About

A multidisciplinary curriculum allows sculpture students to use drawing and design skills to investigate their ideas. Supported by aesthetic and technical encouragement, students work with a variety of materials and explore a wide range of techniques. They are challenged to combine their creativity and the special qualities and limitations of the materials. Projects begin with a rigid project criteria that instills respect for process and leads to independent student exploration.

Students making a bronze sculpture

In the active foundry program students learn the entire lost-wax bronze casting process through “hands-on” experience. Department facilities enable students to work directly in wax, which is later cast in metal using ceramic shell molds. Other processes available to students include: assemblage, fabrication, gas, stick, MIG and TIG welding processes, stone carving, wood carving and laminating wood.

While ideas, concepts and creativity are the most important elements in art, Professor Metcalf emphasizes materials in bringing each sculptural idea to fruiting as professionally as possible. Metcalf is a cultivator, encouraging each student to discover their individual talents and the creativity that comes from within. His teaching strength is based on his understanding of materials and processes, which he uses to advise students on the best method for achieving a particular result. His know-how is spawned from his curiosity, love of innovation, and boat-building background.

Gallery

Contact

For more information, or if you would like to visit the Sculpture Studio, contact Erin Wheary:
erin.wheary@wnmu.edu
575-538-6507