Visual Arts
Students who are accepted into the Department of Art are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Visual Arts degree program. This degree allows great flexibility in the studio arts because the student may choose to concentrate their studies in one particular studio or pursue an interdisciplinary path. The BS degree, which requires an academic minor, provides an abundant breadth of knowledge while allowing the student to develop skills in multiple mediums. The balance of art classes to liberal art classes provides a well-rounded undergraduate education.
The Department of Art also offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Visual Arts degree that is frequently used by those with a double major (e.g., psychology and art, art history and art). In addition to the Foundations core courses, students in the BA degree complete five studio classes and requisite art history classes. The student may concentrate in an individual discipline or take a range of studio classes. The objective of this curriculum is to provide broad-based liberal arts education with a fundamental understanding of studio art practice.
Fine Arts
Upon completion of the art foundation core and basic studio classes in a particular medium, students in the BA or BS program may choose to apply to one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs. Entrance into a BFA program is by portfolio and interview; the student applies directly to the specific program of interest. Programs include the following:
Ceramics
The ceramics program provides a dynamic environment for the artistic growth and development of the student through a thoughtful and challenging inquiry of both materials and meaning. Faculty are distinguished studio professionals who offer an extensive curriculum in all aspects of ceramics and work with students to help inspire their own unique expression. Spacious, well-equipped studios provide excellent facilities for fabrication, glazing, and all methods of firing. Frequent trips to museums, artists' studios, historical and industrial sites complement the curriculum.
Graphic Design1
The graphic design option offers courses that range from the historically based to the technologically advanced. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of how visual communications are accomplished, through discussions of communication theory and contemporary practice. Facilities include state-of-the art computer labs, with high-resolution printers, scanners, and a high-speed Internet connection, as well as a letterpress type lab and generous studio space for majors. Graduates go on to successful careers in many areas of design, including web design, multimedia interactive design, and publishing.
Metal
An outstanding faculty of metal artists train future practitioners in an extremely comprehensive program of study. Specific courses are offered in construction and fabrication, enameling, and metal forming as well as contemporary issues in metalwork. Unusually well-equipped studios provide complete facilities for practice in most techniques and formats associated with the discipline. Instruction is supplemented by frequent trips to galleries, museums, artists' studios and workshops. Emphasis in each class is placed on the balance of creative exploration and technical control.
Painting
Professional painters, representing varied stylistic approaches, work closely with students in encouraging them to explore the many possibilities for image development offered by different media techniques and conceptual processes. Students work with oils, acrylics, and watercolor as well as a full range of drawing media. Senior BFA students are provided with private studio spaces. The proximity of New York City affords ready access to galleries, museums, and artists' studios.
Photography
Professional skilled fine arts photographers help students to explore various aspects of this popular discipline, including manipulative, experimental, mixed media, and digital photographic techniques. Students are encouraged to develop a personally expressive imagery within the context of technical proficiency and control. Laboratories for general developing, printing, color printing, and mixed media processes are provided. The program is oriented toward photography as a fine art, as well as commercial applications of photography.
Printmaking
Spacious studios, equipped with lithograph and etching presses, silk screens, copy camera, enlarger, and computers offer printmaking students excellent facilities for the development of artistic and technical skills. Highly respected artist-teachers work closely with students, encouraging them to evolve mature styles within the context of professional practice. Specific courses involve experience in lithography, serigraphy, intaglio, and relief. Advanced students may study full-color printing and photo printing as well as mixed media and interdisciplinary projects.
Sculpture
Practicing sculptors assist students in learning to master the skills, techniques, and creative approaches essential in the training of sculptors. Studio practice includes experience with clay, steel, stone, wood, bronze, and other materials. Students are provided with large and well-equipped work spaces necessary for creating sculpture in a broad range of sizes. The instructional program is supplemented by trips to galleries, museums, and stone yards.
1 In summer 2023, a new Department of Design was created and is currently being implemented. During this transition period, the Graphic Design curricula will continue to appear here, with the Department of Art's B.F.A. programs.
