Crafts

Nicholas Kripal, M.F.A.
Penrose Hall, Room 305
215-782-2868
nkripal@temple.edu

The Crafts Department encompasses the media disciplines of Ceramics/Glass, Fibers, and Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM. These disciplines are rooted in a rich history, developed and refined within a contemporary context, and practiced and experienced through a series of formal presentations and evaluations. The Crafts Department faculty endeavor to refine and interpret Crafts traditions, techniques, and concepts while also pursuing the frontiers of their disciplines through their studio practice.

Students are challenged to explore the broad cultural and historical contexts in which their disciplines are made, exhibited, and experienced. They are encouraged to pursue their individual visions with an attitude of curiosity and imagination. The end goal of the curriculum is the education of a Crafts artist who will be creatively active throughout their lives, contributing to the enrichment of not only the communities in which they live and work, but the world community as well.

Upon graduation, students go on to careers in art education, design, the arena of not-for-profit and commercial galleries, and the professional practice of a studio artist. Many students go on to graduate school in order to receive further training and research for their eventual professional careers.

Ceramics/Glass

Nicholas Kripal, Area Head, Ceramics
Elkins Hall, Room 004
215-782-2790
nkripal@temple.edu

Jon Clark, Area Head, Glass
Blai Hall, Room 103
215-782-2790
jonclark@temple.edu

In the Ceramics area, equipment is available for wheel work, mold making, and slip casting projects, as well as large kilns for hand building and sculpture. Processes include: wood firing, raku, salt glazing, stoneware, and porcelain. The glass curriculum incorporates glass blowing, casting, fusing, and kiln work.

Major Requirements for B.F.A. in Ceramics

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Major Requirements for B.F.A. in Glass  

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Foundation Department

Sharyn O'Mara, Chairperson
Tyler Hall, Room 205
215-782-2894

sharyn.omara@temple.edu

Studies for the B.F.A. degree at Tyler begin with a common freshman experience, the Foundation Year.  During this year, students are enrolled in studio courses in Drawing, 2-D and 3-D Principles, and Foundation Computer.  The Foundation Program is highly structured and intensive.  It forms the fundamental basis for studio practice, critical thinking, and the understanding and implementation of principles of visual art expression.  The program emphasizes creative and critical thinking, problem solving, visual thinking, perception and observation, as well as presents traditional vocabulary, theory, media, and techniques of artistic practice.  The Foundation Faculty is comprised of faculty from all major areas in the School, providing freshmen with a broad perspective and diverse points of view from which to build their experience as artists.

For curriculum, please see the Freshman year sequence on the B.F.A. Degree and B.F.A. with Teaching Certification page.

Fibers

Rebecca Medel, Area Head
Presidents Hall, Room 004
215-782-2728
rmedel@temple.edu

The Fibers major covers weaving, off-loom, and fabric design in a curriculum based on printing, dye, and techniques of fiber structure. Once techniques are mastered, the program promotes experimentation and development of a personal direction. 

Major Requirements for B.F.A. in Fibers

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Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM

Stanley Lechtzin, Area Head   
Elkins Hall, Room 101
215-782-2869
stanlech@temple.edu

This program stresses the use of traditional techniques and materials in relation to their historical significance while encouraging the use of new technologies in the advanced courses. The assignments are focused on the design and creation of jewelry, non-functional forms, furniture, and tableware. 

Major requirements for B.F.A. in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM

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