Art & Visual Culture Studies
The Visual Art major offers a broad range of courses across the 2D, 3D, and 4D disciplines. Our students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice using the skills and techniques from their coursework, while integrating their university education and the vibrant urban community. Students work directly with faculty members that are practicing artists with active exhibition practices. In addition there are co-curricular opportunities for students to find additional mentorship with international artists and curators. Through this holistic approach to education, our major prepares students for a future in the arts.
Starting in Fall 2024, our Art History and Visual Art degrees will be part of the new Art and Visual Culture Studies BA.
"Through my involvement with the art department at SU, I have been able to grow as an artist by having access to instruction in, and materials for, different techniques and mediums. I have been able to take engaging classes and develop interests in areas of art I did not know about before."
The painting and drawing area emphasizes the broad range of painting and drawing practices currently available to artists, and is supported by the area's experienced faculty of practicing artists.
The printmaking area functions as a laboratory for investigating printing and other multiple imaging practices including etching, monotype, block printing, and experimental printing processes using digital media.
The ceramics area is devoted to introducing students to the rich traditions of ceramic practice while encouraging the use of materials and methods as vehicles for individual expression in contemporary art making. Courses include beginning and advanced levels of ceramics, and include wheel throwing, hand building, and clay and glazes.
The 3-D design and sculpture area widens the curriculum and experience of art-making to 3-D objects. Students explore a variety of materials and techniques to express conceptual meanings.
Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of materials and techniques.
Analyze artwork using an appropriate framework [or appropriate methods] for critique.
Express, both verbally and through their artwork, their integration of context, concept, and theory.
Produce a unified body of work for appropriate exhibition.
Produce a professional portfolio suitable for a chosen career path.
Art and Art History offers an honors program in Visual Arts. Any student with a GPA higher than 3.5, at the end of their junior year is invited to apply for honors distinction in the Fall of their senior year. An accepted honors student will be individually mentored by a faculty member and required to exhibit a body of work, additionally the student is required to take 10 credits of coursework above and beyond their normal requirements.
Fine Art Graduates