Sculpture

Personal introspection + conceptual foundation
Sculpture students develop the ability to transfer challenging and abstract ideas into materials and forms. Practical skills are balanced with poetic, imaginative and cognitive capacities. The department embraces a wide range of techniques, materials, processes, and methods for contemporary artists while incorporating traditional and innovative technologies.
BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy
Alongside a philosophy that embraces personal introspection, the sculpture program emphasizes a strong technical and conceptual foundation for makers. We encourage diverse approaches to sculptural production including object making, installations, kinetics, performance, multi-media, sound, video, digital pieces, community art projects and collaborative ventures. Investigation and study of sculpture conceptual aspects, historical precedents and current sculptural practice are emphasized. We prepare students for professional art practice in a global context.
“There is so much more you can do with a creative mind and skill set than just work in a studio... that’s what KCAI has shown me.”
Siara BerrySculpture and Creative Writing, 2015
Classes
Once you declare your major, sculpture students take the following core courses as they progress from sophomore to senior year. For additional electives and liberal arts courses, download the complete Course Catalog.
Double Major Art History & Sculpture Requirements
Double Major Creative Writing & Sculpture Requirements
Sophomore
- Sophomore Sculpture I & II
- Materials & Processes I & II
Junior
- Junior Sculpture I & II
- Professional Practice
Senior
- Senior Sculpture I & II

Professional Practice
Professional practice is a required component of the KCAI program in which students benefit enormously from insights provided by visiting artists, scholars and professionals. Emphasis is placed on individual development of writing skills including the creation of professional documents such as resumes, artist statements, web presence and image portfolios.

Jobs + Internships
KCAI sculpture majors have worked or interned for the following businesses and studios: Huft Projects, Plaster Craft, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Plug Projects, Dimensional Innovations, A. Zahner Architectural Metals, Paul Mesner Puppets, Make Studios, Discovery World, Milwaukee, WI, BkMk Press. Sculpture department alumni have achieved success through creative employment at places such as The St. Louis Science Center, The Field Museum, the Exploratorium in San Francisco, and as artists running their own professional studios.
Visiting Artists
Many artists visit the sculpture studios each year to share their knowledge and inspiration with KCAI students. Here are a few that have recently stopped by:
Helène Aylon, Karyn Olivier, Daniel Shea, Matthew Ritchie, Miki Baird, Crystal Brown, Jo Kamm, Jessica Borusky, RaShawn Griffin, Adriane Herman, Barry Anderson, Dylan Mortimor, Linda Lighton, Garry Noland, Jarrett Melenbruck, Sean Kelley, Marcie Miller Gross, Charles Schwall, Michael Alm, and Susan White.