Exploring the Ceramics Program at the College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) offers a vibrant and enriching ceramics program, catering to a diverse range of students from beginners to advanced practitioners. The program is designed to foster a love for clay, develop technical skills, and encourage individual artistic expression. CSM provides a nurturing environment where students can explore their creativity and master the art of ceramics. The college community maintains a safe working and learning environment. Masks are optional, but physical distancing is recommended when possible. CSM provides a rich blend of offerings that can satisfy any appetite for art. Students can treat their ears with musical talent from across the CSM community and immerse themselves in captivating art created by student, local, and national artists.

A Comprehensive Curriculum

The ceramics program at CSM provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of ceramic art, including art production, research, art criticism, mastery of ceramic vocabulary, and practical knowledge. Students learn essential skills such as making clay, formulating glazes, managing a classroom environment, and loading the kiln for firing. Assignments in ceramics cover art production, research, art criticism, master of ceramic vocabulary, and practical knowledge such as making clay, glazes, classroom management, and loading the kiln to bake the clay.

Professor Alice Yutzy, recipient of the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award, is a central figure in the program. Described as the art and humanities department’s "rock" and "master teacher" by Professor Andrew Wodzianski, Yutzy imparts her extensive knowledge and passion for clay to her students. Her classes cater to a wide range of ages and experience levels, from teenagers to octogenarians. Yutzy began as an adjunct ceramic professor, initially teaching evening classes and later transitioned to daytime courses.

Students consistently praise Yutzy's guidance and the comfortable learning environment she creates. One student expressed appreciation for discovering a newfound love for ceramics under her tutelage. Another student highlighted the enjoyable assignments and valuable advice received in class.

Fostering a Love for Clay

Yutzy emphasizes the importance of instilling a love for clay in her students. She believes in nurturing each student's unique voice and encouraging them to express themselves through their work. Patience and encouragement are central to her teaching philosophy.

Yutzy shares her love of clay with her students, hoping that they will also fall in love with clay. It is always a joy to watch each student become acquainted with clay and eventually master basic techniques. Students of all levels in my ceramic classes at the College of Southern Maryland are a joy and an inspiration to teach.

Faculty Excellence and Recognition

The College of Southern Maryland recognizes outstanding faculty members for their contributions to education. In addition to Alice Yutzy, Professor Margaret Bolton received the Full Time Faculty Excellence Award, nominated by her peers and students.

Bolton incorporates a sense of belonging in her classrooms and labs by getting to know her students and letting them see the ‘authentic me’ when she teaches. On the first day of class, Bolton learns the names of every one of her students. By the third week of class, students turn in a letter containing their schedule, their fears, their motivations, their academic goals, and any obstacles in their life that may present challenges.

Students commend Bolton for her exceptional teaching, kindness, empathy, and communication skills.

Alumni Success and Contributions

CSM alumni have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. Kelly Robertson-Slagle, a graduate of CSM, was appointed as the director of economic development for Charles County, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She also held leadership positions with the Maryland Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Department of Commerce.

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Robertson-Slagle acknowledges the impact of CSM on her career and supports the institution through the Captain Billy Robertson Endowment Fund and her service on the CSM Foundation Board of Directors.

Celebrating Artistic Expression

CSM provides various platforms for students and artists to showcase their work. The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition features a selected collection of artworks created by current CSM students, including ceramics, painting, drawing, photography, and graphic design.

The Walter Grove II Memorial Art Gallery features rotating art works by exceptional CSM students working in visual mediums. Established in 2001, the gallery honors Jane and Walter Grove’s son, Walter B. Grove II, who died in 1999. See the work of various local and national artists in the Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery.

The Larry Chappelear Memorial Gallery, located in the Hank Willoughby Foundation Center for the Arts, permanently exhibits the work of Professor Larry Chappelear, an advocate for the studio arts program and founder of the Tony Hungerford Art Gallery.

Linda's Journey: From Graphic Design to Ceramics Artist

Linda's story exemplifies the transformative power of the ceramics program at CSM. After a successful career in graphic design and fundraising, Linda returned to her love of art and began taking ceramics classes at CSM under the guidance of Lindsay Pichaske, a nationally-recognized ceramic artist.

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Linda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from William Paterson University in New Jersey. She pursued a career in graphic design that ultimately led to a flourishing career in fundraising for several nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and Maryland. After retiring in 2016, Linda returned to her love of art and began taking ceramics classes at the College of Southern Maryland where she studied under nationally-recognized ceramic artist Lindsay Pichaske.

Linda's talent and dedication quickly shone through, earning her several "Best in Show" awards. In addition to student awards, Linda received “Best in Show” at the 2017 Annual Juried Art Show at Matawoman Creek Arts Center in Marbury, MD. Furthermore, she had a successful one-woman show at the Cox Arts Center in Huntingtown, MD. After moving to Pennsylvania, in 2017, Linda initiated and led the “Women’s Creative Corner” at her Yellow Door Studio. The monthly meeting gives local women a creative outlet and a place to share their collective and individual artistic pursuits. In 2019, Linda’s ceramic work entitled, “Gandaberunda” was accepted into the Adams County Arts Council juried show at the Schmucker Art Gallery. Her work, “Ye Shall Have Dominion” was again accepted for the 2020 show which was postponed until the Summer of 2021. Much of Linda’s early work focused on birds and later fantasy birds pushing creative boundaries. She is currently creating totems exploring shape and form and learning to play well with clay. Linda is a featured artist at The Foundry Artist Cooperative, 100 South Main Street in Chambersburg, PA, and The Cumberland Shop, 16 W. King Street in Shippensburg, PA. She lives in Fayetteville, PA with her husband Brad Gottfried, noted Civil War historian and author.

Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities in Ceramics Nationwide

For students seeking to further develop their ceramic skills and build a portfolio for graduate school or professional practice, many institutions across the country offer post-baccalaureate programs or special student opportunities in ceramics. These programs provide a supportive environment for artists to refine their techniques, explore new concepts, and receive guidance from experienced faculty.

Program Structures and Features

Post-baccalaureate programs in ceramics vary in structure and features, but they generally offer access to studio facilities, materials, and mentorship from faculty. Some programs require students to enroll in advanced-level courses, while others focus on independent studio work with regular critiques.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): SAIC accepts special students on a case-by-case basis, offering them the opportunity to build upon and strengthen their portfolio. Students may be required to sign up for ART A495 Practicum, a course in studio management skills, and ART A402 Advanced Wheelthrowing or Art A401 Advanced Hand Building.
San Jose State University: The Ceramics program at San Jose State University offers a 1-year residency program to a student who shows exceptional promise in the area of ceramics. The artist will be required to work 10 hours a week as a volunteer.
Colorado State University (CSU): CSU's special student program is a one-year position starting in the fall. Students are expected to be highly self-motivated and prioritize the development of their work. The program includes weekly or bi-weekly meetings, formal critiques, and participation in activities involving the Advanced Class.
Iowa State University (ISU): Students pursuing post-undergraduate work at ISU will take credits as a "Graduate Student At Large".
Louisiana State University (LSU): LSU accepts 1 to 2 special students each year.
Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI): Students who seek advanced experience in ceramic art, but who are not working towards an undergraduate degree, may apply for enrollment in the KCAI Special Status Student program.
Kansas State University: The Portfolio Development in the Visual Arts course is a non-credit, on-campus course offered during Spring and Fall semesters in the Department of Art at Kansas State University.
Wichita State University: The Ceramics Program at Wichita State University offers Post-Baccalaureate opportunities on a semester-to-semester basis.
University of Kentucky: The ceramics program at the University of Kentucky does have a post-bac program for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and need to prepare their portfolios for application into the graduate program.
Maine College of Art & Design (MICA): The MICA Ceramics department accepts Special Students on a case by case basis.
Michigan State University (MSU): The Post Baccalaureate experience through Life Long Education at MSU allows students to complete two semesters of Advanced Studio Ceramics.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: "We usually have space for two ‘unclassified Grads’ along with our 4-6 full time graduate students. The application procedure is much the same as for the grads except that we have the post-bac students apply directly to the area (ceramics) instead of through the Graduate School."
Other Opportunities: Some studios, like Maine Prairie Studio, offer internships, assistantships, and mentoring opportunities for clay students and artists.

Key Considerations for Prospective Students

When considering post-baccalaureate opportunities in ceramics, students should consider the following factors:

Program Goals: Determine whether the program aligns with your goals, such as preparing for graduate school, developing a professional studio practice, or exploring new directions in your work.
Faculty and Mentorship: Research the faculty members in the program and their areas of expertise. Look for mentors who can provide guidance and support as you develop your artistic voice.
Studio Facilities and Resources: Evaluate the studio facilities and resources available, including equipment, kiln access, and materials.
Community and Collaboration: Consider the importance of community and collaboration in your artistic development. Look for programs that foster a supportive and engaging environment.
Financial Considerations: Investigate the tuition fees, lab fees, and other expenses associated with the program. Explore funding options, such as scholarships, grants, and assistantships.

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