THE MAJOR IN FINE ART

The Mission Statement for the Visual Art Program

The visual art department’s primary goal is to foster the aesthetic, intellectual and professional development of the visual artist.

Students will develop fluency in the essential elements of visual language, conceptual message development, and fundamentals of theory. They will achieve proficiency in the creation of traditional arts as well as the use of new and emerging media. Inherent in this exploration will be an ability to discern artistic merit of diverse forms of art/design within their professional context. As a means to this end, students will perform intensive study of art history, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and imaging, painting, printmaking, and graphic visual communications.

Our faculty will provide a rich pedagogical experience utilizing a curriculum that supports creative ideas, the technical means and skill sets associated with them.

Objectives: Specific objectives of the Fine Art major are: to provide the opportunity for the student to develop a competitive portfolio of work or experiences in one or more areas of the visual arts; and, to develop the student’s capacity for diligent and persistent inquiry into his work and environment.

The department offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Fine Art.
Under this degree program, students may concentrate in seven areas of fine art: (1) art history, (2) painting (3) sculpture, (4) graphic design, (5) illustration, (6) photography and (7) printmaking.

Visual Arts Program:

Art History

The Art History option focuses on the major shifts and chronology of Western and non Western art and its relationship to contemporary Art and Society. Students are required to do research in one or more Historical period.

Painting

Painting is a studio driven option with emphasis on materials, techniques and theory associated with 21st century image making. Students will be required to explore a variety of approaches to painting.

Photography

The photography option focuses on traditional camera arts as well as digital media with particular emphasis on developing a strong portfolio of images that communicate visual ideas.

Printmaking

The printmaking option requires the student to develop a strong portfolio of visual ideas using a variety of image making techniques that include; lithography, intaglio, serigraphy, the relief print and the mono print. Students will also be encouraged to use digital media.

Graphic Design

Graphic design is the application of art and words to solve communication problems. The Graphic designer works with the drawn, painted, photographed, or computer generated imagery.

Illustration

Illustration is the visual interpretation of the written word. It includes the traditional media and digital technology to create illustrated images.

Sculpture

The sculpture concentration prepares students for advanced study and careers in three-dimensional design. Students gain competency in the basic techniques of modeling, casting, carving and fabrication.