Art and Design

Website: www.iup.edu/art
Anthony DiMauro, Chair

The Department of Art and Design provides a sequence of foundation and advanced-level courses directed toward the development of the student’s technical, creative and expressive abilities. Degree programs offered are the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art, Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History, Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Art Education, Bachelor of Science in Fashion Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Minors in the department include Studio Art, Art History, and Fashion Studies.

Students pursuing studio or art education degrees are initially admitted into the department through the Entrance Portfolio Review.

BFA: ART STUDIO

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art prepares students for careers as visual artists, graphic designers, and creative practitioners. It is also a platform from which to go on to graduate study.

The BFA degree program offers two specializations: Graphic Design and Art Studio. Students pursuing the Graphic Design specialization will study a broad range of topics including web design, publication design, interactive design, animation, and corporate identity. Faculty mentors assist graphic design students with the development of a professional portfolio.

Students pursuing the Art Studio Specialization will elect a focus in one of the department’s studio areas including drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry and metals, sculpture, and wood.

The BFA major must successfully complete the BFA Sophomore Review where studio faculty members assess student progress within the program. During the final semester of their studies, BFA students publicly present their art in a culminating Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition.

BA: ART STUDIO

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art offers students a broad range of studio options, including drawing, sculpture, painting, graphic design, jewelry and metals, woodworking, printmaking, and illustration. This degree option should be chosen by the student who seeks a generalized art studio program or does not plan to attend graduate school. This degree program provides opportunities for achieving double majors and minors in and outside the Department of Art and Design. The BA major must also successfully complete the Sophomore Review.

BA: ART HISTORY

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History is to provide majors with a solid foundation in the history of art, from ancient through modern times. The degree prepares students for graduate study leading to careers in museums, galleries, fine art libraries, visual resources, teaching, and research. Specific goals, objectives, and competencies related to this degree include the acquisition and demonstration of critical thinking, research, and writing skills; knowledge of terminology, methodology, and competency with various approaches to art historical inquiry; and the ability to conduct art history research through independent investigations.

BSED: ART EDUCATION

The Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in Art Education is a professional degree program leading to certification to teach K-12 art in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The program reflects contemporary theory and practice in art studio, art history, criticism, aesthetics, visual culture, and pedagogy. The program complies with all Pennsylvania standards needed for certification to teach art in the commonwealth.

BS: INTERIOR DESIGN

The Interior Design program offers students opportunities in analyzing problems, synthesizing information, and implementing design solutions supportive of the needs of people and the environment. The program emphasizes creative problem solving through interdisciplinary experiences and communicating solutions. It enables graduates to adapt to a changing world by drawing on history while applying the principles of informed design and research. This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The core of the program includes courses addressing space planning, hand drafting, design graphics and presentation techniques, color theory, building systems, materials and finishes, human factors, computer-aided drafting techniques, history of design, 3-D design, textiles, lighting, residential and commercial design, and professional practice. Detailed information is available from instructors regarding equipment and supplies to be purchased by students for individual courses in this program. Internships present an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical, on-the-job training and are highly recommended. Experiential learning opportunities in the community augment the program. Students tour a variety of settings including offices, museums, factories, showrooms, retail outlets, and construction sites. Supportive courses are offered in art, theater, communications media, and business. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in commercial and residential design, sales, historical preservation, kitchen and bath design, and showroom management.

BS: FASHION STUDIES

The Fashion Studies program emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of the apparel industry from pre- design to post-consumer and beyond. Students gain a holistic view of Fashion through required coursework then choose one or more of three Fashion Studies specializations (Merchandising, Design,or Styling and Promotion) based upon their interests, skills, and career goals. Communications, problem solving, group project organization, professional presentation, and analytical and critical thinking skills are incorporated into course content.

Students pursue a minor or track concentration in a complementary subject area of interest to fulfill graduation credit requirements. This could include, but not limited to, minors in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Theatre, Studio Art, Communications Media, Sustainability, Small Business Management track or an additional Fashion Studies track.

Graduates of this program are prepared for such positions as an assistant buyer, assistant designer, manufacturer’s sales representative, merchandise manager, custom clothier, costume technician, production assistant, ready-to-wear quality control analyst, textile testing laboratory technician, trend forecaster, store manager, stylist, visual merchandiser, museum curator assistant, personal color consultant, fashion design entrepreneur, personalized shopping specialist, manufacturing manager, internet sales entrepreneur, and social media fashion consultant.

All art majors are obligated to fulfill the university requirement for Liberal Studies course work. Art education majors must achieve and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts—Studio program must achieve a 2.5 cumulative GPA and earn a grade of “C” or better in all ART and ARHI courses to graduate.

MINORS

The Art Studio minor is available to majors within the department whose major area of study is art education or art history; this provides further exploration in the various studio disciplines. Additionally, the Art Studio minor provides majors from other disciplines the opportunity to experience the visual arts in greater depth.

The mission of the Art History minor is to provide students with the necessary skills to critically assess the origins and changing dynamics of the visual arts. By its very nature, art history is multidisciplinary and not only develops visual literacy and tools for critical thinking, but also introduces students to the sociocultural contexts in which artworks are produced, providing students with the opportunities for understanding cultural diversity and lifelong learning.

APPLICATION

For detailed information regarding application to one of the degree programs and scheduling a portfolio review, please contact the department office at 724-357-2530 or by e-mail at art-info@iup.edu.