Sculpture
Prepare yourself for professional opportunities in the field of contemporary sculpture.
Shape your experience
The sculpture program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, provides an environment that encourages students to develop as artists and prepares them for professional opportunities in the field of contemporary sculpture. We are committed to cultivating an open-minded and diverse experience for students, while maintaining high standards for personal artistic achievement.
The balance of technical and conceptual practices are at the core of our curriculum. Embracing the interdisciplinary nature of sculpture, faculty emphasize an object-based approach to creating sculpture and foster explorations of new media, performance, and installation.
Programs in Sculpture
MFA
The MFA program in sculpture encourages advanced aesthetic and conceptual development through self-directed exploration. Independent studio work is balanced with intensive investigation of critical, conceptual, and historical issues. Graduate students receive critiques from sculpture and School of Art faculty in other disciplines, as well as from visiting artists. Graduate students are encouraged to work in an interdisciplinary manner.
Email faculty representative John Powers
Program Features
Currently, all admitted Sculpture MFA students receive 1/4 time assistantships including a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. As part of their assistantship duties, MFA students teach or assist one class each semester and are assigned responsibility for other departmental duties. Sculpture MFA students are integral to the function of the department and are intimately involved in its success.
The School of Art has a very active visiting artist program. In particular, the Sculpture Club brings three to five visiting sculptors to campus each year to give lectures, workshops, and critique student work.
Sculpture grad students are encouraged to show their work regularly. There are opportunities to show work in the Art + Architecture building, in other locations on campus, and in the greater Knoxville area. All UT Art students have the opportunity to show at Gallery 1010, the School of Art student gallery, located in Downtown Knoxville. The Sculpture Club also sponsors group shows and arranges exchange exhibitions with other universities in the region.
The sculpture facility includes well-equipped studios including an indoor foundry, outdoor work area, and a large metal shop maintained by a full-time technician. Our facility also serves as an important resource for students pursuing off-campus sculpture and public art projects in the local and regional community.
Sculpture Student Resources page provides technical resources and lists of residencies and workshops, including the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities for artistic growth through funding assistance by the School of Art.
The sculpture program provides numerous opportunities for students to extend their learning from the classroom into the local community. We believe that experience in community arts and public art projects is critical to preparing students for future professional opportunities. Each semester, faculty members organize events that allow students to integrate their sculptural work with local gardens, parks, greenways, and public schools.
Courses
Graduate students each take 5 credits of the Graduate Sculpture Seminar for their first four semesters. This course has two parts: independent self-directed studio work and participation in a seminar class aimed at placing this work in a critical, conceptual, and historical context. All course work including elective and art history requirements are completed in the first two years. The third year of the MFA program is devoted solely to the development of the project in lieu of thesis exhibition.
- ART 503: Theory/Practice/Art Fundamentals — Required for all GTAs. Surveys art theory and practice as it relates to teaching art foundations. Practical instruction, professional development, and pedagogy will be introduced in the form of lectures, group discussions, readings, and project development.
- ART 504: First-Semester Graduate Seminar — Issues in art, design and art history presented by School of Art faculty.
- ART 507: Professional Practice: Teaching Internship — Individual study in the development of skills and methodology in teaching studio courses.
- ART 541: Graduate Sculpture I
- ART 542: Graduate Sculpture II
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 60 credit hours to include the following:
- A minimum of 16 credit hours of studio courses in a concentration area.
- A minimum of 9 credit hours of graduate-level academic (non-studio) courses of which at least 6 credit hours are to be in art history.
- 1 credit hour of First-Semester Graduate Seminar.
- A minimum of 14 credit hours of electives consisting of any combination of courses offered by the University of Tennessee for graduate credit. Students with a GTA are required to successfully complete 3 credit hours of ART 503 – Theory and Practice of Art Fundamentals. These credit hours are considered to be elective. A concentration area may have course requirements that reduce the number of elective credit hours.
- In lieu of a comprehensive exam, MFA students must complete a Project in Lieu of Thesis with written statements and accompanying documentation. In the third year of semi-independent study, students must have completed all required coursework prior to taking 20 credit hours of ART 599 Projects in Lieu of Thesis.
Academic Standards
- First-year evaluation. At the end of the first two semesters in residence, the student must present a portfolio for evaluation by the faculty and receive permission to continue in the program.
- Second-year evaluation. With the completion of all course work, the student must present work for evaluation by the faculty and receive permission to register for Project in Lieu of Thesis.
- If in a review by the student’s major area faculty, the student’s progress is deemed insufficient, the faculty may recommend a work period without advancement toward the degree, probation with specific goals set for a specific time, or dismissal.
Option: Art History Minor
A graduate minor in art history may be arranged during the student’s first semester of study with the consent of the student’s area instructors and the art history faculty. Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in art history that is agreed upon by the art history faculty after review of previous undergraduate course work. A reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian is a prerequisite, unless waived by the art history faculty. Graduate Council policy stipulates that a member from the minor unit must serve on the thesis committee.
BA in Art
OR Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D
Courses
- ARTB 241: Beginning Sculpture (3 credits) — Introduction to the materials, concepts, technical processes, and history of sculpture. Materials include wood, plaster, steel, and plastics.
- ARTB 245: Metal Fabrication (3 credits) — Introduction to steel as a material for the creation of sculpture. Development of welding techniques, design of cold connections, and engineering of structural components.
- ARTB 341: Intermediate Sculpture (4 credits) — Students begin defining and developing their visual vocabulary relative to contemporary sculptural issues. Emphasis on studio projects, research, and discussion.
- ARTB 441: Advanced Sculpture (6 credits) — Individual development of sculptural problems and techniques. Students work independently while participating in group projects, critique, and discussion.
- ARTB 446: Advanced Mixed-Media Sculpture (4 credits) — Advanced investigation into the sculptural possibilities of installation art, performance, and multi-media. Contemporary issues are examined through research and studio projects.
Special Topics in Sculpture (topics vary each semester)
Digital Fabrication
This Special Topics course is an introduction to various approaches and techniques related to digital design and fabrication. The course addresses a number of ways to create 3D files as well as possibilities for manifesting those files in real space. Topics include, but are not limited to, 3D modeling and rendering, 3D printing, 3D scanning, and CNC machining.
Land Art
This course will focus on a range of topics related to Land Art, including contemporary ecological and environmental sculpture projects. Students discuss the 1960s and 1970s origins of Land Art in the American West (Earthworks) in relation to a more expansive practice of working in the landscape. There are also a number of field trips scheduled to local sites such as abandoned marble quarries, nature centers, and urban farms. Studio projects range from site-specific object making and environmental installations to photography, video, and performance.
Wood Sculpture
The focus of this course is the exploration of wood as a material in Sculpture. Studio projects will provide an opportunity to learn and experiment with traditional and contemporary uses of wood. Demonstrations will include a variety of woodworking techniques with manual and power tools, including steam-bending and vacuum forming.
Social Sculpture
This course examines the complicated process of creating art in public places, including historical precedents, design strategies, social dialogue, funding issues, and political implications. Current social practice and post-studio trends are explored including relational aesthetics and its historical precedents such as social sculpture and Fluxus. Studio projects are conceptually based assignments that are open to a wide variety of materials and solutions. Students are encouraged to work off-campus and engage non-art audiences.
Requirements
BA in Art
The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in art is a humanities degree with 45 credit hours in studio art and art history coursework. Many students who choose the BA path earn a second major in another field of study. The BA option allows for flexibility to pursue wide-ranging interests and career paths and to study abroad for a full semester.
BFA in Studio Art – 2D
The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in studio art is a professionally-oriented degree intended for students planning careers or graduate study in the visual arts.
For Current Students
The School of Art uses a combination of a professional advisor and faculty mentors to meet the needs of our students. You are assigned to our professional staff advisor upon admission to the School of Art. The staff advisor will do all primary advising (clearing registration holds, discussing graduation requirements, etc). In addition, a faculty mentor will be assigned after you pass portfolio review. You will be expected to meet with your faculty mentor at least once per year.
Sculpture Portfolio Review
Passing the Sculpture Portfolio Review allows students to take upper-division sculpture courses.
Prerequisites:
- A grade of C or better in the following courses:
- Art 101, Art 103, Art 295, Art History 172, Art History 173, ARTB 241 (Beginning Sculpture), and one other 200-level Sculpture course (ARTB 242, 243, 245, or 246).
- To enroll in Sculpture Portfolio Review, register for ARTB 340 in the same semester you are taking your second 200-level sculpture course.
Requirements:
- Students meet three times as a group with faculty in preparation for your individual review at the end of the semester. 3-5 faculty from the School of Art will participate in your final review. It will be your responsibility to prepare for an oral presentation of your work and ideas in the field of Sculpture. It is required that you complete the following items two weeks prior to the portfolio review date:
- Transcript: Official UT document that includes attachments of transcripts from any other schools attended prior to UT. Submit this for review by sculpture faculty before midterm.
Letter of Intent: A one-page, typed description of your interest in becoming a sculpture major. Describe your professional and educational goals in relationship to sculpture. - Artist’s Statement: A typed statement of your conceptual and material interests in Art, specifically Sculpture. Two drafts will be required, one at each of our group meetings.
- Sculpture Work: Your portfolio should include 6 finished pieces of sculpture. You may show no more than 2 of these in slide format. These works must be properly presented and installed for the final review with the faculty. Select the pieces that best represent your abilities and strengths. You should be able to discuss these works in relation to your statement.
Minors and Electives
Minor: 21 Credits
Select 6 hours of Art History (grade of C or better):
- ARTH 172 – Western Art: Ancient through Medieval *
- ARTH 173 – Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary *
- ARTH 183 – Asian Art *
Required:
Select 15 hours of art courses of which a minimum of 3 must be at the 300-400 level.
SCULPTURE OPTIONS
- ARTB 241: Beginning Sculpture (3 credits) — Introduction to the materials, concepts, technical processes, and history of sculpture. Materials include wood, plaster, steel, and plastics.
- ARTB 245: Metal Fabrication (3 credits) — Introduction to steel as a material for the creation of sculpture. Development of welding techniques, design of cold connections, and engineering of structural components.
- ARTB 341: Intermediate Sculpture (4 credits) — Students begin defining and developing their visual vocabulary relative to contemporary sculptural issues. Emphasis on studio projects, research, and discussion.
- ARTB 441: Advanced Sculpture (6 credits) — Individual development of sculptural problems and techniques. Students work independently while participating in group projects, critique, and discussion.
- ARTB 446: Advanced Mixed-Media Sculpture (4 credits) — Advanced investigation into the sculptural possibilities of installation art, performance, and multi-media. Contemporary issues are examined through research and studio projects.
Special Topics in Sculpture (topics vary each semester)
Digital Fabrication
This Special Topics course is an introduction to various approaches and techniques related to digital design and fabrication. The course addresses a number of ways to create 3D files as well as possibilities for manifesting those files in real space. Topics include, but are not limited to, 3D modeling and rendering, 3D printing, 3D scanning, and CNC machining.
Land Art
This course will focus on a range of topics related to Land Art, including contemporary ecological and environmental sculpture projects. Students discuss the 1960s and 1970s origins of Land Art in the American West (Earthworks) in relationship to a more expansive practice of working in the landscape. There are also a number of field trips scheduled to local sites such as abandoned marble quarries, nature centers, and urban farms. Studio projects range from site-specific object making and environmental installations to photography, video, and performance.
Wood Sculpture
The focus of this course is the exploration of wood as a material in Sculpture. Studio projects will provide an opportunity to learn and experiment with traditional and contemporary uses of wood. Demonstrations will include a variety of woodworking techniques with manual and power tools, including steam-bending and vacuum forming.
Social Sculpture
This course examines the complicated process of creating art in public places, including historical precedents, design strategies, social dialogue, funding issues, and political implications. Current social practice and post-studio trends are explored including relational aesthetics and its historical precedents such as social sculpture and Fluxus. Studio projects are conceptually based assignments that are open to a wide variety of materials and solutions. Students are encouraged to work off-campus and engage non-art audiences.
Courses for Non-Art Majors
Register for ARTN courses to learn alongside art majors, while skipping the prerequisites. Class sizes are limited.
- ARTN 211 Non-Major Intro to Drawing
- ARTN 213 Non-Major Intro to Painting
- ARTN 221 Non-Major Intro to Ceramic Sculpture
- ARTN 222 Non-Major Intro to Pottery
- ARTN 231 Non-Major Intro to Photography
- ARTN 232 Non-Major Intro to Performance & Sound Art
- ARTN 239 Non-Major Intro to Special Topics in 4D Art
- ARTN 241 Non-Major Intro to Sculpture
- ARTN 262 Non-Major Intro to Intaglio (Printmaking)
- ARTN 263 Non-Major Intro to Lithography (Printmaking)
- ARTN 264 Non-Major Intro to Screen Printing
- ARTN 265 Non-Major Intro to Relief (Printmaking)
- ARTN 291 Non-Major Intro to Book Arts and Papermaking
Faculty
Christopher McNulty
Director, UT School of Art
Area of Study: Works on Paper
Sculpture News
- Kimberly D. Iles Scholarship Awards – 2023
- Artwork of Christopher McNulty in Philadelphia Exhibit
- Ceramics Alumna, Jessica Kreutter, Featured in Sculpture Houston Exhibit
- Ceramics Alumni, Kevin Kao, to Serve on FATE Board
- Student Profile: Brigit Ciskowski
- Abigail Hedley Receives International Sculpture Center’s 2023 Award
- MFA Student Francis Akosah Participates in Sculpture Trails Internship
- MFA Graduate Delany Bal Teaches Knife Forging
- School of Art Students Exhibit at GSS Awards Banquet
- Jason Brown Receives Excellence in Teaching Award
- Daily Beacon Features Visiting Artist Lonnie Holley and the Downtown Gallery
- 76th Annual Student Art Competition Awards
Sculpture Resources
Manuals
Review the Sculpture Metal Shop Manual
Special Topics Courses
Each semester, one of the following courses is taught as a Special Topics in Sculpture seminar and/or studio class. These provide additional learning opportunities beyond the core curriculum of the Sculpture program.
Digital Fabrication
This Special Topics course is an introduction to various approaches and techniques related to digital design and fabrication. The course addresses a number of ways to create 3D files as well as possibilities for manifesting those files in real space. Topics include, but are not limited to, 3D modeling and rendering, 3D printing, 3D scanning, and CNC machining.
Land Art
This course will focus on a range of topics related to Land Art, including contemporary ecological and environmental sculpture projects. Students discuss the 1960s and 1970s origins of Land Art in the American West (Earthworks) in relationship to a more expansive practice of working in the landscape. There are also a number of field trips scheduled to local sites such as abandoned marble quarries, nature centers, and urban farms. Studio projects range from site-specific object making and environmental installations to photography, video, and performance.
Wood Sculpture
The focus of this course is the exploration of wood as a material in Sculpture. Studio projects will provide an opportunity to learn and experiment with traditional and contemporary uses of wood. Demonstrations will include a variety of woodworking techniques with manual and power tools, including steam-bending and vacuum forming.
Social Sculpture (formerly Art in Public Places)
This course examines the complicated process of creating art in public places, including historical precedents, design strategies, social dialogue, funding issues, and political implications. Current social practice and post-studio trends are explored including relational aesthetics and its historical precedents such as social sculpture and Fluxus. Studio projects are conceptually based assignments that are open to a wide variety of materials and solutions. Students are encouraged to work off campus and engage non-art audiences.
Community Engagement Projects
The Sculpture Program at the University of Tennessee provides numerous opportunities for students to extend their learning from the classroom into the local community. We believe that experience in community arts and public art projects is critical to preparing students for future professional opportunities. Each semester, faculty members organize events that allow students to integrate their sculptural work with local gardens, parks, greenways, and public schools.
Students also participate in apprenticeships and internships with local sculptors who may be working on larger-scale public art commissions. During the spring semester, Sculpture students assist professional sculptors to install new outdoor artworks in downtown Knoxville as part of the Dogwood Arts Festival Art in Public Places exhibition.
Current community partnerships include a recycled scrap metal sculpture exhibition with Dogwood Arts Festival and steel recycler Gerdau – the past several exhibitions were staged at the Knoxville Convention Center and organized by students in Professor John Powers’ Advanced Sculpture class.
All Sculpture majors are required to participate in organizing exhibitions off campus in pop-up spaces, traditional galleries and non-profit art spaces. Some of this artwork is featured in the Senior Capstone exhibits, but the Advanced Sculpture class typically includes one major group exhibit off campus each semester.
During Spring 2015 semester, the Land Art special topics class, led by Professor Jason Brown, installed outdoor site-specific projects at William Hastie Natural Area, Mead’s Quarry, Beardsley Community Farm and other public parks around Knoxville. Past projects included outdoor student sculptures installed at the UT Horticultural Gardens and a community sculpture festival organized by the Sculpture Club at a local riverfront park.
The results of the former Art in Public Places class included a collaborative sculptural installation at a local public high school, temporary environmental art installations throughout Knoxville, and public performances on city streets. Students have also completed permanent public art projects such as forged iron and steel gates at the James Agee Memorial Park in the Fort Sanders neighborhood.
Links of Interest
Sculpture Organizations
International Sculpture Center, Hamilton, NJ
Tri-State Sculptors, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia
The Sculpture Center, Cleveland, OH
Sculpture Residencies and Workshops
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN
Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Sweetbriar, VA
Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
Technical and Material Resources
Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, AL
Regional Exhibition Opportunities
Zeitgeist Gallery, Nashville, TN
Public Art Commissions and Networks