Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass

The glass program combines a contemporary art context with coursework that emphasizes the history, chemistry, and technical aspects of glass production. In addition to learning glass blowing, glass fabrication, glass fusing, glass casting, and kiln work, students are responsible for running the hot and cold studios, and for learning to build the tools they need to articulate their concepts in glass and other media. The program also emphasizes the development of a closely-knit artistic community. Having a cohesive group of students is a valued goal, and genuine teamwork is required to make work and run the studios. Tyler also prepares students by making sure they are part of the greater glass community. Through membership in a variety of professional associations, faculty members bring visiting artists, workshops, and guest lecturers to campus. Students tour Philadelphia studios and explore the city’s wealth of cultural institutions. Students are challenged to explore the broad cultural and historical contexts in which their disciplines are made, exhibited, and experienced. They are encouraged to pursue their individual visions with an attitude of curiosity and imagination. The end goal of the curriculum is the education of a Crafts artist who will be creatively active throughout their lives, contributing to the enrichment of not only the communities in which they live and work, but the world community as well. Upon graduation, students go on to careers in art education, design, the arena of not-for-profit and commercial galleries, and the professional practice of a studio artist. Many students go on to graduate school in order to receive further training and research for their eventual professional careers.