Art
136 Art Building
program web page
Faculty
Anna Cunningham, Nancy Hathaway, Joshua Hobson, Jenny Hyde, Greg duMonthier, Elisa Nappa, Chris Tyllia.
Degrees
Minor–Studio Art
Minor–Visual Culture
Certificate–Photographic Media
Required courses in these programs of study may have prerequisites. Reference the course description section for clarification.
Undergraduate Programs
The Art program offers a curriculum founded on three major concerns: developing the highest levels of individual artistic performance and professional education, providing courses for all students which develop cultural understanding and aesthetic appreciation, and functioning as a center of emphasis and resource for the visual arts in the cultural activities of both the university and the community at large.
Our facilities include studios to support the making of artworks in: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Digital Photography, Darkroom Photography, Digital Art, Drawing, Illustration, Printmaking and Intermedia. We also have a robust teaching gallery and Visiting Artist Lecture Series to augment learning.
Foundational Requirements for Art
All Art majors are expected to complete a group of Foundations courses before moving into specialized program areas. Our Foundations program teaches people how to look at and talk about art; what the tools of the art studios are and how to use them in general. The courses include ART 201, ART 202,and ART 213. These courses serve as prerequisites to most other ART courses. ENGL 101 serves as a prerequisite for most art history courses.
General Degree Completion Requirements for Art
All 400-level studio courses may be repeated three times for credit.
Graduate Program
The Art program offers courses that may be included in an Interdisciplinary master’s degree and Art faculty may serve on committees for students whose Interdisciplinary program proposals are accepted through the process described elsewhere in this catalog.
Note: only programs that offer a graduate degree may be the primary discipline in a graduate interdisciplinary degree program. Art does not offer an MA.
The Art Program's Participation in Interdisciplinary Masters Programs
First and foremost–all Interdisciplinary MA applicants must understand that the only terminal degree in Studio Art is the MFA. An MFA is required to teach studio art at levels beyond high school. A PhD is needed to teach Art History and Art Education. (See below)
Acceptance into Program
Interdisciplinary MA applicants must apply with a portfolio of work in the same manner as the BFA applicants. If accepted, the Interdisciplinary MA candidates will participate in two quarters of twice-quarterly reviews, (i.e., one review by Art faculty and one review by outside professionals each quarter). These reviews are currently listed as ART 470. During the MA candidate’s third and final quarter, the candidate will participate in a thesis exhibition and have an oral review by the thesis committee which must consist of at least one of their Art faculty.
Interdisciplinary MA History and Art
Interdisciplinary MA students in History and Art have a strong record of following the traditional trajectory of the MA preceding the PhD.
Interdisciplinary MA in Publishing, Creative Writing and Art
Art courses can constitute a minor discipline for this degree program based on the determination of the program director only, with input from other faculty if necessary. All faculty will participate on committees to work with MA candidates accepted into our program.
Art Courses
ART 100. DRAWING FOR NON-ART MAJORS. 2 Credits.
This introductory drawing course is intended for students with little or no drawing experience and seeks to broaden definitions and perceptions of drawing to help hone visual thinking = “the” power tool for idea generation. Hands-on exercises will be used to help promote technical skill, sketching habits and creative play.
ART 103. DIGITAL DRAWING AND PAINTING FOR NON-ART MAJORS. 2 Credits.
This is an introductory art course for non-art majors that explores the use of digital media to make art. Students develop a set of digital skills while exploring techniques within digital drawing and painting.
ART 105. PHOTOGRAPHY FOR NON-MAJORS. 2 Credits.
This course introduces the basic techniques, processes, and language of photography. The student will learn digital photography from capture through output. Emphasis will be placed on appreciation for the creative expression and artistic application of photography. Through studio-based projects, lectures, films, and student-led presentations students will get a comprehensive introduction to the medium of photography.
ART 155. PAINTING FOR NON-MAJORS. 5 Credits.
This course serves as an introduction to a variety of traditional and contemporary painting techniques. This course is designed for students with no previous art training.
ART 196. EXPERIMENTAL. 1-5 Credits.
ART 197. WORKSHOP, SHORT COURSE, CONFERENCE, SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
Workshop, short course, conference or seminar.
ART 199. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-6 Credits.
ART 201. STUDIO I: IMAGE AND TECHNOLOGY. 5 Credits.
Build digital skills while learning the elements and principles of design. Students explore digital tools and methods to create two-dimensional imagery. This course introduces students to methods of a practicing artist–inquiry and invention (creative problem solving), craft (making) and critique (applying the language of form and composition). This foundational art course is the starting place for various professional fields of visual art.
ART 202. STUDIO II: TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS. 5 Credits.
Notes: core requirement for BA Studio, BFA Studio, and BAE Studio.
Bring your concepts to life through effective use of space, form and materials. Students experiment and move fluidly between a wide variety of techniques, processes, and materials, while addressing various technical, formal and conceptual concerns in the creation of two and three-dimensional artworks. This course introduces students to methods of a practicing artist–inquiry and invention (creative problem solving), craft (making) and critique (applying the language of form and composition).
ART 210. VISUAL CULTURE. 5 Credits.
Satisfies: a BACR for humanities and arts.
Images play a prominent role in producing cultural meaning, yet we spend very little time learning how to “read” images. This course offers the theoretical foundations to understand how images work. Looking at a broad sample of visual forms, from traditional fine arts to popular culture, from cave painting to contemporary art, and using critical theory, it examines the relation between images and cultural meaning. Includes workshops on information literacy and written communication.
ART 213. THE VISUAL ART EXPERIENCE. 5 Credits.
Notes: this course is part of the Art Foundations program and is open to all art and non-art majors.
Satisfies: a BACR for humanities and arts.
Explore how the visual arts effect human life through exposure to the makers, materials, methods and meanings of art; engage with the visual art experience in a thematic manner to learn how it impacts personal, cultural and historical contexts.
ART 225. CERAMICS I. 5 Credits.
This is a beginning ceramic art course that introduces the possibilities for creative expression, aesthetics and techniques using clay. Students will develops skills in ceramic construction and use of surface on ceramic artworks. This course examines historical and contemporary ceramic art and design practices relevant to the use of clay as a creative medium.
ART 296. EXPERIMENTAL. 1-5 Credits.
ART 299. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 3-5 Credits.
ART 300. DRAWING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 100 or DESN 100 or ART 201 or ART 202 or ART 213, or permission of the instructor.
Introduction to observational, expressive, and formal modes of drawing. Emphasis on strategies, methods, and techniques for translating three-dimensional form and space onto a two-dimensional surface using the language of line and value, and the illusion of depth and texture. Mark making and its expressive and descriptive qualities is examined through the exploration of a variety of drawing materials.
ART 301. ILLUSTRATION. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
This course will introduce drawing techniques as they pertain to the field of illustration with emphasis on creative interpretation, idea generation, and disciplined illustrative draftsmanship.
ART 302. COLOR THEORY. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 201 or ART 202, or sophomore standing.
This course examines the principles of color and their application in studio art. Students investigate the complex visual effects of color and their impact on composition, learn to identify and utilize color harmonies, and explore the expressive qualities of color while moving beyond the limits of personal color preferences.
ART 303. DIGITAL ART. 5 Credits.
Notes: ART 201 Image and Technology (2020-21) is the prerequisite not ART 201 Surface/Image/Practice (2018-19, 2019-20).
Pre-requisites: ART 103 or ART 105 or ART 201 or ART 203 or DESN 216, or permission of instructor.
This course explores the use of digital media in the creation of studio art. Methods of vector and raster imagery is the focus along with an introduction to 2D animation techniques. Topics within the field of digital art will be introduced and discussed. Skills from this course can be applied to a number of artistic interests—both creative and practical.
ART 305. PHOTOGRAPHY: DIGITAL PRACTICES. 5 Credits.
Notes: ART 201: Studio I Image and Technology (2020-21) is the prerequisite NOT ART 201 Studio I: Surface/Image/Practice (2018-19, 2019-20).
Pre-requisites: ART 103 or ART 105 or ART 201 or DESN 216, or permission of the instructor.
This course provides an introduction to the techniques, process and language of digital photography and digital image making. Students will learn the process from capture through output and engage in discussions about the conceptual and ethical issues of this media. Emphasis will be put on creative expression and the artistic application of digital media.
ART 308. PHOTOGRAPHY: BLACK AND WHITE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
This course serves as an introduction to the rich tradition of analog photography. Using film cameras and the black-and-white darkroom students will learn the skills necessary to photograph, develop and print their own images. Instruction will include technique, but also a primer the history and theory of the photographic image. Emphasis will be put on creative expression and the artistic application of black-and-white photography.
ART 312. ART ACROSS TIME: PREHISTORY TO 17TH CENTURY. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101, ART 213 (may be taken concurrently); or permission of the instructor.
This critical survey traces the development of art from the beginning of humanity in Mesopotamia, the “cradle of civilization,” to the global Baroque. Includes the study of Ancient Greek art, the Medieval period, and the Renaissance, with a focus on cultural contact and the trade routes. Emphasis is on situating key works of art in their context. Provides the principles of visual analysis and library research.
ART 313. ART ACROSS TIME: 18TH CENTURY TO CONTEMPORARY. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101, ART 213 (may be taken concurrently); or permission of the instructor.
This survey traces the development of modern and contemporary art, from Watteau to Ai Weiwei. Key artworks are studied in-depth and situated in their context to highlight the effects of modern selfhood, industrialization, globalization, revolutions, and wars on art. Emphasizes how artists have engaged with questions of tradition and cultivated the shock of the new. Includes many women, African-American, and Native American artists. Provides the principles of visual analysis and library research.
ART 314. THE BODY IN ART. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: GWSS 303, HONS 303.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201 and junior standing.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–diversity.
Many ideas about race, gender, and sexuality originate in representations of the body. This theme-based survey explores how figurative art has contributed, since prehistory, to shape today’s views. Emphasis in on applying contemporary issues, such as consent and identity, to the study of historical artworks. Includes class discussions and weekly writing assignments about art historical and critical texts that examine the production and perpetuation of cultural attitudes about the body.
ART 315. HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101, ART 213 (may be taken concurrently); or permission of the instructor.
Few media have influenced the course of modernity more fundamentally than photography. This course will survey the history of the medium from its prehistory to its present and explore the dominant themes and theories associated with it. Course readings, lectures, and demonstrations will address photography’s multiple histories: as artistic expression, as social text, as technological pursuit, and as cultural product.
ART 320. CAREERS IN THE ARTS. 1 Credit.
Pre-requisites: ART 201 or ART 202 or ART 213 or ENGL 101.
The course highlights professions in the arts with class discussions, presentations, and workshops. This course provides context to help define careers and professional goals for students studying art.
ART 325. CERAMICS II. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 225 or permission of instructor.
This is an intermediate ceramic art course that expands the possibilities for creative expression, aesthetics and techniques using clay. Students will broaden and strengthen their skills in ceramic construction and use of surface on ceramic artworks. This course examines historical and contemporary ceramic art and design practices relevant to the use of clay as a creative medium.
ART 331. CONTEMPORARY ART. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–global studies.
This course is a survey of art and theoretical writings on art from 1970 to the present. As the art world is increasingly globalized, this course examines the works and ideas from artists and art theorists around the world.
ART 340. NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN ART. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: IDST 340.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–diversity.
This course tells the story of American art from indigenous perspectives. It explores over 4,000 years of artistic practices by the native peoples of North America, from the origins of the Northwest Coast style to contemporary art. Studies the relation between process, rituals, and the meaning of works of art. Also includes discussions of cultural appropriation, the ethics of collecting, and the role of museums in preserving and displaying art.
ART 355. PAINTING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 201 or ART 202 or DESN 100 or DESN 200, or permission of the instructor.
This course is an introduction to oil painting that explores painting techniques, intentional color mixing, and a thorough understanding of value and tonal ranges within a composition. The purpose of this course is to develop technical and compositional skills, a heightened awareness of color interaction, and to create a solid foundation for continued growth and experimentation.
ART 356. WATERCOLOR. 5 Credits.
Basic watercolor techniques using still life and landscape models.
ART 360. PRINTMAKING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
This course explores the fundamentals of printmaking, incorporating drawing, painting and collage; processes may include lithography, etching, relief and monotype.
ART 365. SCULPTURE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
This course investigates contemporary sculptural techniques, materials and concepts to help students give personal expression to material form. Consideration of the interrelationships among form, material, technique and content hone students' ability to analyze and critique artworks.
ART 381. FIBER AND TEXTILES. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: THTR 381.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
In this studio course, students develop skills and cultivate conceptual concerns related to the fiber and textile arts. Traditional and experimental materials will be used to explore such techniques as dyeing, looping, felting, weaving, piecing, and quilting. Critiques and discussions will be informed by lectures, articles, and independent research.
ART 390. ART IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. 3 Credits.
Children’s development in visual expression. Teaching procedures and materials used in structuring children’s art experiences and the development of skill in basic studio practices.
ART 391. FOUNDATIONS OF ART EDUCATION. 5 Credits.
Notes: offered once a year.
Pre-requisites: declared art education major or minor.
An examination and review of significant historical and philosophical thought in the development of contemporary K–12 art education. Also involves sequential curriculum design, assessment of student learning, sharing of art education resources, and art program advocacy. Examines and verifies professional competency prior to student teaching.
ART 395. INTERNSHIP. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of Art Department instructor, department chair and college dean.
Internship.
ART 396. EXPERIMENTAL. 1-5 Credits.
ART 397. WORKSHOP, SHORT COURSE, CONFERENCE, SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
ART 398. SEMINAR. 2-3 Credits.
ART 399. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
Subjects vary according to faculty and student interest.
ART 400. DRAWING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 300.
Advanced drawing and figure construction techniques. Students may specialize in one medium.
ART 401. LIFE DRAWING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 300.
Specialized study of the human form. Emphasis on analysis of human structure.
ART 403. DIGITAL ART: THE MOVING IMAGE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 201 or DESN 216 or FILM 110.
This advanced digital art course focuses on video and time-based art. In addition to a technical focus on video and 2D animation, the expressive use of moving images in the context of fine art is explored. A survey of contemporary artists who use video as their primary medium is included in creative projects.
ART 404. PHOTOGRAPHY: ADVANCED PRACTICE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 305, ART 308 or permission of the instructor.
This is an advanced course that seeks to synthesize the skills learned in analog and digital photography courses. Students will engage with the broad history of photographic techniques in the creation of lens-based artworks. This course blurs the lines between these distinct approaches and helps students to create project-specific processes. Emphasis will be put on conceptualization and the artistic application of photographic technologies both old and new.
ART 406. ART AND COMMUNITY. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
This course explores the relationships between collective art-making and civic engagement. Students will carefully consider the history, ethics, and implementation of community engaged art practices and then meet with local organizations and artists to better understand the arts and communities specific to our region. Drawing from a variety of practices including site-specific performance and public art, we will develop context specific approaches to art making and community development.
ART 407. ART AS SOCIAL ACT. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing or instructor permission.
Art has long been a catalyst for major cultural shifts. This course introduces students to the history and methods of art practice as a vehicle for social change and engagement. Students will learn about various social movements and their accompanying artistic production and will be guided through the process of researching, proposing and executing socially engaged artworks/events. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and creating artworks that promote community, collaboration and change.
ART 408. BODY AND TIME. 5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated for credit.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
This course introduces the time-based visual arts practice of performance. Students will create works of art that involve combinations of performance, digital media and installation. We will discuss artists and issues that focus on the body being both the content and the medium within works of art. An emphasis on research along with a high level of experimentation will strengthen ideas and benefit any disciplinary interest.
ART 410. WRITING ABOUT ART. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: ENGL 410.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201 and junior standing, or permission of the instructor.
Careers in the arts and culture sector require specific writing skills. This course provides the principles of the main genres of writing about art, from ekphrasis (the vivid description of artworks in ancient rhetoric) to contemporary art criticism. Emphasis is on applying art history methods to communicate effectively with different audiences. Includes the production of a writer's portfolio and workshops on exhibition reviews, curating, podcasting, and grant writing.
ART 411. ADVANCED ILLUSTRATION. 5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated three times for credit.
Pre-requisites: ART 301.
This course involves an increasingly sophisticated examination of illustration concepts and applications in projects that may cross disciplines (printmaking, drawing, painting, new media, etc.) and focus on transition from conceptualization to execution; narrative; character development; historical homage; increased development of personal style; evolution of work quality; accumulation of stylized portfolio pieces.
ART 425. CERAMICS III. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 325.
This is an advanced ceramic art course that explores and expands the possibilities for creative expression, aesthetics, and techniques using clay. Students expand their skills in construction, firing, ceramic glaze and surface development, and the potential incorporation of other media in the creation of finished artworks. This upper-level ceramics course requires students to develop their own personal approaches to form, technique, surface, originality, concept and audience.
ART 439. TOPICS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated for additional credit.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
This variable topic, variable credit class focuses on different aspects of professional development for art majors.
ART 445. SCENE PAINTING. 2 Credits.
Cross-listed: THTR 445.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
A practicum in techniques and mechanics of choosing, mixing, and applying scene paint for theatrical production.
ART 446. JEWELRY. 5 Credits.
ART 450. WORKSHOP IN ART. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated for additional credit.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor.
Exploratory problems in a variety of materials and media.
ART 455. PAINTING II. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 355.
This course is a continued exploration of painting techniques, concepts, and experimental practices relevant to contemporary painting. Students have the option of working with oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, and/or mixed media. Students have the opportunity to further engage with non-traditional painting surfaces as individualized projects are pursued. This course further strengthens successful studio practices and informed bodies of work.
ART 456. WATERCOLOR. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 356.
Advanced watercolor techniques.
ART 460. PRINTMAKING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 360.
Continued exploration of print media. Emphasis upon craftsmanship and creative possibilities of media.
ART 465. SCULPTURE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 365.
Conceptual understanding will emerge from the production of the student’s own work in conjunction with the application of a range of critical models as embraced in contemporary sculptural language. Acquisition of technical skills and individual voice will be driven by the student’s personal vision and guidance from the instructor.
ART 470. BFA THESIS AND RESEARCH. 1 Credit.
Notes: must be repeated twice for credit.
Pre-requisites: declared BFA Art Studio major.
Students meet weekly to discuss progress and issues that pertain to BFA Thesis research. Students are guided and prepared for quarterly faculty reviews of BFA projects.
ART 471. SENIOR EXHIBITION. 1 Credit.
Cross-listed: DESN 471.
Notes: must be repeated three times for credit.
Pre-requisites: senior standing and declared BFA in VCD major.
This course entails the individual preparation and presentation of work for senior exhibition.
ART 472. BFA THESIS AND EXHIBITION. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: declared BFA Studio Art major.
This course is the final stage of the BFA Thesis. It focuses on preparation, installation and promotion of the BFA Exhibition in the EWU Gallery of Fine Art. Students gain in depth experience by writing an artist statement, preparing artworks as gallery installations and successfully completing an oral defense to a BFA Committee.
ART 490. SENIOR CAPSTONE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: graduating senior in both BFA and BA Studio Art programs.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–senior capstone.
This course addresses practical considerations for graduating seniors in the BA Art program. This course introduces skills and strategies for navigating the art world and creating an art practice that is engaging, sustainable, and financially viable. Topics will include career options for creative professionals; identifying career goals; and producing relevant professional materials such as a digital portfolio, website, and project/grant proposals.
ART 495. INTERNSHIP. 1-3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of Art Department instructor, department chair and college dean.
Internship.
ART 496. EXPERIMENTAL. 1-5 Credits.
Subjects vary according to faculty and student interest.
ART 497. WORKSHOP, SHORT COURSE, CONFERENCE, SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
ART 498. SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated for additional credit.
ART 499. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
Designed for upper-division students who wish to pursue work in any area in which they have completed three prior quarters of work.
ART 501. GRADUATE LIFE DRAWING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 401 or permission of the instructor.
Advanced study of drawing techniques and the human form.
ART 525. GRADUATE CERAMICS. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 425 or permission of the instructor.
Emphasis on the development of advanced skills in ceramics, hand building, wheel throwing and glaze techniques.
ART 539. SPECIAL TOPICS. 1-5 Credits.
ART 555. GRADUATE PAINTING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 455 or permission of the instructor.
Advanced studies in painting media.
ART 565. GRADUATE SCULPTURE. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ART 465 or permission of the instructor.
Critical studies in advanced sculpture techniques.
ART 595. INTERNSHIP. 1-12 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
ART 596. EXPERIMENTAL COURSE. 1-5 Credits.
ART 597. WORKSHOP, SHORT COURSE, CONFERENCE, SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: only one workshop course for up to 3 credits may be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
ART 598. GRADUATE SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
ART 599. INDEPENDENT STUDY. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
Independent study projects in a selected special field of art.
ART 600. THESIS. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
ART 601. CREATIVE RESEARCH PROJECT. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
ART 696. COLLEGE TEACHING INTERNSHIP. 15 Credits.
Teaching a lower-division college course under supervision of a regular faculty member. Includes course planning, arranging bibliographical and other instructional aids, conferences with students, experience in classroom instruction, and student course evaluation.