Art History & Theory
Get Involved
- Gallery Exhibits: Students have opportunities to display their work in numerous shows, exhibits, convocations and galas—on campus and in the community.
- Pathfinder Magazine: An annual publication for student creative work.
- Student Art League: A branch of the Council for Creative expression, the Student Art League is dedicated to providing visual arts, experiences, professional development, educational opportunities and outreach for Art students.
Scholarships
Program-Based Scholarships
Caniff, Al Art Scholarship
Eligibility
- Full-time Western Senior majoring in Art
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
- Student must exhibit service to the Art program by involvement with the ART League or other co-curricular art activities
- Preference will be given to a BFA Senior Veterans of the United States Armed Forces
Description
This scholarship is provided by Dr. Al Caniff.
Amount: $1000
Selected by: Art Faculty in consultation with the Financial Aid Office.
Application:
Contact the Art Department at 970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Faculty & Staff
Faculty
 Professor of Art; Administrative Director Master in Gallery Management & Exhibits Specialization; Colorado State Representative, Association of Academic Museums and Galleries Phone: 970.943.3031
Email: horr@western.edu
Office Location: Quigley Hall 231 |
Staff
 Administrative Assistant Phone: 970.943.3093
Email: bkenlon@western.edu
Office Location: Quigley Hall 202 |
Courses
ART 321 - American Art: Colonial to Modern (3 credits)
A survey of the arts of America from the 17th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on uniquely American innovations and expressions, regional distinctions in American art, with a strong component in art of the American West; significant individual artists and trends; and the arts of the many diverse peoples that comprise America. Prerequisite: junior standing or instructor permission.
ART 324 - Art Criticism and Critical Theory in Contemporary Art (3 credits)
A survey of contemporary art and art practices through the discipline of art criticism. This seminar course prepares students for senior-level courses and advanced studies in art and art history at the graduate level. A survey of modern and contemporary art since the midtwentieth century is followed by seminar presentations on selected readings. Prerequisites: ART 222 and ART 223.
ART 325 - Women Artists (3 credits)
A survey of women artists and their work from the 16th century (Renaissance) to contemporary times. The contributions of women artists and the changing roles of women in the western tradition of the visual arts are examined within relevant historical, political, social, theoretical, and gender contexts. Prerequisite: junior standing or instructor permission.
ART 421 - Art of Mesoamerica and the Andean Region of South America (3 credits)
A survey of the arts of the Pre-contact civilizations in Middle America and the Andes. The art and architecture of these ancestral peoples are examined within their cultural contexts. Prerequisite: junior standing or instructor permission.
ART 422 - Native American Art of North America (3 credits)
A survey of the arts of the indigenous (First Nations) civilizations of North America, from antiquity to the present era. The art and architecture of these peoples and artists are examined contextually. Prerequisite: minimum junior standing or instructor permission.
ART 424 - Modern Art History, Aesthetics, Theory, and Criticism (3 credits)
An exploration of trends and developments in the Western tradition of the visual arts from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, considering Modernism, Post-Modernism, and recent tendencies. The visual arts of these periods are viewed through the lens of theories and ideas that have powered change in Western art, including current revisionist and theoretical considerations in Art and Art History. Prerequisite: minimum junior standing or instructor permission.
The arts are among the oldest forms of record keeping and human discourse—meaningful communication that expresses and shapes cultural ideas and practices. Art historians ask questions and seek answers about artists, patrons, audiences, art worlds, the artistic objects themselves, and when, how and why those works were created.
The Art History & Theory emphasis provides a strong foundation in western and worldly art history and theory, emphasizing the development of solid research, writing and presentation skills. Art students study both visual art practices and art history in order to be successful in their area of specialization and achieve the level of training expected of professionals in any field.
The Program
The Art History & Theory emphasis provides a strong foundation in Western and non-Western art history and in theory, emphasizing the development of solid research, writing and presentation skills. Art students are strongly encouraged to study both visual art practices and art history in order to be successful in their area of specialization, achieve the level of training expected of professionals in any field, and, in short, to call themselves “artists.”
Careers
Art History & Theory graduates are able to place their own work within larger cultural and historic perspectives and enter the professional world with the ability to think critically about artists, movements, cultural history and philosophy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, archivists, curators and museum workers are expected to see 13% job growth by 2026. Related career fields include:
- Art and Estate Appraisal
- Art Conservation & Restoration
- Art Consulting
- Art Law and Law Enforcement
- Exhibits Installation
- Museum Fundraising and Development
- Museum Marketing and Public Relations
- Museum/Gallery Curation
Learn More
Reach out to Heather Orr, Ph.D. for more information.
