Art
Majoring & Minoring
The Studio Art Department offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, and minors in Studio Art.
Studio Art (Art)
The Studio Art Department at Southwestern University offers a dynamic and comprehensive experience for students interested in creative expression within a liberal arts context. The overarching goal of the program is to cultivate sustained intellectual and creative inquiry, encouraging students to explore art through an interdisciplinary lens that enriches their artistic and academic development.
The curriculum is intentionally designed to address the diverse and evolving landscape of contemporary art, including an exploration of a wide range of materials, ideas, and processes. Students have the opportunity to develop both technical and formal skills across various media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. The program places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and creative problem-solving as essential components of an artist’s development. As part of their education, students develop an individualized body of artwork, which reflects their personal vision and artistic voice. This approach helps prepare them for professional careers in the arts or other creative industries, fostering versatility, innovation, and the ability to adapt to a variety of artistic and professional contexts.
The department offers two primary degree tracks: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The BA provides a broad, well-rounded approach to studio art, while the BFA offers a more focused, immersive experience that culminates in a professional exhibition of the student’s work. This track is particularly suited for students aiming to build a deep, specialized practice in the visual arts.
Studio Art Goals:
Develop Creative Expression and Technical Skills: Students enhance their artistic abilities through hands-on practice in various media, mastering both traditional and contemporary techniques while cultivating their unique voice.
Encourage Critical Thinking and Conceptual Growth: Students explore artistic conventions, engage with cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts, and focus on creating works that communicate complex ideas.
Foster Interdisciplinary Connections and Collaboration: Students integrate art with other fields, collaborating across disciplines and blending intellectual and creative approaches in their work.