Art
A description of the art program at Western
The art faculty emphasizes that the program or courses are important, but equally important is the atmosphere in which the student works; an atmosphere in which the professors are sincerely dedicated to assisting the student above and beyond the normal classroom expectations.
It is this atmosphere that promotes the student's involvement with the faculty member on a one-to-one basis in the classroom, and more often than not, on a personal basis as well.
The student, in working this closely with a faculty member who is professionally active in the art world feels, sees and understands what is expected of him or her.
We are committed to the college's mission of excellence. Excellence is the principle concern in our development of staffing positions, art programs, interdisciplinary programs and the use of resource materials and tools.
Students majoring in Art may select the Bachelor of Arts degree or the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for the qualified student intending to graduate with a liberal arts background with an in-depth emphasis in Art. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art consists of a Standard Major and a Comprehensive Major which allows students to specialize in studio art, graphic design, art education licensure, and art history and theory.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is designed for the qualified student intending to become a professional artist or to pursue graduate study in art. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art consists of a Comprehensive Major which allows students to specialize in painting, photography, printmaking; ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, or graphic design.
Admission to the Art Program
All students who wish to major or minor in Art must be formally admitted to the Art Program. Students must be accepted in the program before registering for any Art course above ART 172.
To be formally admitted to the Art Program, a student must:
- submit an Application for Admission to the Art Program
- have demonstrated a minimum competency by completing the following courses:
ART 119, Foundation Drawing I, with a minimum grade of “C”
ART 120, Foundation Drawing II, with a minimum grade of “C”
ART 171, Foundation Design: Two-Dimensional, with a minimum grade of “C”
ART 172, Foundation Design: Three-Dimensional, with a minimum grade of “C”
And completed two semesters of:
ART 000, Exhibition and Convocation Attendance; - submit a portfolio of recent art work with 20 labeled prints and/or images on CD;
- submit a current transcript; must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or above to be admitted.
All majors must have an overall grade point average of 2.5 or better in order to graduate.
Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program
At the completion of the foundation program (freshman year), student portfolios should demonstrate the outcomes identified below by the Art faculty. The review committee will identify student portfolios that reflect B.F.A. degree potential. The B.F.A. curriculum is more than attending assigned courses. B.F.A candidates must understand to receive and maintain B.F.A. status they must create Art work that exhibits the highest quality (top 10% of the class) and the highest creativity outside of course assignments continuously each semester. When students receive B.F.A. status, they must report to their advisor each year for continuance in the program. Your advisor will be responsible for critiques, guidance, and help toward the completion of the Senior Exhibition. There will be a Portfolio Review in November and March or April each year.
Students wishing to apply for candidacy to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program must apply no earlier than the spring of their sophomore year and no later than the fall of their junior year.
Acceptance Criteria
FALL (October / November)
SPRING (March / April)
Present the following materials in your portfolio including the B.F.A. Portfolio Review Evaluation Criteria:
1. Academic Standing: Art major students applying for the B.F.A. must be in good academic standing with at least a 2.5 GPA
during the past academic year.
2. A recent transcript of courses taken. Underline or highlight the foundation courses: ART 119, 120, 171, and 172.
Underline or highlight hours earned and GPA.
3. Twenty color prints of work.
4. Three pieces of original work, preferably work in your emphasis. Pieces should be presented matted, framed, or mounted.
5. A one-page statement stating your emphasis in art, philosophy on art, and explaining why you wish to apply to the
B.F.A. program.
6. Have completed one-year residency in the Department of Art.
Continuance Criteria
FALL (October / November)
SPRING (March / April)
Present the following materials in your portfolio:
1. Maintain Academic Standing: Art major students applying for the B.F.A. must be in good academic standing with at
least a 2.5 GPA during the past academic year.
2. One piece of original work produced since the last review. Work must be presented matted, framed, or mounted.
3. A brief statement reflecting/representing your Art Thesis. Also include the research and creative decisions you have
made while producing your thesis work.
4. After the completion of 90 credit hours, you must have a Graduation Update.
