3D Studies

How will you shape your future?

What is so dynamic about ceramics and sculpture? All materials and practices are welcome and taught in these studios. Materials and techniques for clay, metal, wood, plaster, mixed media, and technology are not only taught but encouraged. Students will be able to utilize and learn how to hand build with clay, throw on the wheel, load and fire kilns, plasma cut and weld steel, 3D print objects using both clay and filament printers as well as cut and build with wood and its dedicated equipment.

Students graduating in the 3D area will be emboldened to make their mark on society in a real, sincere, and creative way.

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See more 3D Studies student work

Alumni

Our alumni work all over the world and in many different industries. They're super great.

More alumni

AU’s approachability and promise of an education that could rival any other is what ultimately lead me to pursue the Art and Design program.

Jivan Davé, Senior Art Director

My art professors offered a wealth of individualized attention, which gave me the support to explore and find my creative voice. They instilled in me the importance of paying attention to every detail, from the initial framework of a piece to the finishing touches that really stand out.

Andrew Massey, Ceramic Artist

The most valuable take away from my education is the remarkable, luminary professors that guided me through my college experience and into my professional career. They created a home that challenged my thinking, developed my skills and nurtured my dreams. I am forever indebted to the time, effort and love they gave and continue to give to me today.

Emily Weiland, Director of Operations

Thanks to the rigor of the AU art program, I’m comfortable working in a studio, balancing priorities and meeting deadlines. AU professors taught me how to translate big ideas and concepts into physical work.

Lydia Turbeville, Display Experience Lead

Course and program highlights

This is an overview of the major courses you will take in the 3D Studies concentration. See the complete requirements listing by clicking the link below.

All Course Requirements

Freshman year

ART 105: Foundations I

Initial offering of two-semester integrated studies sequence for freshman art and interior design majors; prepares students for work at the upper levels in art and design; provides experiences addressing the five major program goals (communication; formal exploration; creative visual problem solving; exploration of tools, materials, and techniques; and investigation of history, theory, and methodologies. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.

3 Credit Hours

ART 106: Foundations II

Continuation of topics/experiences in 105. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.

Prerequisite: ART 105 or permission of instructor.

3 Credit Hours

Sophomore year

ART 262: Ceramics I (Hand Building)

Introduction to traditional and contemporary practices of making hand-built ceramic fine art and fine craft objects. Clay hand-building techniques such as pinch-forming, coil construction, slab construction, extruding and solid modeling are employed to create utilitarian vessels and sculptural objects. Students also learn various glazing techniques, how to mix their own clay and glazes from dry materials, basic studio material and equipment safety, and how to load and fire electric and raku kilns. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.

Prerequisites: ART 105 or ART 106

3 Credit Hours

ART 261: Sculpture 1

An introduction to traditional and nontraditional processes of sculpture while accumulating techniques and skills in a variety of sculpture materials and practices. This course places an emphasis on the development of ideas, conceptual reasoning, technology and the safe usage of materials and processes associated with contemporary sculpture.

Prerequisites: ART 105

3 Credit Hours

Junior year

ART 460: 3D Studio Practices/Special Topics

Elective contract study in 3D, with continued focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline. Studio topics may include preparation for graduate school, professional exhibition, and professional ceramics or sculpture career practices. This course has a studio component and meets a total of 6 hours per week.

Prerequisite: ART 469 (Can be taken twice)

3 Credit Hours

ART 469: Advanced 3D Studies Studio (1–3)

Students will focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Three-Dimensional Art.

Prerequisites: ART 462 and ART 463

3 Credit Hours

Can be taken 3 times, for a total of 9 credit hours.

Senior year

ART 469: Advanced 3D Studies Studio (1–3)

Students will focus on the refinement of skills, knowledge and the development of a unique personal style and professional level of craftsmanship within the discipline of Three-Dimensional Art.

Prerequisites: ART 462 and ART 463

3 Credit Hours

Can be taken 3 times, for a total of 9 credit hours.

ART 491: Senior Seminar in Studio Art

Examination of topics related to working as a professional studio artist, including exhibiting and the development of cover letters, curriculum vitae, artist resumes, artist statements and slide portfolios, possible preparation for graduate studies.

Prerequisites: ART 271 and Senior standing

2 Credit Hours