Art (ART)

A foundation course providing students with an introduction to two-dimensional materials and processes, responsible studio practices, and art historical context. Emphasis on acrylic paint techniques and color theory.

A foundation course providing students with an introduction to three-dimensional materials and processes, responsible studio practices, and art historical context. Emphasis on sculptural techniques in a range of materials.

Observational drawing with a variety of drawing media. The course combines in-class drawing with an introduction to the vocabulary of art, as well as discussions of examples of significant historical and contemporary two-dimensional art. Also covered are issues related to the verbal and visual presentation of student art works.

Advanced technical and conceptual drawing skills, with an emphasis on architecture, landscape, and the figure. Related historical and contemporary art works are reviewed.

Helps students develop the skills/methods of composing images, along with in-depth study of painting techniques. The course will cover related contemporary and historical examples, with a focus on 20th century American and European painting. Issues of presentation including framing, sequencing and discussing work in public will be addressed.

Introduction to the creative use of computer technologies in the context of visual art studio production. A range of methods and applications will be explored from digital experimentation with traditional media to creating original compositions in a virtual platform. The impact of technology on the visual arts will be examined through historical and contemporary perspectives.

Students will develop skills and methods for making three-dimensional artwork using a range of sculptural techniques. An introduction to wood and steel fabrication is included. The course will cover refinement of planning, model making, conceptual development and critical problem solving. Professional practices will be stressed.

An in-depth exploration of traditional ceramic technologies, including processing of local clays, outdoor firings, vessels construction, and non-glaze surface applications.

A broad survey of ceramic products and practices, including wheel throwing and hand-building methods. A range of firing procedures will be introduced as well as an overview of ceramic history.

Advanced two-dimensional studio course focusing on drawing from the live model in a variety of media.

Introduction to the history and methods of relief printmaking with an emphasis on non-toxic approaches and materials. Projects include black and white and multiple plate color printing using woodcut and linoleum block. Students will create a portfolio of work displaying technical skill and personal conceptual development.

Survey of acid-free printmaking processes including relief, monoprint, and collagraph. Students will create a portfolio of work displaying technical skill and personal conceptual development.

Students develop skills/methods of acrylic painting, and study historical and contemporary examples of art making. Documentation and portfolio preparation will be discussed.

Advanced exploration of the creative use of computer technologies in the context of visual art studio production, emphasizing the integration of traditional and digital methods.

This course offers continued experience in complex three-dimensional techniques through individual projects emphasizing technical knowledge, appropriate materials and conceptual development. Students will consider related contemporary and historical examples focused on post-world war ii styles of art making. Issues of presentation will be discussed including documentation and portfolio review.

Introduction to traditional and contemporary foundry techniques; includes projects in clay, plaster, bronze and concrete. Emphasis on advanced craftsmanship and the study of the history of cast sculpture.

An intensive introduction to the potter's wheel. Includes both functional and non-functional forms, stoneware glazes, gas and electric kiln firing, and the history of utilitarian ceramics. Advanced craftsmanship expected.

Using clay to explore sculptural form in vessel and non-vessel format. Earthenware firing range and contemporary ceramic art is emphasized, and advanced craftsmanship is expected.

A survey of technical, historical and philosophical practices in raku ceramics, including both traditional and contemporary methods of forming (wheel throwing and hand-building) and firing (pit, sagger, and glaze firings).

In-depth study of current trends in contemporary ceramics. Studio projects utilize accessible forming and firing methods and emphasize narrative and aesthetic content. Field trips, visiting artists, and exhibition opportunities included.

Designed for art majors to provide professional preparation in the art field, including resume writing, photographic documentation, website development, artist statements, exhibition planning, and marketing skills. Lecture format with presentations by guest artist from a range of career tracks. Junior standing required.

Survey of contemporary art movements focusing on the natural world, including lectures, presentations, field trips, and in-depth studio exercises. Junior standing required.

Intensive study in contemporary drawing as an expressive medium. Course will encourage independence and conceptual development in a critique-centered environment emphasizing professional preparation. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Selected advanced topics for independent study and research in studio art. Permission of instructor required.

Students will identify specific painting-related concerns and create their own body of work addressing those concerns. Contemporary practioners, portfolio and exhibition practices will be discussed. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Intensive studies in contemporary sculptural issues and methods; projects vary depending on skill levels and conceptual interests. Exhibition and installation practices covered, and research in sculpture history included. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Intensive study in contemporary printmaking as an expressive medium. Course will encourage independence and conceptual development in a critique-centered environment emphasizing professional preparation and non-toxic approaches to printmaking.

Intensive studies in contemporary ceramic issues and methods. Both technical proficiency and conceptual integrity will be stressed, with emphasis on the development of a personal aesthetic. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

The faculty develop specialized topics of importance to students' interests and needs. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Students work in professional settings relevant to the discipline, connecting academic training with professional arts practice. Students arrange appropriate position in consultation with art faculty and are required to set professional goals, document their internship, and produce a written account of their experience. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.

Capstone experience for senior art majors focusing on the production of a self-generated body of work that is conceptually strong and technically proficient. Exhibition plans and professional preparation will be stressed. Permission of the instructor required.