The Studio Art Major
Our core mission is to introduce students to tools and processes of artmaking, and help them develop their own creative abilities. Whether they go on to pursue careers as artists or teachers, or take other paths, the combination of hands-on technical skills in a variety of media and critical and conceptual skills emphasized in all studio courses serve them well whatever they choose to do after college. We share a commitment to the value of traditional manual skills while encouraging experimentation and an expansive and expanding idea about art’s role in the broader culture.
Course Requirements
The studio art major course requirements are located in the academic catalog and are listed below the requirements for Art History on the catalog pages.
Pre-requisites
Most 200 level classes in studio arts require a prerequisite class. ARTS 110 Observational Drawing and ARTS 113 Field Drawing may be used as a prerequisite for most 2D courses. For 3D courses, please check the course listings carefully. ARTS 130 Beginning Ceramics and ARTS 122 Introduction to Sculpture may be used as prerequisites for 3D courses in each respective area. ARTS 252 Metalsmithing: Ancient Technology, New Techniques requires completion of ARTS 151 Metalsmithing.
Integrative Exercise (“Comps”)
The studio comps consists of an independent studio project which culminates in the Spring with an exhibition in the Perlman Teaching Museum. Most of the requirements are fulfilled during Fall or Winter term. The process gives the opportunity to develop art work over a good period of time, with the close advice and support of the studio faculty. The full group of studio faculty conduct a series of individual meetings with students to offer guidance and feedback. Students are also encouraged to work closely with individual faculty members. The department brings in a least one outside examiner to critique student work. See an overview of the comprehensive exercise.