Studio Art, B.A.

Program Chair: Jacob Rhoads, M.F.A.

Available in the Day College.

The Studio Art program prepares students to analyze and interpret the nonverbal language and contemporary issues of art and design. Our students study achievements in the history of art and select a studio emphasis in drawing or painting, graphic design, or photography. Our program spans three buildings across campus: R. Wright Spears Center for the Arts, Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Center, and Cottingham Theater. Our facilities include studios, darkrooms, framing and exhibition labs, computer labs, and the Goodall Gallery, which features student work and art exhibits from local, regional, and nationally recognized artists. Graduates from the Studio Art program have gone on to become teachers, practicing artists, graphic designers in corporate and non-profit organizations, and museum workers. 

Mission: The Studio Art program provides for majors a focus on art and design in the context of a broad liberal arts program. Majors will have opportunities in studio and academic courses to work with, study and/or experience the visual arts from diverse cultural sources, historical periods, and media. 

Student Learning Outcomes: 

1. Students will analyze and interpret the non-verbal language of art and design. 
2. Students will demonstrate strong foundation level skills in drawing and design plus competence in a number of art and/or design techniques. 
3. Students will demonstrate mastery in one studio area. 
4. Students will recognize and articulate major achievements in the history of art, including the works and intentions of leading artists in the past. 

The Art Leadership Semester

In support of Columbia College’s tradition of leadership development, the Art Program provides a variety of ways that a student can develop a Leadership Semester (typically in her junior or senior year). Both coursework and experiential opportunities are available for students to develop the confidence and competence necessary to their development as leaders in the arts.

The following options will aid students in applying the knowledge gained in the classroom to activities that will prepare them for many different sorts of leadership roles in the visual arts.

To enroll for the Art Leadership Semester, students should take ART 399LS  in conjunction with enrollment for ART 361 , ART 364 , ART 366 , ART 370E , ART 370G , ART 370M , ART 370P and/or ART 370S . Students will become familiar with the competencies required in professional academic and creative research and presentation. ART 399LS  may be repeated for credit multiple times.

In addition to stated requirements, each Art major will be expected to participate in an annual Portfolio Review in which the student will meet with Art program faculty members to examine recent class projects and discuss her progress.