Sculpture
The Sculpture Area is very diverse involving a wide variety of media and concepts. The program's primary concern is on individual development and expression within today's broad definition of sculpture. Students are encouraged to pursue and refine their chosen direction of investigation while improving their technical skills. Traditional object-based sculpture is emphasized. Graduates are expected to investigate and respond to contemporary issues while increasing their problem-solving capabilities. Course offerings provide intensive studio experience with 24-hour per day, 7-days per week access. The facilities support work in traditional media, as well as the development of conceptual and experimental work. The area maintains direct ties to other specializations in the Division of Art that enable the sculpture student to incorporate multiple media into their work. Faculty members are involved in creating their own research on site, and are thoroughly committed as teachers to directing creative, ambitious students.
The graduate program is a time of exploration, stimulation, and a manifestation of ideas that have been personally directed. Concurrently, the graduate student should have clarity of direction to allow for the solidification of ideas through various self-selected media. Sculpture faculty visit the graduate studio often giving weekly critiques on progress made in the studio. Mid-term and final semester critiques foster discussion and encourages professional development for all sculpture majors. Several students have been sponsored by the University to attend regional and national conference to discuss their work. The visiting artist program brings in a variety of artists whom meet with the graduates to critique their work as well as discuss issues and opportunities for sculptors.
Facilities
The sculpture facilities are housed in 6,200 sq. ft. of studio workspace which is equipped with a foundry for lost wax and sand casting, a metal workshop including complete metalworking facilities, and both gas/electric welding. The spacious wood shop includes a table saw, band saw, radial arm saw, bet sanders, disc sander, 13” planner/joiner, etc. Other work space includes an overhead movable hoist, drill press, grinders, brakes, horizontal band saw, chop saw, are, mig & tig welders, forge, unisaw and graduate studio space.
Contact Info:
Alison Helm, M.F.A. (Syracuse University), Sculpture
alison.helm@mail.wvu.edu 293-4841 ext. 3218
Shaila Christofferson, M.F.A. (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Sculpture
shaila.christofferson@mail.wvu.edu 293-4841 ext. 3219
