Sculpture

Contemporary sculpture, Metal, Paper, Fiber, Found Objects

The Sculptural Practices program at UW offers a dynamic, hands-on education grounded in both tradition and innovation. Students learn to think spatially and critically as they engage with materials ranging from cast bronze and fabricated steel to paper and fiber, found objects, and digital processes. Our expansive facilities and supportive faculty foster independent vision and creative risk-taking, skills essential for building a meaningful practice in contemporary sculpture. 

Photo credit: Gone Too Soon, Sculpture Professor Ashely Carlisle, no date.

Tours of the UW Visual Arts facilities are available to prospective or current UW students who are interested in art and curious about how to become involved in the department.

book tour

3-D Sculpture of a red flower losing pedals.

The Sculpture Experience

Sculptural Practice students at UWYO explore the field as a diverse, evolving language. A student who takes courses in sculptural practices gains proficiency in wood and metal fabrication, mold-making, casting, mixed media such as soft sculpture in fiber and fabric, while also experimenting with installation, performance, and digital tools like laser cutting and 3D printing. Our curriculum emphasizes conceptual development and technical rigor, preparing you for professional practice or advanced study in the visual arts and beyond.

faq

Check out the FAQ for more information about Sculpture.

Photo credit: Student grinding in sculpture studio, ART 3330 Hard and Soft, no date.

Student grinding metal in sculpture studio.

No experience is necessary to take Sculptural Practice courses. Our foundational sculptural practice courses are designed to teach you the tools, processes, and safety from the ground up.

Alumni work in fine art, fabrication, museums, set design, education, and public art, with many launching businesses or working at top foundries in the creative economy.

Our 8 studios include wood and metal shops, foundry, blacksmithing, mold-making, digital lab, sewing, kilns, and a 5,000 sq ft yard with a bridge crane and cast iron cupolas.

Students exhibit in campus galleries, the annual UW Art Museum juried show, and national/international juried exhibitions, including those at major conferences.

Supportive and collaborative, our sculpture studios emphasize teamwork. Students and faculty work closely across disciplines to explore and define a personal voice.

Sculpture is one of several core studio areas in the Department of Visual Arts. Many students combine sculptural practice work with printmaking, drawing, digital processes, or painting in their BA and BFA degrees.

Yes! We have a fully functioning foundry and offer opportunities in iron, bronze, and aluminum casting. Reach out to ahc1@uwyo.edu if you have a project; we can aid in making it a reality.

Department faq

Learn more about the Department of Visual Arts scholarships, opportunities, ways to get involved, and how to access campus resources.

Photo credit: Sculpture student work, Fabricated Steel and Paper, ART 3330 Hard and Soft, no date

Student 3-D sculpture on pedestal and hanging on wall.

UW Department of Visual Arts offers a variety of scholarships and awards to support Visual Art undergraduate students, including a Post-Undergraduate Assistantship (PUA).

Visit the VA campus resource page to learn more about the range of resources available to support University of Wyoming students.

If you have further questions, please contact visualarts@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-3269.