Art (B.F.A.)

This studio art course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques for creative production + problem solving + presentation. We will aim to expand your understanding of what you can achieve and what interests you through experimentation with time, surface, and space as well as a thoughtful exploration of the elements and principles of 2D, 3D, and 4D art and design. While this course will cover some ideas of technique, materials, and process, this is primarily a course where our goal will be to develop our ideas and strategies for how to engage an artistic practice that takes place across material + dimensional boundaries based on the needs of "the work" and the concepts behind it.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair.

A studio art investigation into drawing as a tool for thinking, observing and questioning. Students will become familiar with fundamental techniques and concepts such as line, value, form and perspective. A variety of dry media and surfaces will be used. Formal and in-progress critiques will be held throughout the semester. Attending and/or participating in local art exhibitions and artist lectures is required. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

The course surveys African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian arts from pre-history to the present day. This course is defined by what it will not cover - art of the European tradition. The term "non-western" does not imply a lesser quality or an opposition to art in western tradition. It is a term used to reflect a growing awareness of the richness and diversity of world culture. Since this is a survey course, the art we will examine will be the most representative of each culture. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

This course surveys western art chronologically from prehistory to the present day. Discussions center on understanding various civilizations through their visual arts, the cultural exchange between these civilizations, and how images are used for political, economic, religious and social purposes. Guiding themes within this course, such a patronage, gender, identity, political/religious turmoil, colonialism, and global trade, will introduce students to why certain types of art are created and how these works of art function within society. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual works of art. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

In a seminar format, this course will survey different methodological and theoretical approaches to the art criticism and art production of the twentieth century.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

A studio art investigation of the basic principles and techniques of oil painting. Students will become familiar with various tools and surfaces and will be introduced to the technical processes of painting such as color mixing, direct painting, underpainting, scumbling, blending paint, glazing, and varnishing. The study of painting in contemporary art and art history will inform and give context to each project. Attending and/or participating in local art exhibitions and artist lectures is required. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

Introduction to the techniques of printmaking; relief print, serigraph, intaglio, and lithography. Emphasis on the study of the print as a multiple original with introductory edition printing. Focus on basic design concepts with introductory historical investigation related to printmaking. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

A class focused on the multifaceted importance of the figure in drawing. Through weekly life drawing sessions with a model and the study of the figure as a conceptual and formal foundation, students will begin to develop a drawing practice that is crucial in ideation and as a primary medium for expression. Formal and in-progress critiques will be held throughout the semester. Attending and/or participating in local art exhibitions and artist lectures is required. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together.? The course requirements of each level are different.

Prerequisite(s): ART 1300 Introduction to Drawing

This course provides a basic foundation and understanding of clay - its nature, attributes, possibilities, and limitations. Students will be introduced to basic throwing and hand-building techniques in clay, including pinching, coiling, and slab construction, as well as surface ornamentation and firing. Beyond the technical, students are expected to work to develop conceptual problem solving within the context of the contemporary ceramic field. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

No Pass/Fail.

This course is an introduction to the basic language of sculpture, spatial concepts and technical processes as they relate to sculptural practices. Students will investigate three-dimensional design principles, sculptural strategies, and themes employed throughout history and contemporary object making. A broad range of processes and versatile materials are explored including tools and equipment used in metal and wood fabrication, plaster mold making, and additive and subtractive construction methods. In addition, students will gain knowledge and observe professional standards of shop conduct and safety. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

This course introduces students to basic tools and construction techniques in metalsmithing for use in jewelry/small sculpture fabrication. Although other materials may be introduced into a design, nickel, copper, and brass will be the primary media. Beyond the technical, students are expected to work to develop beginning conceptual problem solving within the context of the contemporary metalsmithing/jewelry field.

This studio art course provides an introduction to digital concepts and techniques for creative media production + problem solving + presentation. Throughout the semester we will explore the possibilities for multifaceted, interdisciplinary, and complex forms of artistic practice. As participants in this journey we will aim to understand how we, as cultural producers, engage with media production + consumption, our relationship with digital platforms, and we will consider how digital tools have changed our experience of the world and how we can use these tools to create and comment on our experiences. Through technical demos you will be introduced to the software and techniques of digital processes for artists - including digital imaging, motion graphics, digital spaces, and editing for video and audio. While you will acquire skills that can be applied to the presentation and production of traditional art and graphic design, emphasis will be placed on digital technology as a distinct art medium, and its implications for creative expression and cultural production.

This course explores digital photography as a tool and resource with a wide range of expressive and creative interests. digital processes such as image capturing, editing, and printing will be the main focus of this course. we will also address issues pertaining to the circulation and distribution of digital imagery in contemporary culture. In the development of this course, you will be able to use DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, and camera phones.

 To be taken during the spring semester of the junior year.  Students will begin to formulate an inclusive portfolio of their work and a thesis for presentation in the Senior Comprehensive. Students will participate in regularly scheduled portfolio critiques and will be required to address relevant questions in a comprehensive written thesis. 
Meets concurrently with the Senior Comprehensive course. 
Prerequisite(s): Junior status and permission of department chair.

Designed to prepare seniors in art for graduation, this course includes experiences in planning, promoting, and opening a senior gallery exhibition. Students and instructor will work together to prepare professional resumes and portfolios, which include a written artist statement. Includes a gallery talk, presentation to the public, and an exit evaluation by the art department faculty.
Prerequisite(s): ART 3980 Junior Project and art history courses.