Fine Arts: Overview

The Fine Arts major is designed to provide broad foundations in the arts as well as the opportunity to focus in one area such as painting, drawing, mixed-media, or photography. Art history and criticism are emphasized, as are technical foundations. As students develop more advanced skills, they are encouraged to work more independently in tutorials or guided independent studies as well as placements in internships and even apprenticeships with local artists. Cross-registration and arrangements with local arts and crafts organizations provide additional opportunities to enrich possibilities for individualizing the curriculum. Students in this program work closely with the advisor to plan their programs.

Graduates of the program have gone on to further study and/or careers in teaching, arts administration, commercial arts/graphics, or professional fine arts or photography.

All students are required to complete an upper-level internship in the major; typical placements include settings such as museums, galleries, schools, and local arts organizations. Each student also undertakes a 6-credit Degree Project in the last two semesters that includes both a creative component (usually a portfolio of work and a public show displayed in our gallery) and a process paper.