Ceramics

Do you see yourself as a creative individual? Do you enjoy working with your hands? If this sounds like you, it is time to start playing in the “mud” in pursuit of an Associate of Arts degree in Ceramics at Henry Ford College.

Interested in this program?

Why should I choose this program?

Our program offers you the background, knowledge and essential skills necessary to become a studio potter, ceramic artist or ceramic technician. We will provide you with the ability to make your own personal mark on the world through designing and building utilitarian objects or other creative ceramic ware, as well as thoroughly prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university Ceramics program.

Our program is designed to teach you the theory and practice behind using clay to build objects for use or creative expression.

Building a career in any creative field can be challenging. Patience and persistence are important to any artist’s development, and you have to be both dedicated and very good at what you do. If you really enjoy working with clay and take the time to learn the necessary skills, it can be very rewarding. Take the first step and enroll in the Ceramics program at HFC.

What skills will I learn and improve?

  • Design concepts
  • Chemistry
  • Potter's wheel
  • Hand building
  • Communication
  • Self-marketing

What are my career opportunities?

Median Salary

A degree in fine arts with a focus on ceramics can bring many different opportunities, including:

  • Automotive Modeler
  • Art Educator
  • Ceramic Engineer
  • Gallery Director
  • Museum Technician
  • Production Potter
  • Studio Artist

Program features and benefits

  • Student Art Exhibition

    You will have an opportunity to participate in a graduating student Art Exhibition presented at the Sisson Art Gallery.

  • Complete ceramics facility

    A full facility featuring four full-size electric kilns, two gas-fired reduction kilns, potter's wheels, extruders and more.

  • Transfer opportunities

    Students who receive an Associate in Arts degree at HFC frequently transfer to many different universities.

  • Community participation

    In recent years, we've had student participation in events such as the Wyandotte Art Fair, the Annual Potters' Market and more.

Testimonials and Endorsements

Denise W.

K-12 Educator

HFC is a great place to learn about ceramics. There is a large variety of materials to explore in the studio. Support for your artistic journey comes from teachers and technical assistants present during lab times. Taking all levels of ceramics courses here will lead you to discover handbuilidng, wheel throwing, glazing and firing techniques. It is a great place to begin your artistic journey into the ceramic arts, no matter what your starting skill level.

Diane E.

Potter

The Ceramics Program at HFC is equipped with a well furnished studio along with comprehensive instruction. The ceramics faculty and technicians are encouraging and sincerely want to help students develop their best work. This program has given me a meaningful focus and direction for my future years. Thank you, Henry Ford College!

Irene A. N.

Potter

HFC's Ceramics Program has afforded me the opportunity to learn the technical skills of wheel throwing and hand building ceramics. Moreover, I have had the surprising opportunity to study three dimensional form and stretch my creativity by developing my own style and design into my personal, marketable, pottery line. I would highly recommend this track to anyone serious about art.

Faculty

Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.

FT Faculty - Ceramics
sglazer@hfcc.edu
313-845-6485