Department of Visual Art

Faculty

Carolyn Phillips, Chair
Anna Freeman
John O’Neill

Mission Statement

The Department of Visual Art emphasizes effective visual communication through the development of successful design, conceptual considerations, technical applications, professional presentation, art historical knowledge, and aesthetic awareness. These are addressed through the program offerings: graphic design, studio art with concentrations in painting, ceramics, or printmaking, and the pre-art therapy track. Art-related fields such as graphic design or graduate studies can be pursued by graduates. The department supports the campus community by contributing to cultural awareness through providing exposure to visual art.

Educational Outcomes

Students will demonstrate aesthetic and historical understanding in the visual arts.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of aesthetics and design, media specialization, and professional presentation.
Students will demonstrate skill in the application of their chosen artistic media.
Students will demonstrate competence in the understanding and articulation of knowledge, including logical and clear written and verbal expression of ideas.
Students will demonstrate effective critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills through the use of discipline appropriate vocabulary and verbal critiquing of artwork.
Students will demonstrate professional growth and development in the visual arts that prepares them to pursue graduate studies or a career in an art-related field.

Portfolio Process

Entering Students: All entering art students (majors, minors, tracks, and transfers) are required to submit a portfolio to the Department of Visual Art for entrance approval.

Annual Portfolio Reviews: Each art student is also required to submit a portfolio for annual reviews. Submission dates are established at the beginning of each semester and will appear in art course syllabi. Should a student’s portfolio be rejected, he/she may make appropriate changes within a time frame established by the professors. Eligibility for upper level courses and continuance in the Department of Visual Art program is established by approval of portfolio.

Final Senior Portfolio Review: Graduating seniors must submit a final senior portfolio as part of the ART 499 capstone course. All art major students are required to take ART 499 - Senior Exhibition/Portfolio and pass the senior portfolio review, and participate in a solo or group senior exhibition prior to graduation.

Portfolio Requirements

Students must submit portfolios to continue in the Visual Art program. Please include a variety of work appropriate to demonstrate your graphic design/studio art potential, your creativity and technical skills. Include the following:

Number of Pieces - Freshman (minimum of 10), Sophomore (minimum of 15), Junior/Senior (minimum of 20), Graphic Design track/Art minor (half of the amount of pieces required for your classification)
Media - Freshmen should include a variety of works that indicate artistic potential. All other students should submit work relevant to his/her chosen discipline. All non-freshmen should submit a majority of work done as class projects.
Format - Students can submit a digital portfolio on CD, with works in a PDF format, or a physical portfolio which needs to be delivered by the student.
Submission Deadline - Submissions are required in conjunction with enrollment in certain courses: ART 171 , ART 499 , and the third level course in one’s major area. Criteria and due dates are discussed at applicable times.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Art