Art (Studio)
Department Overview
Skidmore is an accredited Charter Member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 1970.
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in studio art.
The studio art program offers a rich and diverse range of investigations across the disciplines of art making and art history. Integrating extensive liberal arts offerings with a broad studio experience, majors may choose to balance exploration with focus in a particular area as preparation for graduate school or future work in an art-related field. Critical thinking, imaginative problem-solving, and self-reflective evaluation are key components in the development of the theoretical and technical aspects of art making. Through art courses students gain competency in visual language, an increasingly important skill in contemporary culture. Visual and verbal analytical and organizational skills learned in the studio apply to thoughtful practice in many arenas of our complex world.
Studio art majors will complete 13 studio art courses and three art history courses. Prospective majors will first complete exploratory courses selected from a wide range of studio areas before focusing upon a concentration in one of the following areas:
- ceramics
- communication design
- drawing
- fibers
- jewelry and metals
- painting
- photography
- printmaking
- digital media
- sculpture
Faculty serve not only as teachers within their area of expertise, but also as advisors who help students select and pursue the course of study best suited to each individual.
Located in the heart of the Saisselin Art Center, the Schick plays an integral role as a teaching lab in our department, offering students, the college community, and the public an opportunity to engage with six to eight contemporary art exhibitions annually. Professional artists exhibiting in the gallery visit campus to participate in gallery talks and to meet and critique with art classes. The gallery is a creative gathering place for concerts and readings by the student-run Music in the Schick program, as well as pop-up exhibitions of student work from studio art or documentary studies classes.
All studio art courses meet for six hours per week. A cumulative grade of C or better is required for all work in the major.
There are two areas of studio art for which Advanced Placement (AP) credit can be awarded:
- Studio Art: General
- Studio Art: Drawing
A score of 4 or 5 in any one area earns the student four college credits, and it is the department’s policy that those four AP credits can be used toward an elective in the student’s major or minor.
All studio art (AR) courses fulfill the Arts breadth requirement. Art theory (AT) courses do not.
Chair of the Department of Art: Sarah Sweeney
Professors: Sang Wook Lee, The Ella Van Dyke Tuthill ‘32 Chair of Studio Art; Robert ParkeHarrison, David Peterson, Paul Sattler
Associate Professors: Deborah Hall, The Robert Davidson Chair in Art; Fabian Lopez, Sarah Sweeney, Joanne Vella, Matthew Wilt
Assistant Professor: John Galt
Teaching Professor: Patricia B. Lyell
Visiting Assistant Professors: Candice Chu, Maura Jasper, Emily Stark
Lecturers: Dawn Dishaw, Emily Vallee, Michael Van Winkle
Visiting Artist-in-Residence: Lindsay Buchman
Shop Supervisor and Building Safety Coordinator: Paul Davis
Art (Studio) B.S.
A minimum of twelve studio art courses and three art history/art theory courses for a total of fifteen courses, each earning at least three (3) credits, and totaling at least 54 credit hours.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Drawing | ||
AR 133 | Drawing I (or equivalent) | 4 |
Exploration | ||
Complete five (5) courses, each from a different studio area. | ||
Select two (2) from Exploration A: | 12 | |
Painting: | ||
Color | ||
Painting I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Painting | ||
Photography: | ||
Photography I | ||
or AR 264G | Special Topics In Studio Art: Photography | |
Communication Design: | ||
Digital Foundations | ||
Communication Design I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Communication Design | ||
Digital Media: | ||
Digital Media I: Interactive Design | ||
Digital Media I: Animation | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Digital Media | ||
Printmaking: | ||
Printmaking I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Printmaking | ||
Printmaking II: Intaglio | ||
Printmaking II: Lithography | ||
Special Topics in Studio Art: Printmaking | ||
Select two (2) from Exploration B: | 12 | |
Sculpture: | ||
Sculpture I | ||
or AR 264I | Special Topics In Studio Art: Sculpture | |
Ceramics: | ||
Ceramics I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Ceramics | ||
Jewelry and Metals: | ||
Jewelry and Metals I | ||
or AR 264E | Special Topics In Studio Art: Jewelry and Metals | |
Fiber Arts: | ||
Fiber Arts I | ||
Fiber Arts II: Textile Structures | ||
Fiber Arts II | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Fibers | ||
Concentration: | ||
Complete four (4) courses (minimum) within one of the following disciplines: ceramics, communication design, drawing, digital media, fibers, jewelry and metals, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. At least one course must be at the 300 level. 1 | ||
Electives: | ||
Complete three (3) courses | ||
a. At least one must be at the 200 level | ||
b. At least one must be at the 300 level within a single discipline outside the primary concentration. | ||
Art History/Art Theory: | ||
Complete three (3) courses, at least 3 credits each, to include: | ||
a. At least one must be designated as Global Cultutal Persoectives 2 | ||
b. At least one must be at the 200 or 300 level | ||
Capstone | ||
Successful completion of the Senior Coda: The Senior Thesis Exhibition and Reflective Essay |
- 1
At least one course must be at the 300 level.
- 2
Recommended: A balance between Western and non-Western art history courses
Effective for Students Who Entered in Fall 2021
A minimum of twelve studio art courses and three art history/art theory courses for a total of fifteen courses, each earning at least three (3) credits, and totaling at least 54 credit hours.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Drawing | ||
Drawing I | ||
Exploration | ||
Complete five (5) courses, each from a different studio area. | ||
Select three (3) from Exploration A: | 12 | |
Drawing: | ||
Drawing II | ||
Drawing II: Figure | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Drawing | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Drawing | ||
Painting: | ||
Color | ||
Painting I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Painting | ||
Photography: | ||
Photography I | ||
or AR 264G | Special Topics In Studio Art: Photography | |
Communication Design: | ||
Digital Foundations | ||
Communication Design I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Communication Design | ||
Digital Media: | ||
Digital Media I: Interactive Design | ||
Digital Media I: Animation | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Digital Media | ||
AR 358 | ||
Printmaking: | ||
Printmaking I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Printmaking | ||
Printmaking II: Intaglio | ||
Printmaking II: Lithography | ||
Special Topics in Studio Art: Printmaking | ||
Select two (2) from Exploration B: | 12 | |
Sculpture: | ||
Sculpture I | ||
or AR 264I | Special Topics In Studio Art: Sculpture | |
Ceramics: | ||
Ceramics I | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Ceramics | ||
Jewelry and Metals: | ||
Jewelry and Metals I | ||
or AR 264E | Special Topics In Studio Art: Jewelry and Metals | |
Fiber Arts: | ||
Fiber Arts I | ||
Fiber Arts II: Textile Structures | ||
Fiber Arts II | ||
Special Topics In Studio Art: Fibers | ||
Concentration: | ||
Complete four (4) courses (minimum) within one of the following disciplines: ceramics, communication design, drawing, digital media, fibers, jewelry and metals, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. At least one course must be at the 300 level. 1 | ||
Electives: | ||
Complete three (3) courses | ||
a. At least one must be at the 200 level | ||
b. At least one must be at the 300 level within a single discipline outside the primary concentration. | ||
Art History/Art Theory: | ||
Complete three (3) courses, at least 3 credits each, to include: | ||
a. At least one must be designated as Global Cultutal Persoectives 2 | ||
b. At least one must be at the 200 or 300 level | ||
Capstone | ||
Successful completion of the Senior Coda: The Senior Thesis Exhibition and Reflective Essay |
- 1
At least one course must be at the 300 level.
- 2
Recommended: A balance between Western and non-Western art history courses
Transfer Credit Policy
Art majors must complete at least 50% of their studio art coursework while in residence at Skidmore College. Therefore, the maximum number of transfer credits that can be applied towards the art major is 30. In addition, a student must complete at least two semesters in their concentration at Skidmore, hence no more than two courses in a concentration may be transferred from another institution.
A student must be enrolled in at least one course in their area of concentration in their final semester senior year.
As preparation for the exhibit, senior majors will be required to meet as a group, with department faculty, three times during the senior year. Group meetings will discuss the philosophy, aesthetics, logistics, the artist statement, and effective planning for the exhibit.
Writing Requirement in the Major
The writing requirement in the Department of Art will be met through successful completion of one or more of the following:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Select one or more options of the following: | ||
Option 1 | ||
Visual Concepts | ||
Drawing I | ||
Color | ||
Digital Foundations | ||
Option 2 | ||
Select the Art History component of the Studio Art Major. | ||
Option 3 | ||
Select the Reflective Essay Component of the Senior Thesis Exhibition. |
The department recommends the following focus in course selection as preparation for graduate study and professional practice in studio art disciplines.
- Drawing: at least one additional course beyond foundation drawing.
- Depth: Additional courses in an area of concentration beyond those required. Students should work closely with their mentor/advisor to select appropriate courses which will contribute to a strong portfolio.
- Art history: The study of art history is essential to a studio art major. The department encourages students to take additional art history courses beyond the three required courses.
The Department of Art reserves the privilege of keeping a part of the work of any student.
Studio Fees
All studio courses including Advanced Studio Problems and Independent Study carry laboratory fees (see course descriptions). In addition, students must purchase consumable materials and personal supplies.
Course Availability
The department is committed to having students experience a variety of media. However, space is limited, and, therefore, students cannot be guaranteed enrollment in specific courses during any given semester. As soon as students are confident about their choice of program, they should declare their major.
Double Counting of Courses Between Art and Art History
Students double-majoring in art and art history can double-count up to three courses between art and art history (and no other courses between or among minors). Students majoring in art and minoring in art history can double-count a maximum of two courses between art and art history (and no other courses between or among other minors).
For more information about double-counting of courses between majors and minors, please see “Multiple Counting of Courses” under Academic Requirements and Regulations in this catalog.
Art (Studio) Minor
Any student choosing studio art as a minor must consult the chair of the Department of Art for program approval. It is recommended that students begin work for the minor not later than the beginning of the second year. Students electing to minor in studio art are required to take any six studio art courses and any two courses in art history.
The Department of Art reserves the privilege of keeping a part of the work of any student.
Studio Fees
All studio courses including Advanced Studio Problems and Independent Study carry laboratory fees (see course descriptions). In addition, students must purchase consumable materials and personal supplies.
Effective for Students Entering Fall 2020 and Beyond
Transfer Credit Policy
Art minors must complete at least 50% of their studio art coursework while in residence at Skidmore College. Therefore, the maximum number of transfer courses that can be applied towards the art minor is three.