Fine Arts and Dance

The fine arts program introduces students to a complex and important area of human culture. In art history courses, they learn to evaluate works aesthetically and to comprehend and recognize influences of contributing forces (physical, political, intellectual and spiritual) on artists and the viewing public. In graphic design and visual arts courses, the creative experience is emphasized along with concerns of artistic activity.

Majors are offered in graphic design (with concentrations in graphic arts or graphic media) or studio art (with concentrations in drawing/painting, photography or printmaking). In addition, students may earn either academic or proficiency certificates in any of the concentrations. Minors are offered in visual arts, history and dance. All students should plan their program of study in consultation with the fine arts program chair. Courses include field trips to museums and galleries in nearby cities.

Internships are encouraged for all students in the major (required for graphic design) or minor, especially those planning careers in museums, galleries, educational or cultural institutions, commercial art or arts administration. The program benefits from several campus resources, including the Bogigian Art Gallery and the Barron Blewett Hunnicutt Classics Gallery. An artist-in-residence program helps to expose students to visual and performing artists. These resources are described under the section on academic resources.