Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Art, BA
What Is the Study of Art—Studio?
The broad instructional concept is to integrate the components of art history, art criticism, design and studio courses, university courses, and gallery exhibition programs. A grasp of the dynamic nature of a culture and the continuing extension of its visual language is a fundamental objective. Art Studio includes ceramics, drawing, fiber/fabrics, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking a sculpture. The objects of the major are to investigate the function of art and the relationships between art, culture, artist and audience. Art studio classes are designed to familiarize students with the principles that shape and inform visual literacy and expression through a variety of practices in art making.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
To learn to create, interpret, analyze, and make informed judgments about art, studio concepts, and practices.
How to Declare:
Most classes in the Studio area are restricted to majors only. to access classes in this area, a formal application to the Department of Art is required. For students in art studio, art education, application for the major is made with a portfolio or work, The portfolio will be reviewed by the Department of Art faculty and evaluated on the basis of a demonstrated understanding of the elements of visual art, technical proficiency, and originality.
Application Requirements
All applicants of Art Studio and Art Education majors must submit a portfolio of 12 works. It is recommended that the portfolio includes only recent pieces. Artwork can be in any media and must demonstrate the following criteria:
- Understanding of formal principles
- Technical skills
- Ability to use visual language to communicate ideas
- Originality and risk taking
An accompanying list should briefly describe the rationale behind each piece. Macintosh-compatible CD-ROMs; slides and online portfolios are acceptable. Digital portfolios must be presented in an easily accessible format. it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure proper functioning of the presentation.
Send portfolio to:
Review Committee
Western Washington University
Fine Arts Complex, Room 116
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9068
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines are October 15 and January 31. Portfolios must be recieved by the deadlines, not postmarked by the deadlines.
Advising Tips
Students meet with an advisor after completing 200-level courses to write a formal plan of study and select an area of Art Studio for concentration.
Coursework
Students are advised to see the department for GPA requirements within the major.
- ART 109 Visual Dialogue (3 cr)
- ART 110 Form and Content I: Drawing (3 cr)
- ART 120 2-Dimensional Design/Color (3 cr)
- ART 130 Form and Content III: 3-D (3 cr)
Students must meet with an advisor before taking 200-level courses
- 9 credits from the following:
- One course from:
- A/HI 220 Visual Culture in Ancient Greece and Rome (3 cr)
- A/HI 221 Visual Culture in Medieval Europe (3 cr)
- One course from:
- A/HI 230 Visual Culture in Western Europe 1400-1550 (3 cr)
- A/HI 231 Visual Culture in Western Europe 1550-1700 (3 cr)
- One course from:
- A/HI 240 Visual Culture in Western Europe in the 19th Century (3 cr)
- A/HI 241 Visual Culture in Western Europe and America in the 20th Century (3 cr)
- One course from:
- A/HI 270 Visual Culture in South and Southeast Asia (3 cr)
- A/HI 271 Visual Culture in East Asia (3 cr)
- 12 credits of 200-level studio courses
- After completing the 200-level classes students must meet with an advisor to write a formal plan of study and declare a concentration in one area of Art Studio
- 15 credits of 300- or 400-level art studio courses in area of selected concentration
- 10 credits of 300- or 400-level art studio or design electives
- 5 credits from:
- ART 494 Advanced Studio Seminar (5 cr)
- ART 495 Professional Practices for Studio Artist (5 cr)
- 8 credits of 300- or 400-level art history
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- HUM: ART 109; A/HI 220, 221, 230, 231, 240, 241
- ACGM: A/HI 270 or 271
Sample Careers
- Art Educator
- Exhibiting Artist
- Exhibit Designer
- Gallery Director
- Photographer
- Curator
Department
Contact
Department Chair:
Gaye Green
360-650-3672
FI 117
gaye.green@wwu.edu
General Information:
360-650-4323
FI 116
artinfo@wwu.edu