About Ceramics
About Ceramics
For over 55 years, the Ceramics Program has fostered a creative studio environment for Harvard University, the greater Boston area, and international communities.
Founded in 1969 by Harvard undergraduates in the basement of a Radcliffe College dorm, the Ceramics Program became a Radcliffe College Program in 1973 when it moved to a larger location. The Cambridge site was sold in 1987, leading to its re-establishment in Allston, near Harvard Stadium. Following the Harvard-Radcliffe merger in 1999, the program was integrated into the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and now operates as a program of Harvard's Office for the Arts. In 2013, the Ceramics Program relocated to its current facility at 224 Western Avenue in Harvard's Allston development.
This internationally recognized studio/study center excels in offering outstanding courses, fostering innovative interdisciplinary collaborations, and providing studio access to the Harvard and greater Boston community. Its unique position within Harvard as a professional artists' studio creates exceptional opportunities for advancing ceramic arts. A talented group of instructors, independent professionals, and resident and visiting artists inspire students while helping them develop critical technical skills in creating functional and expressive vessels, figurative and abstract sculptures, mold and slip-cast objects, and 3D printed artworks. The transformative nature of clay is examined further through glazing and firing processes. The program encourages learning through exposure to works-in-process, allowing professional artists and beginners to collaborate for a unique student experience. A ceramics library, study collection of work made by visiting artists, and studio exhibitions in the public-facing gallery enhance the educational resources.
The Ceramics Program also oversees satellite studios for undergraduates in Mather House, Quincy House and Cabot House.
Twice each year, in May and December, work created in the studio is exhibited for the public. This work includes a remarkable selection of contemporary ceramics, the largest and most varied in the Northeast.
Public Transportation
Subway: We are located one mile from the Harvard Square stop on the Red Line, with easy bus connections via the 86, 66 bus or Harvard Shuttle.
MBTA Buses: We are located on the 66, 86, and 70 MBTA bus routes. For more information, contact the MBTA.
Harvard Shuttle: Any member of the Harvard Community may use Harvard's Shuttle Bus Service for free. The "Quad SEC Direct" and "SEC Express" shuttle routes both stop at Barry's Corner, which is the closest stop to our building. You may also call the Harvard Evening Van service for rides after 7pm.
Walking and rolling
If coming from Harvard Square, head down JFK Street, over the river, and continue on North Harvard Street past the stadium, track and fields until you reach the corner of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue. At the light, cross the street and take a right past the Gulf gas station onto Spurr Street. The terra cotta and glass front of 224 Western Avenue will be on your left. The Ceramics Program front and back entrances are located along Spurr Street and at the back of the building.
Biking
Bike racks are located in the front of the building to the left hand side near the Harvard Ed Portal entrance. Additional bike racks are located at the rear of the building. Do not leave bikes overnight. Per Harvard Real Estate policy, bikes cannot be stored inside the building under any circumstance.
Parking
Car parking in our area is very limited. There is two-hour metered parking around the perimeter of the Continuum building across the street. You may wish to purchase a day pass or hourly metered parking from Harvard-managed parking lots such as 130 Western Ave or the athletic center.
Lot parking in rear of the building: Parking for guests in the lot behind the studio is by permission only. Park directly in back of the Ceramics Studio in white-outlined spaces only. Do not use the Ed Portal parking spaces (orange-outlined spaces).
Parking during Show and Sale
During the Show and Sale, please check our Show and Sale page for updated parking information.
Program Contact
Phone: 617-495-8680
Email: ceramics@fas.harvard.edu
224 Western Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
Kathy King
kking@fas.harvard.edu
