Mission Statement
The Department of Art provides pathways for students to explore art, visual creativity, and art history within the liberal arts tradition. Studio art and art history majors develop the elements of visual literacy and performance, including observational proficiency, basic media-specific skills, understanding of historical context, the ability to analyze and articulate these visual issues, and produce independent work. The curriculum is designed to prepare art history and studio art majors to meet the entrance requirements of graduate programs in art history, studio art, and art education, or to prepare them with skills in creative visual expression and critical analysis that are assets in many career paths.
Program Goals
- Develop a fundamental understanding of art in a social, political, and economic context.
- Practice visual analysis: careful, detailed description leading to interpretation based on visual evidence.
- Learn to write analytically using visual evidence and library research.
- Become acquainted with art historical methodologies.
- Demonstrate an understanding of visual language in its role of imparting meaning.
- Acquire critical thinking skills and the ability to articulate concepts and present arguments.
- Effectively communicate issues and aspects of visual experience and culture in oral and written arguments, and studio projects.
Department of Art Anti-Racism and Inclusivity Statement
- We believe everyone should be treated with integrity and respect. Everyone will be heard, challenged and guided towards a more engaged perspective of humanity and cultural production. We model material process, critical engagement and visual analysis in the classroom.
- We recognize and challenge the hierarchies of knowledge in the classroom. We promote an environment where open, direct communication allows us to have reflective conversations about that legacy in the visual arts. We welcome the intersectional identities, experiences, perspectives and abilities of students, faculty and staff.
- We are committed to anti-racist practices. We are dedicated to expanding cultural perspectives and frameworks. In an effort to dismantle white supremacist ideology, we teach a broad range of global art production and a diversity of art historical methodologies.
