Art (ART) Faculty Brian W. Shaw, Chair William A. Bippes Jonathan D. Garn Roger M. Varland About the discipline The art program at Spring Arbor University encourages students to express both technical and creative skills. The various studio courses are structured in order to develop traditional academic competence in visual and tactile forms. The uniqueness, however, is the attention given to the development of each individual student, guiding them in discovering their own personal philosophy and artistic style. Five concentrations are available to the Art major and Visual Arts Education major: Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography and Sculpture. Career opportunities Beyond the professions where making art is the primary focus, such as a studio artist, illustrator or graphic designer and teaching, countless opportunities exist for creative people with artistic sensitivities and training. Program strengths and emphases The art program at Spring Arbor University offers the student a unique developmental combination of technical skills relative to the various media with emphasis on personal creativity and style. This combination begins in the introductory studio courses and is completed in the individualized structure of ART 415 Advanced 2-D and 3-D Design and ART 470 Art Seminar. Another strength of the program is juried competitions at the end of each semester, exposing students to critiques from visiting artists and showcasing their best works to the community. Art scholarships are available through portfolio review and are also awarded at annual semester competitions. Facilities for the major are housed in the 8,100-square foot Art Center containing classrooms, traditional studios for drawing, sculpture and painting, along with a state-of-the-art computer lab, darkroom, complete woodshop, kiln area and individual upperclassmen studio spaces. The Ganton Art Gallery is one of the largest singlespace galleries in Michigan and displays revolving exhibits of graduating majors, semester art shows, and professional artists. Requirements The 52-hour art major requires: ART 415 Advanced 2-D & 3-D II (3) Electives to total 52 hours (5 concentrations are available) Senior Exhibition Note: Details concerning the exhibition requirement are available from the department chair with emphasis and clarification given in ART 470 Senior Seminar. The exhibition must be hung within one semester of completing ART 470 Art Seminar. (The art department reserves the right to require additional advanced courses, i.e., ART 415, when deemed necessary.) The following concentrations are available: Drawing Graphic Design ART 334 Graphic Design III (3) 62
Painting Photography ART 205 Photography I (3) ART 406 Photography III (3) Sculpture The 56-69 hour visual arts education major requires: ART 338 Teaching Art Elementary Level (4) ART 348 Teaching Art Secondary Level (4) ART 358 Teaching Art Practicum (4) ART 415 Advanced 2-D and 3-D Design II (3) Choose one of the following concentrations: Drawing Graphic Design ART 335 Web Design (4) Painting Photography ART 205 Photography I (4) ART 406 Photography III (3) Sculpture The 24-hour art minor requires: Electives to total 24 hours The 23-hour visual literacy minor requires: ART 204 Photography I (3) ART 399 Visual Communication Portfolio (4) Notes: To ensure continuity and understanding, students are introduced to career opportunities in their freshman year. ART 160 Introduction to Art provides insights by professionals in various art fields, and explains the academic and experiential requirements to pursue a job in their area. Students meet individually with the entire art faculty during their sophomore and junior years to discuss career concerns and quality of artwork completed during the first two years. Seniors take ART 470 Senior Seminar, and prepare a paper on their philosophy, and present a senior art exhibit. From the freshman year to graduation there are a series of courses and checkpoints to aid students in artistic development, and to ensure that each one is fully prepared for the career of their choice. 63
Notes for general education: Art majors and minors fulfill the Fine Arts requirement of ART 152 Art Foundations, through their courses in Art. Note for students certifying to teach: Students interested in teacher certification will complete the Visual Arts Education major and Secondary Education requirements (see Education). Note for transfer and post baccalaureate students: The following will be required for transfer and post baccalaureate students: major as listed in the current Spring Arbor University catalog. Evaluation of courses taken at other institutions will be completed following the portfolio review. Spring Arbor University: a. ART methods courses, ART 338/348/358 for those certifying to teach. b. ART 415 (an advanced course in one s chosen media and working with personal ideas) c. ART 470 Senior Seminar Course descriptions: ART 152 Art Foundations (2) A systematic study of art ideas which allows the student at the beginning level to understand basic concepts used by artists in visual and tactile perception. The course involves the use and understanding of skills and materials by the artist. An additional purpose will be to examine art in its historic relationship to religion; to understand how the visual media influences contemporary living; and to become aware of the need for critical thinking and analysis in order to bring greater quality to art and life in the 21st century. Does not count towards art major or minor. (Offered in fall, interim and spring.) This introductory course is for art majors only. The course deals with the philosophy of SAU s Art Department, the history of art through visits to museums, the development of a vocabulary related to the elements of design and presentations by professionals in various art fields all making up the major components of this course. (Offered in fall.) The principles and techniques of drawing. Various forms of drawing, including contour, gesture, modeling and shading are used to explore forms of still life, landscape and architecture. (Offered in fall.) ART 165 Two Dimensional Design (3) Studio-classroom approach to the elements and principles of design. Various two-dimensional techniques are explored in line, shape, space and texture to prepare the student for advanced work in the various areas of the visual arts. (Offered in spring.) Studio-classroom approach to the elements and philosophy of design. Traditional and contemporary techniques are examined and practiced with special attention given to developing one s own creativity. Works are executed in clay, plaster, wood, and mixed media. (Offered in spring.) The visual elements of color through pigment exploring the variety of color concepts used in the visual arts. Emphasis is upon the study of color theories, color manipulation and color organization applicable to both the graphic arts and fine arts. Students begin with the traditional color wheel to classic painting concepts through current color technology. Taken concurrently with ART 162. (Offered in fall.) ART 204 Photography I (3) (for non-majors) Introduces the basic elements of design in picture taking and darkroom techniques for black and white photography. Assists students in fields of study where practical knowledge of photography is helpful (journalism, natural science and contemporary ministries). Must own or have access to 35mm single lens reflex camera. (Offered in spring.) ART 205 Photography I (4) (for art majors or minors only) Introduces the basic elements of design in picture taking and darkroom techniques for black and white photography. Must own or have access to 35mm single lens reflex camera. Prerequisites: ART 162, 165 and 167. (Offered in fall.) An introduction to the major techniques of painting. Exposure to a full-range of painting media and stylistic 64
modes. Course will focus upon oil base media. Majors and minors must have ART 162, 165, and 167. (Limited offering in fall and spring.) The principles of figure drawing, with attention to a basic understanding of anatomy. Developing within the student an awareness of structure, form and articulation while working with different human subjects. Prerequisite: ART 162, 165, and 167. (Offered in spring.) An introduction to the art of graphic design, its historical development and basic styles. Exposure to current software in relation to basic layout construction and design. (Offered in fall.) Develop personal aptitude in the field of graphic design. Emphasis on current graphic design software. Learn the basic terms, concepts, processes and tools used in contemporary design. Instruction in preparing art for reproduction. Study will include visual problem solving and communication. Prerequisites: ART 162, 165, 167 and 272. Co-requisite to ART 263. (Offered in spring.) ART 276 Typographic Design (4) Training in type design and layout. Includes the study of rules and conventions for good layout used in current design theory; a brief history and background of type styles in use today; and layout problems assigned for typographic exploration. Prerequisite: ART 272. ART 272 and 276 may be taken concurrently. (Offered in fall.) Study in the acquisition, manipulation and processing of digital photographic images. Visual competency will be applied in the exploration of artistic and editorial creation. Study will include the preparation of images for prepress (print) and screen (computer). Must own or have access to digital camera (6MB or higher). Prerequisites: ART 205 and must have completed or be currently enrolled in ART 263. (Offered in spring.) ART 309 Ceramics I (3) Ceramic sculpture and pottery making. Building techniques include coil, slab potter s wheel, glazing and firing. Non-majors need instructor approval. (Offered in fall of odd academic years.) A continuation of ART 213 with emphasis upon a variety of media. The student will be encouraged to experiment in new directions through the combination of various painting media with other two or three dimensional techniques. Prerequisite: ART 213. (Limited spring offering.) ART 317 Printmaking (4) Students are expected to develop a thorough working knowledge of the traditional and contemporary aspects of printmaking. Projects are designed to assist students in acquiring necessary printmaking skills with emphasis placed on originality of ideas and one s subsequent development. Prerequisites: ART 162, 165, 167 and 272 or permission. (Limited offering.) Survey of man s artistic achievements from prehistoric times through the Gothic period. Emphasis on historical development, aesthetic visual and stylistic analysis, as well as examining the role of art in its cultural context. Includes both Western and Non-Western art. Includes museum visit. (Offered in fall.) A continuation of ART 321 beginning with the Renaissance period and continuing to the end of the 19th century (Impressionism). Includes museum visit. (Offered in spring.) A continuation of ART 322 beginning with the Post- Impressionist period and continuing to present day. Includes discussions contrasting and comparing modern, post-modern and contemporary philosophies with the Christian worldview. Includes visit to Chicago museum and galleries. (Offered in spring.) Study in the understanding of human form and organization. Emphasis is placed upon analysis of action, structure and proportion. Works are executed in clay and plaster. Prerequisite: ART 166 and 263. (Limited fall offering.) Deals with a variety of advanced problems in layout and design technique for advertising art using current design software as a tool to prepare work for publication. Work with photo manipulation and retouching on the computer. Emphasis is placed on the importance of qualitative and aesthetic standards in the graphic arts. Prerequisite: ART 274. (Offered in fall.) ART 334 Graphic Design III (3) Preparation and design of work for the student s graphic design portfolio. Works will be planned based upon the need for the student to have a complete portfolio of 65
artwork and design to present as a career tool. Visual problem solving for both artistic and commercial applications. Prerequisite: ART 333. (Offered in spring.) ART 335 Web Design (4) A comprehensive study of Web design and multimedia. The student will understand the evolution of the Internet and its corresponding terms in relation to visual presentation. The elements of design will be applied from concept and design to preparation and production. Techniques for Web functionality will be explored as well as Web animation. Prerequisite: ART 162, 165 and 167. (Offered in spring of odd academic years.) ART 338 Teaching Art-Elementary Level (4) A methods course for art teachers covering art at the elementary level. This course is designed to provide the theoretical foundations and applications of teaching art techniques, as well as introducing various materials and curriculum organizations. Prerequisites: SOE acceptance; MBST and grade of 2.67 in EDU 202 and 262. (Offered in fall of even academic years.) ART 348 Teaching Art-Secondary Level (4) A methods course for art teachers covering art at the secondary level. This course is designed to provide a theoretical foundation and application of teaching art techniques, as well as introducing various materials and curriculum organization. Prerequisites: SOE acceptance; MBST and grade of 2.67 in EDU 202 and 262. (Offered in spring of even academic years.) ART 358 Teaching Art Practicum (4) Time will be spent addressing special needs as related to inclusion and health concerns associated with certain materials. The student will be expected to work as an aid with a local art teacher besides teaching several lessons related to a particular media. Prerequisite: ART 338 and 348; MBST and grade of 2.67 in EDU 202 and 262. (Offered in interim of even academic years.) Drawing III is an introduction to the various philosophies, techniques and medias used in drawing by today s contemporary artist. The student is obligated to creatively explore the possibilities of various styles and manners of representation resulting in a dynamic aesthetic personal expression. Prerequisite: ART 263. (Limited offering in fall.) photographic tools and techniques, both traditional and digital. Prerequisite: ART 306. (Limited offering in fall.) This course provides the serious student painter with the opportunity for a dynamic search for personal expression through the exploration of various painting techniques and ideas. Contemporary trends and techniques such as social, political, aesthetic consumerism and various conceptual ideas will be explored. Prerequisite: ART 314. (Limited offering in fall.) ART 415 Advanced 2D and 3D Design (3) Continued work in two- or three-dimensional design, including drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design and mixed media. Emphasis on individual direction and goals. A student must pass with C or above in order to continue as an art major. Prerequisite: ART 334 or 364 or 406 or 414 or 426. (Offered in fall and spring.) Beginning of advanced work in three-dimensional design. Emphasis is placed on developing ones ideas and techniques relative to a variety of media. The student is expected to articulate in three-dimensional form contemporary ideas and theory. Exploration of the nature of materials, cultural identity and conceptualism. Prerequisite: ART 325. (Limited offering.) The requirements for this course include resume preparation, exhibition of a show and evidence of submission in a regional and national competition. This senior course also includes job interviews or application to graduate schools relative to pursuing work in art or furthering one s education. A slide portfolio of one s senior exhibit along with a show statement and an eight to ten page paper covering one s philosophy of art completes the course requirements. Graded S/U. Senior show may qualify for honors. Prerequisite: Senior status. (Offered in spring.) ART 399 Visual Communication Portfolio (4) In this team taught course, students prepare a portfolio of projects to demonstrate their analysis and application of communication and visual principles. Prerequisites: COM 200, APR 116, ART 204, and 274. (Offered in spring.) 66