Studio Art Major

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In studio art, the relation of the artist-teacher to the students precludes the possibility of overly specific course descriptions, other than general indications of media and level of advancement. However, it is important to note that entry-level courses assume no prior knowledge. First-year students are encouraged to enroll in these classes. Lower division studio art courses focus on the development of individual ideas in the context of class assignments. Additionally, but no less important is acquiring an understanding of tools, materials and techniques for the successful manifestations of those ideas. The artist-teacher presents material from her/his experience, convictions, technical knowledge and aesthetic sensibilities in the order and at the rate which, in her/his judgment will best related to the needs of the class and the individual student. Classroom activities are placed in the context of an historical perspective. Ample opportunity for dialogue among the students and artist-teacher is encouraged. The advanced studio course offerings have prerequisites and as such, are oriented toward more complex problem-solving and projects, both for the individual and for the group.

Requirements for the Major

A major in studio art requires the successful completion of 12 courses.

Seven (7) Studio Art Courses working towards competence in three different media, with excellence in one.

Three (3) Art History courses, including one (1) in contemporary art or art theory. ART 189 PZ -Art Innovation and Exhibition and ART 199 PZ -Senior Projects in Art .

In the last semester of the senior year, studio art majors are required to mount an exhibition of their work as a part of the course ART 199 PZ -Senior Projects in Art . This involves the creation of a body of work that has a cohesive rationale, which will be discussed/critiqued with the entire Art Faculty and graduating peer group.

Studio Art Majors who intend to pursue graduate studies are encouraged to take at least 4 Art History courses as well as to apply for internships in museums, galleries, and conservation labs, and to study abroad.

Honors:

Art majors with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 overall will be invited to have their work evaluated for honors. Students will submit a written proposal that will be evaluated by Art faculty in the fall of their senior year. Selected students will go on to write a thesis to accompany their artwork in the senior exhibition and prepare an oral defense of their work. Students who complete these required thesis components and receive a grade of “A” will be recommended by the Art Field Group for honors.

There are four exhibition spaces to accommodate these exhibitions. The Salathé Gallery, located in the lower level of McConnell Center, functions as a classroom lab and a gallery and is administered by members of the art faculty. The Nichols Gallery, located in Broad Center, is a spacious gallery that lends itself to large-scale painting, sculpture and performance activity. The Hinshaw Gallery, is an intimate domestic space located in the Grove House and is administered by the Grove House Committee. The Circle Gallery, located in the Gold Student Center, is a medium sized gallery that can accommodate free-standing and pedestal-based objects, as well as two-dimensional work. The Lenzner Gallery is appropriate for works in all mediums and is particularly suitable for film and video.