Hungary • Kecskemét

Ceramics
This program is based at the International Ceramics Studio (ICS), a world-renowned ceramic art center located 35 miles south of the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The ICS, a highly regarded institution known for fostering excellence in ceramic arts, brings together a community of artists with whom students interact. Classes are held in a professionally active ceramic arts environment, where students share equipment and facilities with artists from all over the world. The mission of the studio is to promote the formal, aesthetic and technical development of ceramics and to help foster creative skills. Students have exceptional 24 hour access to workshops and equipment, breaking down the barriers between education, life and art.

Students have access to five national museums, including naïve arts, folk arts and photography, as well as excellent private collections. Hungary is also home to two of the best porcelain factories in the world — Herend, a modern factory in which the work is still hand painted, and Zsolnay, a fading but fascinating factory in the southern town of Pecs.

The program includes a four day trip to Ceský Krumlov, a small medieval Bohemian town in a crook of the Vltava River in southern Czech Republic. One of Europe’s untouched gems, the town center is resplendent with original Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Monument Castle Ceský Krumlov dates to the early 13th Century and includes one of only three remaining Baroque theaters with original stage machinery, scenery and props. Also incorporated into the Castle complex are museums and a large ceramics collection, displayed in its two kilometers of wine cellars. Students also travel on the river to Zlatá Koruna, one of Bohemia’s oldest monasteries.

Eligibility
This program is open to all interested students. Beginning ceramics is offered for students with no prior experience. Intermediate and advanced ceramics, DIS and graduate credit hours are also offered for students who have prior university or college credit in ceramic studio art courses.

Housing
Students live in the studio buildings, giving full access to workshop and studio space at all times. Accommodation is in two restored houses, with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, lounges, communal meeting rooms, kitchens and dining areas.