Sculpture

Express your ideas in three dimensions

Herron’s sculpture program encourages investigation into all forms of media, from traditional to non-traditional materials, installation, video, and performance. From the first three-dimensional project through the fourth year of advanced work, you will experience consistent growth.

You will be exposed to a broad base of practical information, critical analysis, and creative discourse through a team teaching approach. Your critical thinking skills will develop as you refine your creative processes and learn both traditional and contemporary aspects of the sculptor’s craft.

Plus, our multimedia fabrication and foundry facilities provide a level of sophisticated technical experience that few, if any, other undergraduate programs can match.

Advanced workspaces

Sculpture students are introduced to a wide spectrum of techniques and processes, which include metal fabrication, casting, woodcarving, construction, resins, plastics, and stone carving, as well as work in nontraditional materials. As interest and opportunities arise, the equipment, materials, and methods available for you to explore will continue to expand.

Public art projects

Herron’s sculpture program has a long history of working with the Indianapolis community and students often have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of public works of art through the Basile Center. Guided by experienced faculty, you will conceptualize and develop artworks for businesses, nonprofits, healthcare facilities, communities, and government agencies.

Plan of study

B.F.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.F.A. in sculpture

IUPUI Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.F.A. in sculpture

I one-hundred-percent love and fed off of just how involved the professors were at Herron – both in their own practice and in what they gave to the students.
Stacey Holloway (B.F.A. Sculpture '06), associate professor of sculpture at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Student work

Clockwise from top: Kassie Woodworth, Circulate, 2018. Paper and wood. Stephanie Williams, Strength in Fragility (detail), 2017. CNC plasma cut steel. Alexis Nunnelly, Wrapped Thing 2 (detail), 2016. Courtesy of the artists

Foundation studies

Your first year at Herron focuses on skills that are crucial to your success in art and design school. You will explore basic principles and techniques, as well as your own historical, cultural, and personal influences as an artist or designer.

Learn more about foundation studies

Facilities

As a sculpture student, you will spend most of your time in Eskenazi Fine Arts Center. Nearly anything that can be imagined can be created in our facilities by employing traditional, emerging, and experimental approaches. You can explore sculptural objects and installations as well as public and social art practices.

Bronze and aluminum foundry
Woodshop with SawStop table saw, arm saw, panel saw, band saws, miter saws, sanders, and hand working tools
Metal fabrication shop with 30-foot ceilings, 5-ton hoist/bridge crane, JAWS IV ironworker, drill press, cold saw, slip roller, sandblaster, welders, grinders, and pneumatic hand tools

Project room with CNC plasma cutter, stone and tile saw, and walk-in spray booth
Furnaces, casting, and mold-making with decompression chamber for rubber and silicone
Kilns and wet belt sander for glass
Sewing and serger machines
Dedicated areas for digital media
Access to the Think It Make It Lab as well as ceramics, photography, and printmaking facilities

Enhance your degree

Pursuing a minor or certificate can help broaden your perspective and give you a competitive advantage in your chosen field.

Ceramics (B.F.A.)

Minor in Art History

Professional opportunities

Whether you go on to open your own studio or work in a related field, your education will prepare you to work with custom fabrication, fine art casting and welding, and large public art projects.

Pursue your calling as a professional: