An introduction to the tools, materials and processes of painting including: building stretcher frames, stretching and preparing the canvas and paint application with various brushes and tools. Topics include: the cultivation of self-expression through exploring basic painting techniques and developing art literacy, including terminology; through critical review and discussion. Upon completion of this course, students will be technically prepared to undertake projects in higher level painting courses. Students will demonstrate in critiques and projects their knowledge of canvas and panel construction, painting techniques, light and color, and an introductory knowledge of contemporary art trends. Prerequisite: none

This course is an introduction to a wide variety of the processes, materials and conceptual aspects of 3-D art making. Students learn to engage their art making in a three-fold approach: critical thinking as a process, attention to materials knowledge and exposure to contemporary and historical artists through lectures. Students investigate formal aspects of sculpture as well as the development of ideas. They expand written and oral communication skills regarding aesthetics and art as they develop end employ research methods by which to nourish their art making. As well, they explore a variety of new working methods: individual, small group and class collaboration. At the conclusion of this course, students will have worked with wood, fibers, metals and other alternative forms to create a coherent body of work. Prerequisite: none

This course is an introduction to black and white photography; from a working knowledge of the camera through film processing to printing in a darkroom using traditional light sensitive materials. Students will be introduced to the history of photography – its approaches and trends – resulting in a basic knowledge of photography and its relationship to contemporary art. They will begin to explore the relationship between this acquired knowledge in photography and the individual and then begin to apply this knowledge to a realized personal vision through critical thinking and seeing. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a broad understanding of B&W photography and its relationship to contemporary art and will have created a thoughtful portfolio of photographs. Students will need a manual 35mm camera and should expect to spend $100-$150 in materials for this class. Prerequisite: none.

This lecture course focuses on issues, art movements, and criticism from 1950 to the present. Students investigate art through the writings of artists and critics that correspond with, but are not limited to, movements that include: Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Earth Art, Process Art, Conceptual Art, Feminist and other political art movements, Video and Multimedia work. Students study important issues and philosophies in contemporary art. Discussions are led by visiting lecturers, and field trips are taken to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios. Course work includes a research project covering contemporary artists and issues. Prerequisite: AH 1020 Art History 2: Renaissance to Contemporary.

Students thoroughly analyze the total organic structure of a work of art and its meaning. The class also studies light and space in relation to both two and three dimensions. Psychology, theory, history, design, and aesthetics are investigated as tools to develop a visual vocabulary. At the conclusion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of visual vocabulary, formally and in relationship to content in class projects. Prerequisite: none.

Students explore definitions and applications of contemporary sensibilities. The merging of existing art forms into innovative and experimental approaches, including the utilization of new technologies, also blends into considerations of site and audience in this multi-dimensional course. At the conclusion of this course, student projects will exhibit awareness of current art practices, increased art literacy, and the role of technology and experimentation in contemporary art. Prerequisite: none

This course prepares fine art majors with essential knowledge and practical strategies necessary to effectively seek out venues for their own art, which include gallery representation, co-operative and alternate spaces, commissions, government grants, competitions, residencies and graduate schools. The class visits area artists’ studios, galleries, art centers and museums. Students are exposed to working professionals such as critics, art administrators, gallery directors and museum curators. At the conclusion of the course, students will have created a professional-grade portfolio, which includes artist statement, resume and photography of artwork. Students use their portfolios to submit applications to exhibitions, residency programs, grants and graduate schools. Students also learn how to properly display, store and ship art using sound archive methods. Prerequisite: must be a junior or senior. Non-Fine Arts majors accepted upon department Chair’s or department Head’s approval

This course allows students to work independently with the instructor assisting as needed. Personal interpretations of the meaning of art are encouraged. Emphasis is placed on incorporating design elements, material handling, technique, concept development and expression, and in the meaning of the work presented. In-depth individual and group critique analysis is expected. Prerequisite: must be a junior or senior.

Students explore basic hand-building techniques using ceramic materials to make sculpture and vessels. Emphasis is placed on individual style and how clay can be used as a vehicle for expression. Students make work from low-fire clay using a combination of coil, slab, and texturing techniques, surface slips and glazes. An introduction to ideas about sculpture, the vessel, and the Raku process are presented through slide lectures and research assignments. At the conclusion of this course, students will be well-versed in hand-building techniques, basic glaze formulation, and firing of electric and Raku kilns. Students will learn to develop strategies to translate an idea into sculptural form. Prerequisite: none