Westminster University is home to a variety of unique programs that aim to help students discover their passions in both the arts and sciences. One program that is often overlooked is the ceramics program on campus, where students are taught techniques to work with clay in different formats. Students are taught in the Dolores Doré Eccles Ceramic Center where they are provided with the space and materials to hand build, throw, glaze, fire, and store their art works, along with assistance from professional staff to offer advice and critiques on student made pieces.
Brittyn Jennings (’28) is a first-year student with a custom major emphasizing ceramics and business entrepreneurship. Starting in the Spring 2025 semester, he will be leading the Clay Club, a club that will focus on providing an additional learning space for both experienced and new ceramic artists on campus. When asked about why students should take a chance on ceramics without prior experience, Brittyn highlighted the opportunities for expression that differ from traditional 2-D art.
“I think our classes in ceramics in general just allow you to slow down. You're still being very productive with what you create. But you’re able to slow down and be in touch with your body and your mind. Even if you're not wanting to pursue ceramics, it's like a yoga class for me in that way, which I find very valuable.”
Brittyn spoke about the amount of freedom there is for expression while working in ceramics, from the types of clay to learning how to mix glazes, incorporate textures into works all while having the support of staff and peers in the courses.
“It's a really accessible program, there's so many different resources available. There's so many different glazes and different types of firings and different types of clays and tools for texture. There are just so many things that you can explore within the program.”
Along with the support that students are provided within the ceramics program, the Clay Club will act as an additional student resource where students can have additional time to work on projects and have their work critiqued by their peers. Brittyn said that this was particularly helpful when working on a piece and hopes that other students will appreciate the opportunity to work with peers outside of class time to better understand the materials.
“Longer activities like workshops can be intimidating for people that don’t have much
experience with ceramics, so we wanted to make a space with a group of people that
to have mentors and peers that are willing to support their growth.”
For more information on the ceramics courses offered, check the Academic Catalog. Also, be on the lookout for Clay Club events as the semester progresses to get involved in the ceramics program on campus.
-Violet Czech ('26)
