At RISD glass is considered both an artist's material having remarkable and complex expressive range and a studio discipline with limitless potential and a unique history that incorporates sculpture, architecture, design, craft and decorative art. The department is a media-specific sculpture program that combines this rich and diverse heritage with an unending material and process investigation of glass and a corresponding commitment to conceptual development and artistic criticality.
Glass majors are given a thorough technical foundation and are exposed to broad resources for the exploration of this specialized material. Students are asked to value and nurture their native curiosity as the basis for developing a personal aesthetic through continual experimentation and artistic striving. Advanced students are encouraged to broaden their perspective and experience through internships, travel and exchange programs, and workshops.
Master of fine arts program:
This two-year professional program is designed to help talented individuals to hone their own aesthetic through a focused exploration of the glass tradition - whether used in sculpture, applied design or craft. Instruction emphasizes independent study, professional example and individual attention provided by resident professionals and a wide range of visiting artists and critics.
Technology & Facilities:
An extensive custom facility in RISD's Metcalf Building offers a half-ton continuous- melt furnace, a 700-lb. casting furnace, 15 computer-programmed process ovens, a well-developed coldworking facility and individual studio space for graduate students and undergraduate seniors.