon individual experimentation and the development of a personal aesthetic within the medium. The Fibers Studio, located in the Fine Arts Complex, includes a large, open work space with tapestry looms, harness looms, and floor-to-ceiling frame looms. There is an area equipped for color and dye work and fabric printing. Students are encouraged to incorporate other media such as painting, photography, and sculpture into their fiber works. Seminars are devoted to the history of textile art, issues relating to fibers as a contemporary art form, and practical concerns, such as photographing, exhibiting and installing fiber art works.
Sculpture
The sculpture area provides students with the resources to combine current art theory, an understanding of relevant cultural and historical issues, and the application of specialized technical skills to create works of art having clarity of intention.
The diverse philosophies of our faculty encourage a range of contemporary sculptural processes for the personal exploration of ideas. Students are expected to develop professionalism in terms of technical skills, conceptual formulation and critical thinking. Beginning courses on the undergraduate level are designed to introduce the student to strategies for the integration of concepts about which they are passionate and the skillful manipulation of materials. Modeling, casting, carving, construction and welding are explored in depth. Respect for and safe use of tools and machinery are emphasized. On the intermediate and advanced levels, students are encouraged to develop personal modes of expression using both traditional and experimental processes. Students are exposed to a considerable range of sculptural expressive options.
School of Art
PO Box 210002
J.Gross Gallery
Rm 101D
Tucson, AZ 85721-0002
520.621.7570
520.621.2955 (fax)
The sculpture facilities are well equipped to accommodate both traditional and new media processes. These include: well equipped metal and wood fabrication shops, a ceramic shell casting foundry, figure modeling studio, computer labs with 3-D printing technology, and installation spaces.