MCC Visual Arts Facilities
Facilities
Ceramics
The Visual Arts program in ceramics gives students the technical knowledge and skills they need to further their careers at a four year university. Students are encouraged to build and be resourceful in design and material use. Ceramics is a studio discipline dealing with clay and the functional and sculptural forms that can be constructed from this versatile material. Students learn clay mixing, wheel-thrown and hand-built techniques, the formulation and application of glazes and methods of firing, Kiln loading and operation is included in the advanced courses. Intermediate and advanced students are expected to develop individual, personal direction in their work.
The ceramics program encompasses approximately 2,000 square feet of studio space with additional kiln space outdoors. Kilns include three large electric and two large gas reduction, including salt type. An Anagama woodfired kiln is used to study the particular aesthetic quality and to explore renewable fuel possibilities. One large clay mixers, a slab roller, hand extruder, 8 electric pottery wheels, pugmill, and a glaze mixing area.
Design
Design within the school reflects a holistic approach toward the study of design and comprising graphic design. The focus is on developing the conceptual awareness and creative skills that will enable students to meet the demands of continuously changing visual communications and environmental needs.
The design program emphasizes instruction in theories and concepts through the development of problem-solving or "design-thinking" skills. This approach will allow the student to proceed to other institutions in which their disciplines of design are studied in a specialized and vocational manner. The foundation for all study, exploration, and manipulation of two and three-dimensional space is Design Fundamentals, an indispensable core course not only for design students but for students in all other areas within the school. The design program has access to a computer lab with 10 Mac G5 computers with updated software for two- and three-dimensional design and video production.
Painting and Drawing
The painting and drawing programs focuses on the development of the individual student's strengths within a pedagogy that reflects both historical and contemporary theory. Three regular faculty members teach drawing and painting classes at all levels. The current faculty is diverse and exhibits regularly and widely, nationally and internationally.
The average class size is 12 to 16 students and, with ample space to accommodate small and large works. The room is equipped with multimedia capabilities for lectures and research.
Photography
The photography program prepares students to meet a wide range of professional challenges and to pursue a variety of career opportunities. The program stresses visual literacy and encourages students to develop an aesthetic that synthesizes personal temperament with a contemporary understanding of the medium's history and its cultural ties.
A full range of courses are offered. Facilities are available for large format and studio lighting, black-and-white and color printing, digital imaging, computer lab with 10 Mac G5 and color printers. While we are building up the digital component in many of our course offerings, we recognize the impact that the camera-derived image has within both the fine arts and the culture at large.
Sculpture
Recent changes to the sculpture facility and curriculum have allowed for a broader range of course selection, philosophical inquiry and specific instruction in a variety of materials.
Emphasis is placed on the development of the individual artist to produce and critically evaluate his or her own work and the work of peers. Concepts and ideas are stressed along with materials and processes. Studio facilities can accommodate wood, metal, plaster, clay, paint, and whatever the student can conceive.
Beginning courses encourage the exploration of the fundamental principles of three-dimensional form with projects designed to create a historical awareness while questioning conventional techniques. Advanced students initiate their own projects guided by critical evaluation and technical advice and assistance.
