Students will learn about materials and techniques as they create their own ceramic art.
Pick up practical knowledge, aesthetic forms, technical approaches, solving problems, and content while the students explore clay as a medium.
In ceramic courses, students will learn how to produce ceramic art. They learn hand-building and wheel-thrown ceramics; experiment with molding, ceramic sculpture, glazing methods, altering techniques, trimming techniques, and firing methods for both electric and gas kilns as well as learn how to operate a ceramic studio facility. Students will be encouraged and guided on the development of their own artistic style and techniques.
Associate Professor of Ceramics KyoungHwa Oh
KyoungHwa Oh Biography
Examples of KyoungHwa Oh's work: 
ARTS 241 Beginning Hand Building
Introduction to the ceramic process using traditional materials and methods for hand formed ceramics objects. Involvement in clay from raw material through the glazing and firing process. Studio emphasis on technique and creative process. ARTS 242 Beginning Wheel Throwing
Beginning throwing processes. Creating vessels while learning the technique of shaping clay by throwing. Form and function explored. Initial firing process for bisque fire taught. Development of under-glaze and glaze techniques.ARTS 342 Throwing Workshop I: Intermediate Throwing
A continuation of the throwing process involving more complex vessels and techniques using lids, spouts, and pedestals. Assignment to firing teams for studio production for high fire clay.ARTS 344 Throwing Workshop II
Alteration of thrown vessels using several techniques, including wet shaping, leatherhard shaping, marks, incising, and stamping. Creating larger vessels using a two-piece technique. Kiln teams assigned for high firings. Develop and study glazes and empirical formulas. Introduction to basic molecular composition of raw materials.ARTS 384 Ceramics Sculpture Workshop I
Creating in clay using various techniques and processes. Explorations with clay includes elements of the figure, representational and abstract, as well as 3D forms as pure sculpture. Artwork based and finished for professional exhibition. Independent work via student/professor contract.ARTS 388 Ceramics Sculpture Workshop II
Thematic concepts for the development of a BFA exhibition in clay explored. Student / Mentor consultation of utmost importance as the theme is developed. Independent work via student / professor contract. Art work based for professional presentation. Development of glazes including empirical formulas. Introduction to basic chemistry of the molecular composition of raw materials.ARTS 443 Throwing Workshop III
Advanced problems in clay construction and design with an emphasis on the development of personal style. Develop skills to create thrown multiples in clay. Discussion of marketing and establishing a studio to create clay art.ARTS 444 Throwing Workshop IV
Exploration of thematic concepts for the development of a BFA exhibit in clay continued. Development of personal style on the potter's wheel including advanced alteration techniques. Independent work via student/professor contract to create body of artwork with professional presentation.ARTS 498 Ceramic Sculpture Workshop V
Further exploration of thematic concepts for the development of a BFA exhibit in clay. Independent work via student/professor contract. Artwork created for professional presentation.ARTS 474 Throwing Workshop V
Exploration of the potter's wheel to develop personal style in the throwing process. Independent work via student/professor contract. Body of work created for professional presentation.ARTS 484 Ceramic Sculpture Workshop III
Thematic concepts for the development of a BFA exhibit in clay continued. Independent work via student/professor contract. Artwork based for professional presentation.ARTS 488 Ceramic Sculpture Workshop IV
General introduction to media, techniques, and history of ceramic art to create a deeper appreciation for the creative ceramics process. Further development of thematic concepts for the development of a BFA exhibit in clay. Independent work via student/professor contract.
If you are interested in joining Clay Club contact Professor KyoungHwa Oh. You can only join Clay Club if you have taken a ceramics course or if you are majoring or minoring in Fine Art.
Every May and December, Clay Club, CMU ceramic students, faculty, and alumni organize a ceramics sale in the first floor of the University Center. All proceeds go toward bringing in visiting artists, sending the ceramics students to conferences, or attending workshops.
Student Work
Clay Recycling day with the CMU Clay Club students 
Marcus Fingerlin working on his figurative sculptures
Professor KyoungHwa Oh and student Matthew Jones at his senior exhibition
Nicole LaRose installing her sculptures
Professor KyoungHwa Oh and Student Hannah Martin loading the kiln
Elise Uribe at her senior exhibition 
Caleb Brown working on his sculptures
Professor KyoungHwa Oh and student Ashtonn Means at her senior exhibition
Hannah Martin, Caleb Brown, and Marcus Fingerlin having fun in the studio 
KyoungHwa Oh demonstrating for one of her classes