academic catalogue

2023-2024 Catalogue

Studio Art

The student who studies art should expect to experience new forms of visual expression and creative thought. The art program offers a solid foundation in studio techniques and concept development. Personal artistic and intellectual growth is encouraged. The student is provided with skills for a professional career as an artist, photographer, illustrator, and graphic designer. Students may combine the art major with a minor in art history which prepares the student for a position as a museum or gallery administrator, or art consultant. Art students interested in graphic design may double major in Studio Art and Advertising and Marketing Communication.

Major Program: Studio Art. The College offers a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in studio art. In the studio art major, students can concentrate in one of the following areas: painting, drawing, ceramics, computer graphics, photography, sculpture or printmaking.

The student learning outcomes for the major in Studio Art are for the student:

I. To create a senior portfolio that Demonstrates an original concept and development of skills and techniques.
II. To Apply art terms through analysis and interpretation of their art and its Art Historical influences.
III. To Demonstrate a cross-disciplinary, Liberal Arts connection to their art making.

Major Requirements: Studio Art. A major in studio art requires a total of 42 hours of course work from the following:
 
I. Core Foundations (15 hours)
ART 101 Drawing: 3 hours
ART 106 Understanding Images: 3 hours
or ART 110 Creativity: Art/Design from Nature: 3 hours
ART 108 3-D Design: 3 hours
ART 205 Concepts in Drawing: 3 hours
ARH 126 Art History I: Prehistoric to 16th Century: 3 hours
 
II. Fundamental Studio Processes (12 hours):
Choose 12 hours from:
ART 221 Painting: 3 hours
ART 225 Graphic Design: 3 hours
ART 231 Ceramics: 3 hours
ART 250 Printmaking Processes: 3 hours
ART 260 Intro to Jewelry: 3 hours
ART 275 Digital Photography: 3 hours
ART 285 Video: 3 hours
 
III. Art Historical Context: (3 hours)
Choose one course from:
ARH 220: Visual and Curatorial Studies: 3 hours
ARH 230 Art History II: 16th to 20th Century: 3 hours
ARH 354 Art History III: 20th Century to Contemporary Art: 3 hours
ARH 396 Special Topics: 3 hours
 
IV. Advanced Study (9 hours: 3 of the 9 hours must be at the 400 level)
ART 302 Intermediate Painting & Drawing: 3 hours
ART 318 Intermediate 3D Studio: 3 hours
ART 338 Intermediate Printmaking: 3 hours
ART 340 Intermediate Graphic Design: 3 hours

ART 345 Web Design: 3 hours
ART 360 Documentary Photography: 3 hours
ART 385 Studio Photo: Portrait & Product: 3 hours
ART 402 Portfolio Building: Painting & Drawing: 3 hours
ART 418 Portfolio Building: 3D: 3 hours
ART 438 Portfolio Building: Printmaking: 3 hours
ART 440 Portfolio Building: Graphic Design: 3 hours
ART 460 Portfolio Building: Photography: 3 hours

V. Senior Capstone / Integrative Experience / Professional Development (3 hours)
ART 408 Senior Studio Seminar: 3 hours
 
In addition:
1. In the spring semester of her sophomore year, each student is required to exhibit her works in the sophomore review.
 
2. Each senior student is required to have an exhibition of her work.
 
3. Students are required to attend lectures, exhibition openings, and workshops provided by the art department as an essential part of the educational experience.
 
4. Students are encouraged to become involved in internships.

Students will follow the outlined curriculum. Substitutions may not be made for required courses.

A recommended sequence of courses for the student majoring in studio art is shown below:

First Year: ART 101; ART 106 or 110; ART 108; ARH 126.
 
Second Year: ART 201; ART 221; 225 or 250; 231 or 260; 275 or 285; ARH 220 or 230
 
Third Year: ARH 354; Six hours from ART 302, 318, 338, 340, 345, 360, 385, 402, 418, 438, 440, 460; ARH 354 or 396.
 
Fourth Year: ART 408; Six hours from ART 302, 318, 338, 340, 345, 360, 402, 418, 438, 440, 460; ARH 354 or 396
 
Integrative Experience. The integrative experience is achieved in the studio art major through ART 408 Senior Studio Seminar. In this course each student develops a written, extended artist's statement which exemplifies the exploration of connections between her art making in her discipline with both her general education and with the world outside the classroom. The statement is included in her exhibition catalogue and orally presented during her artist's lecture.
 
Professional Development. Throughout her Wesleyan education each student is given opportunities to explore professional and career choices, and to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for professional success. Each student will complete PDE 400 Professional Development Experience and PDE 401 Professional Practice Seminar.


In choosing a studio art major a student has demonstrated the desire to develop a career as a working artist. The ART 408 Senior Studio Seminar provides professional experience through the creating and exhibiting of a professional body of work, by producing an accompanying exhibition catalogue and by presenting a lecture on the subject of her art. Professional aspects of this career include: developing a disciplined methodology for studio art production, developing the skill and confidence to speak and write about her art making, by developing web-based portfolios for publicity, and by learning to professionally present her work in a gallery setting.

Minor Requirements: Studio Art. The goals of the studio art minor are:

  1. to achieve a working knowledge of visual elements and principles;
  2. to learn how to analyze works of art;
  3. to gain an understanding of the processes of art;
  4. to develop personal expression in at least one art medium; and,
  5. to acquire a basic knowledge of movements of art history.

A minor in studio art requires 18 hours of course work from the following:

1. ART 101;
 
2. ART 106 or ART 110 or ART 108;
 
3. Two courses from ART 205, 221, 225, 231, 250, 260, 275 or 285;
 
4. One course from ART 302, 318, 338, 340, 345, 360, 385, 402, 418, 438, 440, 460; and
 
5. One course from the following art history electives: ARH 126, 220, 230, 354, or 396.
 
Auditing Studio Art Classes. A student wishing to audit a studio art class may register for the class only at the end of the drop/add period and with the written permission of the instructor teaching the course. Consult the tuition and fees section of the Catalogue for costs.
 
Independent Study in Art. Students must consult with an art faculty member prior to registering for an Independent Study. The goals and objectives of the Independent Study project must be outlined. The Independent Study may not substitute for regular art classes. ARH and ART 451 may be taken only when substantial course work at the 100, 200, and 300 level has been completed.
 
Postgraduate Opportunities. The program offers a sound foundation for a wide variety of careers in the fine and commercial arts and for further scholarly pursuits. Recent graduates are working as professional artists, gallery directors, art teachers, newspaper photographers, and graphic designers.
 
Resources for Non-Majors. All Wesleyan students are welcome to take any of the Art Department's course offerings with the exception of ART 408 which is the senior seminar course for BA and BFA art majors.


The Wesleyan College Art Club is open to all students and encourages everyone with an interest in the field to participate. The Art Club sponsors the Annual Wesleyan College Student Art Exhibition. This exhibition is open to all students with numerous awards presented in a variety of categories.

Art exhibitions are presented regularly on the Wesleyan campus. The Cowles Myles Collier East Gallery of Porter Auditorium features exhibits by national, regional, and local artists. The West Gallery of Porter Auditorium showcases the College's permanent collection. Additional exhibits and student work can be seen in the McCrary Gallery of the Valeria McCullough Murphey Art Building.

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Calendar of Events

Wesleyan College is privileged to steward many arts and cultural events and share them with the community. Most are free and open to the public. Wesleyan art galleries are open M-F 1-5PM and on Wesleyan Market Saturdays from 10AM-2PM.

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