Starting with a solid foundation in traditional media, the curriculum unfolds with a cross-disciplinary approach that encourages individual expression. For example, a class like Painting the Human Head, which examines the structure, proportions, and character of the human head, might later surprisingly inform your new interest in abstract sculpture.
The Fine Arts curriculum allows you to go broad and deep to investigate your interests and needs. Though your prime focus may be in the fine arts, you have the option to take additional courses from the other departments, allowing you to explore your varied interests and expand your versatility as an artist.
You will work closely with our faculty of working artists. They will share their knowledge and experience to assist and advise you in discovering your own creative path and artistic potential. Critiques by faculty members and visiting artists will enrich the studio experience by providing objective points of view and fresh ideas.
Our expanding work space includes a professional printmaking studio with five presses for etching, woodcut, and lithography, a well-equipped wood shop, a plaster-casting room, a figure sculpture studio, and a ceramics studio with three kilns. Senior Fine Arts students have their own semi-private work spaces and there is a two-floor exhibition space exclusively reserved for student shows.
Department Outcomes
- The Fine Arts Department Strives to create a comprehensive curriculum that offers students variety, flexibility, and opportunities for interdisciplinary work.
- The program promotes formal, technical, and conceptual skills while at the same time encouraging creativity and experimentation
- Study abroad and mobility programs are available along with visiting artists, lectures, and an Artist-In-Residence program
- Students are urged to seek internships and to participate in studio assistantships with senior faculty
- The artistic goals and the intellectual growth of the students are supported by exposure through art history to a wide variety of artists, historical movements, and aesthetic theories. They become familiar with the contemporary art world and the variety of practices that shape that world
- Ample emphasis on both written and oral skills is a priority. In addition the liberal arts program presents them with a greater understanding of the world around them and the influences it has asserted on art
- The students are exposed to methods of both academic and technical research, sound studio practice, digital technology, and new media The safe and healthful use of artistic tools and mediums is an essential element of the students education
- Professional practice is an essential aspect of the program. Students are supported in their efforts to develop an independent practice and developing time management skills
- Finally, diversity awareness through community involvement on a local, national, and global scale. Along with this important experience the students are exposed to the life tools of collaboration and networking and given encouragement to take a leadership role socially and artistically
Featured Courses
Core Clay
An intensive study of ceramic form and process. Through structured exercises and individual exploration, students will build a repertoire of core technical skills, including cover wheel throwing and hand building, surface treatment, glaze mixing and application, as well as kiln loading and firing methods.
Advanced Projects in Printmaking
While new intaglio techniques are introduced, students begin to work on individually directed series of prints. Students can also continue to explore other print media, such as woodcut, lithography, and monotype.
Faculty Spotlight
Santiago Hernandez
Adjunct Fine Arts Faculty
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