Department of Visual Art

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Faculty

Carolyn Phillips, Chair
Anna Freeman
Curtis Loftis

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

1. Students will demonstrate aesthetic and historical understanding in the visual arts.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of aesthetics and design, media specialization, and professional presentation.
3. Students will demonstrate skill in the application of their chosen artistic media.
4. Students will demonstrate competence in the understanding and articulation of knowledge, including logical and clear written and verbal expression of ideas.
5. Students will demonstrate effective critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills through the use of discipline appropriate vocabulary and verbal critiquing of artwork.
6. 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

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.

Portfolio Reviews: Submissions are required for majors enrolled in 

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 -
  ART 171
    (minimum of 10), third level major/concentration course (minimum of 15),
  ART 499
    (minimum of 20).
• Media - Specific requirements for submissions are set at the beginning of each semester and made available to students.
• Format - Only electronic submissions, a CD with PDF files of artwork, are accepted.
• 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.

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