The Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC) Portland Campus offers a comprehensive range of programs focused on studio art, craft, and design, emphasizing hands-on learning and creative exploration. As a specialized institution, it provides Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees, Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs, and continuing education courses tailored to aspiring artists and craftspeople.
- Ceramics: Students delve into clay-based techniques, including wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, and kiln firing. Courses cover functional pottery, sculptural forms, and contemporary ceramic art, with emphasis on material science and historical contexts. Advanced studios explore experimental methods like raku and porcelain.
- Metalsmithing and Jewelry: This program teaches fabrication, casting, forging, and stone setting using metals like silver, gold, and copper. Topics include design principles, tool-making, and sustainable practices. Students create wearable art, functional objects, and conceptual pieces, often incorporating mixed media.
- Painting and Drawing: Core courses build foundational skills in observation, color theory, and composition. Advanced classes explore abstraction, figuration, and narrative painting, with opportunities for large-scale works and digital integration. The curriculum encourages personal voice through critiques and exhibitions.
- Printmaking: Techniques such as etching, lithography, screenprinting, and relief printing are taught. Students learn press operation, plate-making, and editioning, while exploring digital printmaking hybrids. Emphasis is on storytelling, social commentary, and innovative matrix development.
- Sculpture: From conceptual ideation to installation, courses cover welding, casting, molding, and assemblage. Materials include wood, metal, and found objects. Site-specific and public art projects foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Textiles: Fiber arts encompass weaving, dyeing, surface design, and soft sculpture. Students experiment with natural and synthetic fibers, block printing, and digital textile design. Cultural histories and eco-friendly practices are integrated.
- Woodworking and Furniture Design: Hands-on training in joinery, turning, and finishing. Courses blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, including CAD modeling and sustainable sourcing. Prototyping and ergonomic considerations are key.
- Liberal Arts: Complementing studio work, these include art history, critical theory, writing, and humanities. They provide context for creative practice and professional development.
Additionally, interdisciplinary courses like Book Arts, Illustration, and Photography allow cross-pollination. The MFA in Applied Craft and Design emphasizes research and thesis projects. Continuing education workshops cater to all levels, promoting lifelong learning. With small class sizes and expert faculty, the campus nurtures innovation in craft traditions while preparing students for careers in galleries, education, and industry. Community engagement through exhibitions and residencies enriches the experience. (Word count: 312)
