The Western Colorado University Department of Art offers degree programs in multiple emphases that are grounded in the fundamentals of art and design. Western Art students are fully prepared to pursue advanced studies leading to a variety of careers.
This training begins with comprehensive Foundations classes in drawing, two-dimensional design and three-dimensional design. During this first year, students document their university artwork and produce professional portfolios to submit for formal admittance into the Art program.
In their sophomore year, formally-admitted Art students begin to specialize in their emphasis: Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Ceramics, Jewelry, Sculpture, Graphic Design, K-12 Art Education Licensure. Art majors and minors also take courses in other areas of interest. Degree-seeking Art students additionally have access to two computer labs with digital industry-standard facilities.
Students majoring in Art may select either a Bachelor of Arts or 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 consists of a Standard Major, or a Comprehensive Major which allows students to specialize in Studio Art (2-D: Painting, Photography, Printmaking; or 3-D: Ceramics, Jewelry, Sculpture), Graphic Design, and K-12 Education licensure.
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, and is a Comprehensive Major specializing students in Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Ceramics, Jewelry, Sculpture, and Graphic Design.
In their senior year, Art majors exhibit their senior show in the Quigley Gallery, or present their senior art history thesis.
Formal Admission to the Art Program
Students declare a major or minor in Art to enter into their first year in the program. Students apply for formal admission to the Art program when they have completed most of their Foundation requirements. All degree-seeking students who wish to major or minor in Art must be formally admitted to the Art program in order to take sophomore and upper level Art courses.
To be formally admitted to the Art Program, a student must:
- submit an application for admission;
- have demonstrated a minimum competency by completing the following courses with a minimum grade of “C”:
Course List Code Title Credits ART 000 Exhibition and Convocation Attendance (Completed two semesters with a Satisfactory grade) 0 ART 119 Foundation Drawing I 3 ART 171 Foundation Design: Two-Dimensional 3 ART 172 Foundation Design: Three-Dimensional 3 ART 173 Foundation Design: Digital Art and Design 3 ART 219 Foundation Drawing II 3 - submit a portfolio of recent art work;
- submit a current transcript which shows an overall grade-point average of 2.000.
All majors must have an overall grade-point average of 2.500 or above in order to graduate.
Program Goals
- To provide students with a fundamental understanding of the Formal Elements of Art and the Principles of Design and vocabulary and terminology therein. Along with those aforementioned formal elements, students should be able to physically demonstrate and reconcile an academic understanding of: color theory, rendering of human anatomy, an understanding and application of 3-D design principles, the visual implementation of linear perspective, along with the meaningful use of materials in the hope of demonstrating the ability to create artwork complete with meaningful subject and content alongside meaningful form.
- To provide students with comprehensive studio Art training in the physical methodologies and practices intrinsic to specific artistic media both from a traditional and a contemporary standpoint.
- To provide students with professional expectations and skill-sets congruent with contemporary practices in their chosen medium or artistic field and to engage professional outcomes and industry-standard practices and protocols therein.
- To provide students with an understanding of Art as a discipline, a profession, and communicative tool in general.
- To provide environments wherein student achievement centered around development, maturation, and progression is fostered and expected.
- To foster citizenship and a level of professionalism in our students complete with a sense of responsibility to themselves and their community along with an adherence to deadlines Especially the name of professionalism, students should have the ability to present their respective work in a manner which is potentially commercially, academically, or intellectually viable and ultimately exhibition-ready. - Much of this revolves around attention to details, a standard of cleanliness, and a use of material in general.
Capstone Course Requirement
The following course in the Art Major fulfills the capstone course requirement: ART 400 Artist's Portfolio/Senior Exhibition.
Art Courses
Monthly or bi-monthly department gatherings for presentations by exhibiting artists and scholars, or workshops, which enable students to develop their own work and their understanding of the discipline of art. Art majors are required to register for and attend Art 000 every semester of enrollment towards their Art degree; minimum 6 semesters of Satisfactory grade. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
An introduction to the visual arts, including consideration of the fundamentals of art making, artistic practice, design, art history, analysis, and interpretation. Students engage with art through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, gallery-based exercises, and/or hands-on studio projects. (Course does not count toward the Art major or minor.) GT-AH1
A foundation course in drawing with special attention to line, value, perspective, texture, and shape. Landscape, still life, and other forms are used as subject matter. The visual elements and principles of organization in relationship to perceiving both flat and illusionary space are explored. Black and white media are exclusively practiced.
An introduction to design organization with an emphasis on the exploration of line, value, texture, shape, and color.
A foundation course in design organization with emphasis on the exploration of mass, texture, process, and techniques in the three-dimensional area. Tools and materials are explored.
A foundation course introducing the digital medium as a tool in art making and gateway to the digital and virtual art world. Emphasis on the conceptualization and technical development of digital design. Development of the ability to differentiate between the areas of digital creation and practice, through familiarization with equipment, operating systems, and basic programs for word processing, image creation and manipulation, and graphic design. Consideration of the history of technology, theories that influence the development of the digital medium, and history of the art of digital design.
A foundation course in drawing, placing emphasis on composition. The study of the essential aspects of drawing (such as gesture, contour, proportions, anatomy, structure, textural surface, and articulation) and their synthesis into ,a coherent drawing attitude. Included in this course is the introduction of drawing the life form and color. Prerequisites: ART 119, or instructor permission.
A survey of western and non-western art from approximately 30,000 years ago to the 14th century. Works of art and architecture are examined within the cultural and historic context for art-making through world human history. Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of C, and sophomore or higher status, or instructor permission.
A survey of western and non-western art from approximately the 14th century to the present. Works of art and architecture are examined within the cultural and historic context for art-making through world human history. Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of C, and sophomore or higher status, or instructor permission. GT-AH1
An introduction to contemporary photographic technique incorporating traditional black-and-white analogue photography alongside digital photographic practice and procedure. Lectures introduce topic areas that the student must exercise in lab sessions. Students must supply their own quality 35mm or 120mm camera. Prerequisites: ART 171, ART 172, and ART 219; or instructor permission.
A study of individual letter forms as design elements that relate to user interface, experience and visual communication. Students can apply skills learned in this class in other areas including interaction and web design. Prerequisites: ART 171, ART 173 or instructor permission, or a declared minor in Web Design and Development.
An exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual ceramic direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 203 or instructor permission.
A study of figure drawing with an emphasis on structure, figure compositions, and portrait studies from the model using various drawing media and techniques. Prerequisite: ART 219, or instructor permission.
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.
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 mid twentieth century is followed by seminar presentations on selected readings. Prerequisites: ART 222 and ART 223 or instructor permission.
A survey of women artists and their work from the 16th century (Renaissance) tocontemporary times. The contributions of women artists and the changing roles ofwomen 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.
An exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual sculpture direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 230 or instructor permission.
Designed for exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 235 or instructor permission.
An intermediate course that explores the expressive possibilities of individual photography direction with an emphasis placed on digital photographic practices and principles. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 246 or instructor permission.
An exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual printmaking direction.Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction ofstudy. Prerequisite: ART 257 or instructor permission.
An integration of journalism and art course work into a study of magazine production. Faculty supervise students in design and production work leading to the publication of the Western Pathfinder Magazine, in both print and online versions. Prerequisite: ART 370 and instructor permission.
An exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual painting direction.Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction ofstudy. Prerequisite: ART 280 or instructor permission.
Designed for exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual watercolor direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 286 or instructor permission.
A review and critique of advanced problems in art: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or design. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits (three per semester). Prerequisites: junior or senior status and instructor permission. Students must have completed 300-level course in their chosen emphasis.
A 7-10 day course offered at differing national or international sites by Art faculty. Field study classes offer a variety of educational experiences, including workshops, museum/gallery/artist studio visits, study of art historically significant sites, in combination with course lectures and assignments. May be taken up to three times for credit as an Art elective by Art majors or minors. Prerequisite: students must have taken minimally one university-level Art course or instructor permission.
A Capstone Course in which students develop a portfolio of recent work which enhances preparation for the Senior Exhibition, a career in art, gallery representation, or application to graduate school. Prerequisite: senior standing or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual ceramic direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 303 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual ceramic direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 403 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual ceramic direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 403 or instructor permission.
An advanced study in figure drawing with emphasis on the figure, expanding visual awareness by developing control of drawing as a tool for research and invention. Problems progress from simple structural analysis to more sophisticated exploration of subject matter, and finally to individual interpretation. Prerequisite: ART 319 and B.F.A. candidate, or instructor permission.
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.
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.
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.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual sculptural direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 330 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual sculptural direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 430 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual sculptural direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 431 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 335 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 435 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 436 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual photography direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 346 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual photography direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 446 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual photography direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 447 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual printmaking direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 357 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual printmaking direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 457 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual printmaking direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 458 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual graphic design direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 370 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual graphic design direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 470 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual graphic design direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction of study. Prerequisite: ART 471 or instructor permission.
An advanced integration of journalism and art course work into a study of magazine production. Faculty supervise students in design and production work leading to the publication of the Western Pathfinder Magazine, in both print and online versions. Prerequisite: ART 375 and instructor permission.
An advanced integration of journalism and art course work into a study of magazine production.Faculty supervise students in design and production work leading to the publication of the Western Pathfinder Magazine, in both print and online versions. Prerequisite: ART 476 and instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual painting direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisites: ART 380 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual painting direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 480 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual painting direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 481 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual watercolor direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisites: ART 386 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual watercolor direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 486 or instructor permission.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual watercolor direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 487 or instructor permission.
A review and critique of advanced problems in art: two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or design. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits (three credits per semester). Prerequisites: senior standing and instructor permission. Students must have completed a 400-level course in chosen emphasis.
An investigation and evaluation of contemporary topics in art. Students are exposed to artistic expression through visiting artist programs, exhibitions, and workshops. Students develop individual research topics. Prerequisites: B.F.A. candidate and senior standing; or instructor permission.
Individualized instruction for advanced students who have taken all the courses in aparticular art area and wish to pursue the area further. Prerequisite: junior or senior status with at least 15 credits in Art; or instructor permission.
Supervised practical experiences in art for advanced students. With faculty approval, credit earned in this course may be applied to the Major or Minor in Art. Prerequisite: instructor permission.