MFA in Spatial Art in San Jose United States | San Jose State University

Spatial Art is a multidisciplinary program covering diverse mediums such as Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass, Installation Art, Jewelry, Metalwork, and Performance Art. It offers outstanding workshops and tools for students aiming to bring their three-dimensional visions to life. The program is led by instructors with diverse artistic perspectives and specialized skills, all united by a focus on spatial concepts.

The technical resources feature fully stocked workshops across multiple disciplines. The jewelry studio supports metal forging and casting, while the ceramics space includes a 3D printer, clay preparation tools, and eighteen kilns, including a large gas-fired kiln. The glass studio boasts energy-efficient furnaces alongside slumping and casting setups. A spacious foundry and outdoor sculpture area enable work in metal, stone, and mixed media—including large-scale pieces—with welding gear, vacuum casting, heavy-duty crucibles, a burnout kiln, and a forklift. The woodshop is outfitted for furniture crafting and sculptural work in wood, foam, and plastics, while the machine shop contains mills, lathes, and metal-cutting bandsaws. Additional tools include a laser cutter, vacuum former, spray booth, sandblaster, and sheet-metal equipment.

Installation art is a common focus for Spatial Art students. The Art building houses seven flexible gallery spaces for rotating projects, plus two repurposed shipping containers—the Freight and Cargo Galleries—dedicated to installations. Students may also borrow digital and video gear from the University. Graduate students are urged to experiment with all available resources. As they refine their ability to translate ideas into three-dimensional forms, they’ll discover how each concept naturally guides its material and technical execution. The Department of Art and Art History provides robust mentorship and workshop support throughout this creative journey.