Department of Art

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Department of Art

204 Tower Fine Arts Building
(585) 395-2209

Chairperson and Associate Professor: Jennifer Hecker; Professor: Nathan Lyons; Assistant Professors: Debra Fisher, J. S. Xiaobird and Lori Mills

• Studio Art Major (BA/BS)
• The BFA Degree
• Interdisciplinary Arts for Children: Art Specialty
• Courses
• Art History Minor

I still can find no better definition for the word art than this: nature, reality, truth; but with a significance, a conception, a character which the artist brings out in it, and to which he gives expression; which he disentangles and makes free and clears up.

Vincent Van Gogh

Art has been defined as many things: ability, process and product. The Department of Art at SUNY Brockport offers courses and programs which integrate the formal, technical, conceptual, and historical aspects of the visual arts.

Programs:

The Department of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Studio Art, and a minor in Art History. In addition, the School of Arts and Performance offers an Interdisciplinary Arts for Children Program, in which studio art is one of the specialties. Once a student declares a major, a faculty member in the appropriate area will be assigned as academic advisor.

Resources and Facilities:

The Department of Art, located in the Tower Fine Arts Center, has well-equipped studios, two galleries (one student-run), and a Visual Resource Center which houses over 112,000 slides and videotapes. An active Art Students' Association organizes critiques, visiting artist programs, field trips, and exhibitions. SUNY Brockport students benefit from an affiliation with the internationally known Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, which offers a variety of courses in photography, video, film, and book arts. Visual Studies Workshop also offers many exciting seminars and workshops that may be taken for college credit during its Summer Institute. Students at SUNY Brockport have an opportunity to study ceramics in the summer program in Faenza, Italy. In addition, students have the opportunity to study the visual arts from a non-Western perspective at the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Transfer students:

A maximum of 18 transfer credits in art will be accepted by the department toward the studio art major; and a maximum of 39 transfer credits in art will be accepted toward the BFA. Other credits may be used as electives. Credits that correspond to the required courses within the major program may be accepted, as may certain related transfer courses not included in our curriculum. All transfer grades must be "C" or higher to be used to fulfill major requirements.

Studio Art Major (BA/BS)

The studio art major is designed to provide a well-rounded art experience, encompassing two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, art history courses, and a specialty (three levels) in one area. Students majoring in art are encouraged to expand their understanding of art as it relates to other disciplines, cultures, and global concerns.

Studio Art Major Requirements:

In addition to meeting all general College requirements, studio art majors must complete a total of 36 credits in art and art history as listed below. No more than 54 credits in studio art (or any other single discipline) can be used to satisfy the 120-credit requirement for the BA or BS degree.

A minimum grade of "C" must be attained in all courses in the major.

The BFA Degree

The BFA is an intensive degree program in studio art, intended for students who plan to pursue a professional career in art or to prepare for graduate study. Offering concentrations in ten different areas, the BFA also allows students to pursue their interests in installation art, performance art, public art, Web Page design, and other nontraditional art forms. BFA students work closely with a professor/mentor in their area of concentration, as well as interact with the entire art faculty through the required courses and semester BFA Reviews. BFA students are encouraged to be active in the Art Students Association, which runs Rainbow Gallery, where BFA senior exhibitions take place. BFA students are also encouraged to take DCE 323: Career Explorations in Art, in which they may receive credit for apprenticeships or internships in artists' studios, galleries, or alternative spaces.

Students are admitted to the program by a portfolio review. Those who do not have a portfolio may enroll in the BA or BS program in studio art, and begin work on foundation courses to assemble a portfolio. BFA candidates are reviewed each semester and are expected to maintain a 2.5 minimum overall cumulative SUNY Brockport GPA and a 3.0 GPA in art. If advised to discontinue the program, a student may continue as a studio art major in the BA or BS degree program. A minimum grade of "C" must be attained in all courses in the major.

BFA Degree Requirements

Candidates for the BFA degree must meet all general College requirements and complete a total of 81 credits in art and art history as indicated below.

Interdisciplinary Arts for Children: Art Specialty

Students seeking an interdisciplinary major in Arts for Children with a specialty in art are required to complete a 48-credit program consisting of: (1) two interdisciplinary courses, IAC 280 Introduction to Related Arts for Children, and IAC 491 Seminar in Arts for Children; (2) an art specialty of 21 credits; and (3) a 21-credit block consisting of two courses in each of the other three arts and one approved elective. Students wishing to major in Arts for Children with an art specialty should present a portfolio of their art work for review by the art specialty advisor. A minimum of "C" must be maintained in all required courses. Specific requirements are listed below:

¹ This course must be taken after taking introductory courses in art, dance, music, and theatre.

² This course must be taken by all IARC majors at the conclusion of program of study.

³ Prerequisite: An introductory art course or instructor's permission.

⁴ Prerequisite: MUS 105 or instructor's permission.

Studio and Theory Courses

Please note: Students are expected to spend at least three hours a week in the studio for every credit taken. Arrangements for the use of studios at unscheduled times must be made with appropriate instructor. There is a mandatory materials fee charged in most studio art courses to help cover the expense of supplies for students.

An introductory course for students with little or no art experience, designed to broaden their visual vocabulary. Explores the basic elements and principles of art through a sequence of problems to be solved by the execution of original works in various media. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

Basic introduction to the relationship between peoples and visual art throughout history, emphasizing art from across cultural and historical boundaries. Also explores the basic forms of artistic production and the study of aesthetic principles of visual art, and how those principles reveal cultural meaning. This relationship is explored via lectures, slides and films, sketchbook design projects, student-teacher dialogues, written assignments and tests. 3 Cr. Fall and Spring.

Explores concepts of creating 2-dimensional images through various methods including line, shape, color, composition, texture, etc. Includes lectures, written assignments, projects, demonstrations, and critiques. Assigns problems involving the production of 2-dimensional images using various media. 3 Cr.

Examines the theory and application of 3-dimensional design. Explores design concepts such as volume, positive and negative space, texture, color, etc. through the manipulation of a variety of materials. 3 Cr. Spring.

An introduction to the basic elements of drawing and two dimensional imagery; including drawing from natural forms; aesthetic elements, such as line, value, composition, space, perspective, and mark making; and a basic understanding of the development of content in a work of art. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop, lab hours weekdays at VSW.) An introduction to the use of video as a medium for individual expression and creativity. Basic video skills (i.e., the operation of the video camera and editing deck) and fundamental procedures in planning and producing a videotape are presented through demonstrations, lectures, and practice sessions. Screenings and artists' presentations are used to illustrate con temporary work in video. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Focusing on the computer as a design tool, this course for beginning Macintosh users places special emphasis on desktop publishing, typographic design, and page layout. Word processing, drawing, and page lay out programs are introduced through a series of individual design projects. Applications to be covered include Microsoft Word, Quark Xpress, and Photoshop. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Designed for people with some Macintosh experience, this class focuses on digital publishing for both pre-press and the Internet. The first part of the semester will be based on creative page lay out, typographic solutions, and lay out/ manipulation of images using Quark Xpress and Photoshop. The second part consists of an introduction to web publishing, using basic HTML, Web Editor, and the creation of digital imagery. Based on individual projects, the main purpose of this course is to experiment creatively and to become comfort able with the fundamentals of digital media. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 221. Provides studio experience using a variety of drawing materials. Learn drawing skills and acquire the necessary background for further study. 3 Cr.

(Two sections: SUNY Brockport campus and Visual Studies Workshop.) Photography's creative potential for personal expression is explored in this introductory studio course. 35mm camera operation, processing and developing film, and printing black and white photographs in the darkroom will be covered. The first half of this class will focus on technical skills. The second half will focus on the use of the students' newly found skills and their creative potential. Students should have access to an adjustable 35mm camera. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Expands on the basic darkroom skills covered in introductory photography courses, with an emphasis on the conceptual aspects of image making. Students will be prompted to experiment with infrared film and to try hand-applied photo emulsions, such as Liquid Light and Luminos. Students will learn how to test equipment accuracy to ensure proper exposures. A variety of assignments will employ technical tools learned as applied to conceptual themes. Lectures and field trips will supplement the studio aspect of this course. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 331. (Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Provides an introduction to color photography. Addresses technical and aesthetic concerns with an emphasis placed on developing a personal color vocabulary. Upon completion of this course, allows the student to be able to expose, process, and print both color negatives and slides properly; have an understanding of color theory and history; and see the possibilities for expression in color photography. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 221. Provides an introduction to painting and design theory. Emphasizes such design elements as form, texture, line, tone, and the spatial and structural aspects of color through the application of various painting techniques. Principal media are oil and acrylics. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 341. Provides a continuation of ART 341 with emphasis on composition, structure of space, and the human figure. Principal media are oil and acrylic paints. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 221. Entails an introduction to printmaking stressing the theory of design and composition as applied to fundamentals of relief printing. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 351. Provides a continuation of ART 351 with added emphasis on composition and expression. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Bookworks, which combine text, images, unexpected materials and unusual bindings, will be introduced through examples, discussions and demonstrations, including access to outstanding collections. Students will work on individual projects including one-of-a-kind books, and small editions. Emphasis will be on developing books that integrate word, image, and structure. 3 Cr.

Familiarizes students with the conceptual, technical, and visual vocabulary of sculpture well enough to create dimensional works of artistic merit and personal expression. Expects students to gain basic skills with materials as well as understanding of sculptural concepts. Designs problems to distinguish between technique and idea in sculpture, and how materials are used to express concepts. 3 Cr.

Expands student's knowledge of sculptural materials and techniques, with an emphasis on metal-working through both direct and indirect methods. In addition, allows students to further explore sculptural concepts and 3-dimensional spatial organization as they apply to the completion of class projects. 3 Cr.

Covers fundamental problems dealing with 3-dimensional design theory conditioned by the technical and aesthetic aspects of clay; creation of hand-built forms or objects; and basic glazing theories and techniques. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 371. Provides a continuation of ART 371. Introduces glaze calculation, oxidation and reduction firing, and formulation of clay bodies. 3 Cr.

Introduces 3-dimensional design concepts using basic jewelry disciplines. Emphasizes the study of design form through metal-working techniques, using and integrating various materials, metal, wood, plastic, glass, stone and synthetic materials. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 381. Provides a continuation of ART 381. Focuses on intermediate design and studio procedure. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 382. Covers advanced design theory and studio procedures in metal-working techniques. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Arranged in consultation with the instructor/sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 Cr.

Prerequisites: ARH 201, ARH 202, and ART 221. Class to be taken in the senior year. Requires readings, portfolio development, exhibition preparation, advanced studio problems and a discussion of the theory and criticism of art. 3 Cr.

A Senior Exhibition required of all BFA students prior to graduation. Students will work with the professor in their area of specialization to produce an exhibition of quality that represents their accomplishments in the program. Exhibition design, installation, and advertising as well as other pertinent responsibilities and information relative to a successful exhibition will be covered. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop, lab hours weekdays during Media Center hours.) Designed for people with prior experience in video, this course presents advanced techniques for those who wish to further explore the ideas and meaning behind their work in video. Students combine the elements of performance, scripting, sound, computer graphics, and special effects within individual projects. Class time is spent studying film, computer, and video techniques, as well as in-group discussions about the tapes created during the course. 3 Cr.

Provides for reading, advanced projects, and discussion of theory and criticism applied to electronic imaging, visual books or film/video. 3 Cr. May be repeated for credit.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop, lab hours weekdays during Media Center hours.) An introduction to independent 16 mm film production, this course focuses on individual expression through script writing, film production and post-production. Sessions cover topics such as the history of film, camera operation, the use of light meters, lighting, composition, directing actors, and the principles and techniques of editing. Students are expected to demonstrate competence with equipment as a prerequisite for working on individual projects. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 315 or instructor's per mission. (Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Provides a follow-up to basic filmmaking, with a more in-depth analysis of sound production including sync recording mixing of complex tracks, working with ensemble acting and dialogue. Highlights animation techniques, titling, and counterpoint in editing. Requires students to ready film projects for final post-production and distribution. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: An introductory art course or instructor's permission. Explores the philosophical and psychological basis for teaching art. Investigates problems of artistic and creative development. Examines methods of teaching art through practice and observation. Includes teaching of art to children. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop, lab hours weekdays during Media Center hours.) This course provides insight into the practice of documentary film/video making. Basic tools and the principles of film narration and montage, as they apply to documentary film/video making, will be introduced and discussed in the workshop. In hands-on exercises, participants will explore the creative process of interpreting "the world out there" by means of the moving image. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite 417. Explores important concepts related to art history, art aesthetics, and art criticism. Examines advanced methods of teaching art and classroom management techniques. Familiarizes with national and New York state standards of art curriculum in grades K-6. Allows students to work with a classroom teacher in developing syllabus and teaching art. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 322. Provides a continuation of ART 322. Allows for in-depth studio experience, concentrating on drawing the humane, the nature of space, individual exploration of imagery and further experimentation with a variety of media. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 423. Provides for intensive drawing, research on concepts, readings, advanced projects, and discussion of theory and criticism as applied to creative drawing. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Independent creative projects are explored through out the semester, emphasizing a continued development of a project. Paper quality, issues of presentation and sequencing will be an important aspect of the course, as demonstrated in the work of other photographers and through class discussion. Advanced darkroom skills will be taught. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop.) Structured for students to gain independence in their working methods. Students are expected to locate an area of interest and create a substantial project that reflects a thoughtful and developed investigation. Conceptual and technical readings will supplement their work. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 342. Covers advanced painting, painting from life, and the human figure. Emphasizes creative forms of self expression. Intensive painting and research on imagery begins in the second half of the semester. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 443. Emphasizes personal solutions related to content in the work as well as technical issues in painting, advanced projects, and discussion of theory and criticism applied to creative painting. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 352. Covers advanced printmaking based on individual problems. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 453. Provides for reading, advanced projects, and discussion of theory and criticism applied to the art of printmaking. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 362. Students will expand their knowledge of materials and techniques used in the production of sculpture. Assignments address contemporary concerns in working three-dimensionally, such as permanence, process and site-specificity. Students gain knowledge and experience with public art, installation art, and performance art. Readings supplement class demonstrations, critiques, slide lectures, and videos on contemporary sculpture. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

Prerequisite: ART 463. Students will expand their knowledge of sculptural materials and techniques while working toward the development of their own vision. Individual explorations into various approaches to art-making will be encouraged. Information and guidance will be given on documentation and presentation of sculpture for portfolios. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

Prerequisite: ART 372. Provides a continuation of ART 372. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 473. Provides for reading, advanced projects, and discussion of theory and criticism applied to the art of ceramics. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ART 483. Provides for reading, advanced projects, and discussion of theory and criticism applied to the metalwork and jewelry arts. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Provides an upper-division art studio experience. Allows students to earn credit for a special offering not normally a part of regular department curriculum. 1-3 Cr.

Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 Cr.

Art History Minor

Art history minors must complete a total of 18 credits in the courses listed below. A minimum grade of "C" must be attained in all courses taken for the minor.

ARH 201 Survey of World Art I
ARH 202 Survey of World Art II

Electives (12 Credits)

Twelve credits of art history electives are required. It is recommended that art history minors take at least one non-western art course.

Art History Courses

ARH 201 Survey of World Art I: Ancient to Renaissance (A,F,C).

Provides an integrated chronological study of world art from Prehistory to the 14th century. Covers western art along with the ancient arts of Asia, Islamic arts, and pre Columbian arts. Students will learn to identify cross-cultural influences and regional stylistic features. 3 Cr. Fall.

Provides an integrated chronological study of world art from the 15th century to present. Covers Renaissance art to Modern art, along with later Islamic and Asian arts, Latin American arts, African, Oceanian, and Native American arts. Aims at illustrating the growing interdependence of the arts of major civilizations and cultures, and their respective contribution to the visual arts. 3 Cr. Spring.

Studies the elements of art, the artists' process, and selected works of painting and sculpture to give an appreciation of diverse art creativity throughout the world. Artists and artworks of selected non-western cultures will also be discussed and used to illustrate elements of art. 3 Cr.

Studies women artists and the role played by women in the visual arts through the ages. 3 Cr.

Intended to explore research methods in fine arts and learn to write about art. The seminar will focus each time on a different subject. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Examines the relationship between the critic, the artist, and the art market. 3 Cr.

Covers the fine and minor arts of 19th-century Europe and America, with emphasis on patronage and the artistic movements that dominated the century. 3 Cr.

Emphasizes the main artistic movements of the late 19th and the 20th century to present, with focus on artists, patronage, styles, and trends in the decorative arts. 3 Cr. Spring.

Covers the art and architecture of Europe from the early Christian period to the F all of Constantinople. The course includes an overview of Byzantine Art. 3 Cr.

Examines works of art and architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries in Italy. 3 Cr.

Surveys painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts from colonial times to present. 3 Cr.

Field trips abroad focusing on selected topics in art history. Could be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Studies the art and civilizations of pharaonic Egypt and the ancient Near East from the late fourth millennium B.C. to the conquest of Alexander the Great, with emphasis on pharaonic Egypt, Phoenicia, and Mesopotamia. 3 Cr.

Traces the development of Minoen, Mycenean, Greek and Roman art and architecture from the second millennium BCE to the 4th century CE. 3 Cr.

(Taught at Visual Studies Workshop). Surveys the development of photographic processes and the movements and artists that have influenced photography. 3 Cr.

Studies Indian, Chinese, and Japanese arts from Prehistory to the 19th century, with emphasis on painting, sculpture, and the minor arts. 3 Cr.

Studies Islamic art from the origins to the 19th century with emphasis on the evolution of main regional styles, and Chinese influence on the minor arts. 3 Cr.

Reserved for different topics not listed in this catalog. May be repeated for credit. 3 Cr.

Prerequisite: ARH 201 and 202, or instructor's permission. Examines in detail selected topics in art history with the emphasis on the exploration of research methodologies in fine arts, and writing papers and sharing them in the class. 3 Cr.

Special project in art history arranged in consultation with the instructor/sponsor in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement before registration. May be repeated for credit. 1-6 Cr.