Fine Arts

Introduction to elements and principles of 3D design: space, form, mass, scale and proportion as a means to develop sculptural works in a variety of media. Research and sketches are an expectation as part of preliminary planning for each project. 

Explore the fundamental concepts of drawing as they relate to a self-directed body of work. Historical and contemporary visual issues pertinent to the act of drawing are discussed. Various media, experimentation and invention will be encouraged.

Introduction to the creative use of color in photography and media. Topics include: color light theory, contemporary and historical applications of color photography, exposure techniques for digital capture and color negative film, software editing, film scanning techniques, and inkjet printing.

 An introduction to the fundamental tools, materials, techniques, concepts, and safety procedures of print and related media. Through hands-on exploration of materials, students will develop skills in both traditional and contemporary print methods. We will cover a variety of processes while learning essential safety protocols for working in a studio environment. Historical and contemporary print practices will be examined through lectures and demonstrations. 

Exploration of individual concepts and problem-solving skills through experimentation with variety of media and techniques. Replaces FINE 122 beginning in Fall 2024.

An introduction to the fundamental tools, materials, techniques, concepts, and safety procedures of sculpture and related media. Through hands-on exploration of materials, students will develop skills in both traditional and contemporary sculptural methods. We will cover a variety of processes while learning essential safety protocols for working in a studio environment. Historical and contemporary sculptural practices will be examined through lectures and demonstrations.

This course is an introduction to clay as a contemporary sculptural medium. Students develop basic hand building skills using subtractive, additive and constructive processes. Course content focuses on skill development with an exploration of contemporary issues in art as well as discussing artists utilizing sculptural ceramic processes.

Note: This is not wheel throwing, tile making or making utilitarian objects such as earthen ware, mugs or pottery.

Exploration of a variety of mold making and casting processes. Introduces contemporary sculptural issues and artists who utilize the casting process.

Continued study of time-based media. Exploration of concepts and techniques used in creating time-based media. Explore and critique use of video, animation, sound and interactivity. Emphasis on creation of meaning for personal expression.

An introduction to the fundamental tools, materials, techniques, concepts, and safety procedures of painting and related media. Through hands-on exploration of materials, students will develop skills in both traditional and contemporary painting methods. We will cover a variety of processes while learning essential safety protocols for working in a studio environment. Historical and contemporary painting practices will be examined through lectures and demonstrations. 

Continued study of painting methods and materials. Develops perceptual abilities, sensitivity to color and value, and compositional ideas within the context of understanding pictorial space.

Studio-based course focused on developing an understanding of how artists address and communicate ideas, themes, and iconography across a broad range of mediums and media. Students will develop research strategies and techniques to support their individual approaches.

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary drawing. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in drawing, and related media. This course is repeatable under different topics. 

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary printmaking. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in printmaking, and related media. This course is repeatable under different topics.

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary sculpture. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in sculpture, and related media.

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary time-based media. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in video, time-based, and related media.

Addresses thematic and conceptual development in painting through individual problems. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Critical thinking of both studio practice and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Continued development addressing thematic and conceptual development in painting through individual problems. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Critical thinking of both studio practice and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Studio-based course focused on developing research skills and methodologies relevant to their artistic practices. Students will develop an understanding of how research informs creative practice, exploring different research methods used by artists, and developing the ability to critically analyze and contextualize their own work. This course will introduce students to the skills required to sustain a creative practice.

A continuation of the studio-based Theory & Practice II course focused on demonstrating the ability to translate research skills and methodologies into projects such as exhibitions, presentations, and critical writing in relation to a creative practice.

Explore contemporary practices and work of relevant artists. Investigate personal artistic expression through a variety of media, writing; journal assignments; and cross-disciplinary critiques. Other activities may include recommended readings, fieldtrips, lectures and presentations from visiting artists and faculty.

Continued exploration of contemporary practices and work of relevant artists. Investigate personal artistic expression through a variety of media, writing; journal assignments; and crossdisciplinary critiques. Other activities may include recommended readings, fieldtrips, lectures and presentations from visiting artists and faculty.

Advanced Painting addresses thematic and conceptual development in painting through individual problems. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Critical thinking of both studio practice and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Studio-based thesis course. Includes seminar discussions and writing component. Focus on creation of thesis project resulting in consistent body of work. Seminars explore professional skills and attitudes; theories and practices within contemporary art.

Continuation of Studio-based thesis course. Includes seminar discussions and writing component. Focus on creation of thesis project resulting in consistent body of work. Seminars explore professional skills and attitudes; theories and practices within contemporary art.

Studio-based course that applies a professional toolkit towards establishing a self-directed creative practice. Students will apply relevant research to inform their creative practice and critically analyze and contextualize their work.

A continuation of the studio-based Theory & Practice IV course that applies a professional toolkit towards presenting a self-directed creative practice. Students will apply relevant research to inform their creative practice and critically analyze and contextualize their work.

Addresses thematic, conceptual, and technical development in finding connections across media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Addresses thematic, conceptual, and technical development in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Continue to address thematic, conceptual, and technical development in finding connections across media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Continue to address thematic, conceptual, and technical development in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Studio-based thesis course focused on developing a self-directed studio practice in one or more art media. Students will develop a cohesive and thematically unified body of work that reflects their artistic vision and explores a specific concept or theme. Students will develop a clear and compelling thesis statement in written and oral form that informs their work.

A continuation of a studio-based thesis course focused on developing proficiency in a self-directed studio practice in one or more art media. Students will create a cohesive and thematically unified body of work that reflects their artistic vision and explores a specific concept or theme. They will articulate a clear and compelling artistic concept and thesis statement in written and oral form that informs their work.

An introduction to darkroom based photographic techniques using analogue cameras to teach the fundamentals of exposure, developing, printing, scanning, composition and optics.

Seminar for all students in the General Studies Program which explores the cultural, socio-political, artistic and psychological uses of photography.  Weekly critiques of student work help students define their individual practice.  Students engage in lively discussions of presentations by visiting artists, video screenings, and readings. Junior year at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City. This course taken in Fall semester.

Seminar for all students in the General Studies Program which explores the cultural, socio-political, artistic and psychological uses of photography.  Weekly critiques of student work help students define their individual practice.  Students engage in lively discussions of presentations by visiting artists, video screenings, and readings. Junior year at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City. This course taken in Spring semester.

Junior year at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City. This course taken in Fall semester.

Junior year at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City. This course taken in Spring semester.