Sculpture and Functional Art

While earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Functional Art, you’ll learn to fuse traditional sculptural techniques with rapidly evolving transdisciplinary approaches to facilitate creative spatial problem solving from a multitude of different perspectives. As you design, sculpt, cast, carve, and perform, you’ll learn how to work with metal, wood, clay, plastic, mixed media, and emerging technologies to express original ideas. In discussing different degrees of physicality – digital space, objects, performance, and architectural installation – you’ll discover that form and concept are inseparable. The program also invites you to investigate and redefine ways in which art functions, addressing the potential impact of art on our global, creative climate.

You’ll also round your education out with a wide range of general education and art history courses that will stimulate your curiosity, broaden your perspective, and inspire new creative expressions. KCAD’s flexible General Education Pathways model empowers you to direct your learning by exploring subjects you find most engaging and relevant.

As you progress through the Sculpture and Functional Art degree program, you’ll develop technical proficiency in a broad array of sculptural techniques, from wood and stone carving to metal, wood, and clay fabrication to various casting techniques, that will expand your creative problem solving skills. You’ll also gain a sense of self-confidence that will motivate you to experiment boldly and push the boundaries of your creative practice. Ultimately, you’ll become a versatile maker and innovator who is capable of transcending perceived boundaries to discover new and dynamic approaches to shaping space and engaging senses.

 In KCAD’s Sculpture and Functional Art degree program, traditional boundaries among disciplines become immaterial, as mastering traditional skills parallels exploring innovative technologies and modes of creating. The program’s faculty work to tailor your educational experience for you based on your aspirations.

As a graduate of the Sculpture and Functional Art degree program, you’ll be well positioned to pursue a career as a studio artist, either independently or with gallery representation. You’ll also be prepared to leverage your technical, critical thinking, and creative problem solving skills. Many Sculpture and Functional Art graduates chose to further develop their skills by pursuing a Master of Fine Art degree or by seeking opportunities such as artist residencies or grant-funded projects. Possible careers include:

• Sculptor
• Creative Director
• Woodworker
• Cabinet Maker
• Custom Furniture Designer
• Metal Artist
• Model Maker
• Figurative/Decorative/Installation Artist
• Special Effects Artist
• Gallery Owner
• Curator
• Furniture Finisher
• Exhibit Designer
• Set Designer
• Studio Artist