Visual Arts

The visual arts major is process and project oriented. Students develop their own area of emphasis, focusing on imagery and content through their chosen media. The major should be seen as the central part of the student's education, with other college requirements and electives serving to shape the young artist as a whole person.

Specific focus and courses for the major are worked out with a visual arts Mentor. Every program must consist of a minimum of ten studio courses, including AR 101A, 102A, and 320, plus three approved courses in art history at least one of which should be at the 300 level. Every student must pass the required Sophomore show review in the categories of drawing and design before undertaking the Senior thesis exhibition. The Senior thesis exhibition is required of all majors for graduation, and must demonstrate technical competence and a developed artistic vision, the ability to work in a sustained way with a visual problem or problems, and to organize gallery space coherently. A required Senior seminar in the final semester concludes the visual arts major.

Requirement for Junior Transfer Students

A student transferring from another college at the Junior level and electing to major in art must submit a portfolio of work demonstrating competency in drawing and design as a substitute for the required Sophomore show. Students unprepared to submit a portfolio or who do not demonstrate competency in both areas may not expect to graduate in two years with a major in visual arts. The normal four year program moves from structured courses, to greater freedom, to the independently executed Senior thesis show.

First Year

• AR 101A Visual Problem Solving
• AR 102A Drawing Fundamentals
• Choice of workshop courses

Sophomore

• Choice of workshop courses
• Art History course
• Sophomore show

Junior

• Art History course
• Choice of workshop courses
• Studio Critique

Senior

• Thesis show preparation
• Senior thesis show
• Senior Seminar

The Minor in Art

An art minor consists of AR 101A Visual Problem Solving, AR 102A Drawing Fundamentals, and one approved course in art history, plus three other studio courses approved by the art faculty for qualification for the minor.