The Art and Design Department provides a dynamic community of creative learning with smaller sized studio classes, an active studio environment, and a focused outcomes-based curriculum. Students can form strong relationships and have individualized experiences. The department faculty are practicing artists who are able to model and communicate the compelling demands and rewards of creative study. Students emerge from the programs as well-rounded, successful individuals who are prepared for careers in art, design, and/or graduate school. Solid preparation in technical skill, concept-based decision making, communication skills, and professional portfolios are provided.
The Art and Design Department offers students a wide-ranging curriculum in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Animation, Art Education, Scientific Illustration, and Pre-Professional Art Therapy. The department is supported by recently renovated facilities in the Social Science and Art Building and the recently added Center for Sculpture and Ceramics. These facilities include large studio spaces, technology equipped classrooms, large student exhibition spaces, and the BVU Art Gallery. The BVU Art Gallery features a full schedule of exhibitions by professional artists, and the campus permanent collection is comprised of hundreds of works by accomplished and renowned artists.
The Studio Art major enriches a student with a critical understanding of making art as they investigate a variety of visual media. The studio art curriculum includes courses in art and design foundations, art theory, art history, and courses in the studio disciplines of painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, and design. The program is supported by top-quality studio spaces with courses that are taught by faculty members who are professional artists. The Studio Art major presents a solid base for continuing work in graduate school and art-related fields such as teaching, arts administration, publishing, or exhibition. Studio Art majors must earn a final grade of C- or better in all ARTD courses.