Studio Art, BA

Location(s): On Campus

The student who studies art should expect to experience new forms of visual expression and creative thought. The art program offers a solid foundation in studio techniques and concept development. Personal artistic and intellectual growth is encouraged. The student is provided with skills for a professional career as an artist, photographer, illustrator, and graphic designer. Students may combine the art major with a minor in visual studies which prepares the student for a position as a museum or gallery administrator, or art consultant. Art students interested in graphic design may double major in Studio Art and Advertising and Marketing Communication.

Major Program: Studio Art

The College offers a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in studio art. In the studio art major, students can concentrate in one of the following areas: painting, drawing, ceramics, graphic design, photography, sculpture or printmaking.

The student learning outcomes for the major in Studio Art are for the student:

To create a senior portfolio that Demonstrates an original concept and development of skills and techniques.
To Apply art terms through analysis and interpretation of their art and its Art Historical influences.
To Demonstrate a cross-disciplinary, Liberal Arts connection to their art making.

Major Requirements: Studio Art

A major in studio art requires a total of 42 hours of course work from the following:

I. Core Foundations (15 hours)

ART 101: Drawing Credit: 3
ART 106: Understanding Images Credit: 3
OR
ART 110: Creativity: Art/Design from Nature Credit: 3
ART 108: 3-D Design Credit: 3
ART 205: Concepts in Drawing Credit: 3
ARH 126: Art History I: Prehistoric to 16th Century Credit: 3

II. Fundamental Studio Processes (12 hours)

Choose 12 hours from:

ART 221: Painting Credit: 3
ART 225: Graphic Design Credit: 3
ART 231: Ceramics Credit: 3
ART 250: Printmaking Processes Credit: 3
ART 260: Introduction to Jewelry Credit: 3
ART 275: Digital Photography Credit: 3
ART 285: Video Credit: 3

III. Art Historical Context: (3 hours)

Choose one course from:

ARH 220: Visual and Curatorial Studies Credit: 3
ARH 230: Art History II: 16th to 20th Century Credit: 3
ARH 354: Art History III: 20th Century to Contemporary Credit: 3
ARH 396: Special Topics in Art Credit: 3

IV. Advanced Study (9 hours: 3 of the 9 hours must be at the 400 level)

ART 302: Intermediate Painting & Drawing Credit: 3
ART 318: Intermediate 3D Studio Credit: 3
ART 338: Intermediate Printmaking Credit: 3
ART 340: Intermediate Graphic Design Credit: 3
ART 345: Web Design Credit: 3
ART 360: Documentary Photography Credit: 3
ART 385: Studio Photo: Portrait & Product Credit: 3
ART 402: Portfolio Building: Painting & Drawing Credit: 3
ART 418: Portfolio Building: 3-D Credit: 3
ART 438: Portfolio Building: Printmaking Credit: 3
ART 440: Portfolio Building: Graphic Design Credit: 3
ART 460: Portfolio Building: Photography Credit: 3

V. Senior Capstone / Integrative Experience / Professional Development (3 hours)

ART 408: Senior Studio Seminar Credit: 3

In addition:

In the spring semester of her sophomore year, each student is required to exhibit her works in the sophomore review.
Each senior student is required to have an exhibition of her work.
Students are required to attend lectures, exhibition openings, and workshops provided by the art department as an essential part of the educational experience.
Students are encouraged to become involved in internships.

Students will follow the outlined curriculum. Substitutions may not be made for required courses.

A recommended sequence of courses for the student majoring in studio art is shown below:

Integrative Experience

The integrative experience is achieved in the studio art major through ART 408: Senior Studio Seminar . In this course each student develops a written, extended artist’s statement which exemplifies the exploration of connections between her art making in her discipline with both her general education and with the world outside the classroom. The statement is included in her exhibition catalog and orally presented during her artist’s lecture.

Professional Development

Throughout her Wesleyan education each student is given opportunities to explore professional and career choices, and to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for professional success. Each student will complete PDE 350: Professional Practice Seminar and PDE 400: Professional Development Experience .

In choosing a studio art major a student has demonstrated the desire to develop a career as a working artist. The ART 408: Senior Studio Seminar provides professional experience through the creating and exhibiting of a professional body of work, by producing an accompanying exhibition catalog and by presenting a lecture on the subject of her art. Professional aspects of this career include: developing a disciplined methodology for studio art production, developing the skill and confidence to speak and write about her art making, by developing web-based portfolios for publicity, and by learning to professionally present her work in a gallery setting.

Auditing Studio Art Classes

A student wishing to audit a studio art class may register for the class only at the end of the drop/add period and with the written permission of the instructor teaching the course. Consult the tuition and fees section of the Catalog for costs.

Independent Study in Art

Students must consult with an art faculty member prior to registering for an Independent Study. The goals and objectives of the Independent Study project must be outlined. The Independent Study may not substitute for regular art classes. ARH 451 and ART 451 may be taken only when substantial course work at the 100, 200, and 300 level has been completed.

Postgraduate Opportunities

The program offers a sound foundation for a wide variety of careers in the fine and commercial arts and for further scholarly pursuits. Recent graduates are working as professional artists, gallery directors, art teachers, newspaper photographers, and graphic designers.