Introduction
The Institute of Managerial Accountants
The Department of Art & Design at UWSP offers an exciting and creative
environment for students, faculty members and the greater central Wisconsin
community. That environment has recently been enhanced by a 200,000 square
foot remodeling to the Noel Fine Arts Center. The expansion provides
students with outstanding studio spaces and the tools with which to create
and explore in the visual arts.
The primary mission of the art and design program is to challenge
students to develop intellectually and to acquire skills in crafting
outstanding work. We prepare students to become professional artists,
designers and educated consumers of fine art and commercial imagery.
Producing works of art and design begins with the exploration of
ideas, materials and processes. From exercising the technical and conceptual
aspects of art-making, students develop the abilities to craft personal
statements and to critically evaluate meaning. The visual arts specifically
seek to involve students in perceiving, interpreting and shaping the world
in which they live.
Our students succeed on campus and easily compete beyond the
boarders of UWSP. They meet success in art and design competitions,
exhibitions, and as they enter their chosen professions. We have a dedicated
and engaging faculty, because they practice what they teach. Our success
comes from transferring that love of creativity to an adventurous,
hard-working student body. And while our recent building expansion and
remodeling allows for growth in the program, all courses in the Department
of Art & Design are taught by faculty members, not teaching assistants.
Whether you come to UWSP because of the one particular art and
design discipline, or discover our program after a few semesters on campus,
be open to change because much of what you learn in class can become a
life-affirming revelation.
Enrollment Management Plan
The Department of Art and Design
is a limited-enrollment program. Students admitted to the university are
accepted into the department in order of application. We encourage you to
apply as early as possible as admission to the department often closes by
March.
Why Study Art & Design at
UW-Stevens Point?
The Department of Art and Design is a full
member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the
only accrediting body for Art & Design programs in the country. UWSP is one
of only four campuses in Wisconsin to receive this benchmark accreditation.
Located in the Noel Fine Arts Center, which also houses the
Departments of Theatre and Dance, and Music, as well as the Aber Suzuki
Center, our program features well-equipped studios and computer labs, all of
which have been especially planned for our Art & Design majors. Studios are
equipped with the best in ventilation systems and lighting, and our two Mac
computer labs feature the most up-to-date equipment and software. Students
choosing the BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree have three emphasis areas to
choose from in the department: 2D (Drawing, Painting, Photography,
Printmaking), 3D (Ceramics, Sculpture) and Graphic Design. The BA (Bachelor
of Arts), a liberal arts degree, is also available in the department. Many
students also opt to attain the Art History minor.
There are four very active student art groups in the department:
AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), the Carlsten Gallery Student
Advisory Group (CGSAG), the Student Art League (SAL) and the Society of
Artists for Sculpture (SAS). We greatly encourage our students to become
active participants in these student groups, and the department as a whole.
Our students also have the opportunity to study art abroad and have
gone to such places as Thailand, England, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Poland,
France and Germany.
Art & Design Faculty
The Department of Art & Design at UWSP is
committed to teaching excellence. We have had five professors honored with
the prestigious University Excellence in Teaching award, with four of the
faculty members attaining the award since 2002! That excellence in teaching
is strengthened by a faculty who are professionally active in artists'
residencies, exhibitions, graphic design, and publications. Recent
activities include: art history research in Pompeii, Italy; workshops in
Poland; faculty and student participation in New York artists' studio
visits; AIGA conference presentations; artist-in-residencies in Japan,
China, France, Ireland, Vermont, and the National Park Programs; exhibitions
in China, France, Russia, Japan, the Netherlands, New York, California,
Washington, and Wisconsin. Faculty in the Department of Art & Design are
passionate about what they do both in the studio and classroom.
Life After UWSP
Placement opportunities for graduates of
Art and Design remain strong. Many graduates set up their own art or design
studios, while others find employment in design firms, museums, galleries,
private industry, and education fields. An increasing number of graduates
choose to pursue advanced art studies at graduate schools. Our students have
gone on to the California Institute of the Arts, Hunter College,
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Tyler School of Art, Tufts
University, University of Texas, Ohio State University, and UW-Madison,
among others.
High School Preparation
The Department of Art & Design believe
that well-rounded students provide their best chances for success. In
addition to the usual university requirements for admission, recommended
areas of study should include the arts, science, literature, communication,
foreign language, and math.
The BA (Bachelor of Arts) is a basic
liberal arts program. The major consists of 45 credits in art and design
courses as follows:
- Freshman Foundation Program - 18
credits
- Art History (Upper Level) - 6 credits
- Studio Art Electives - 21 credits,
with a concentration of 15 credits within one discipline
The department also offers an Art History
Minor (21 credits).
Department Standards
All Art and Design students must meet the
university academic entrance requirements. Students wishing to pursue the
BFA degree in art must go through the Sophomore Portfolio Review during the
second semester of their sophomore year. Successful completion of the review
allows entrance into the BFA program. The BFA program culminates with either
a senior design portfolio or an exhibition in the Carlsten Gallery.
If you are transferring art credits from
other institutions, you must go through the Transfer Portfolio Review, which
takes place in the fall semester. Additionally, you must submit your
transcripts. Acceptance of transfer credits depends upon successful
portfolio evaluation and placement. The Department of Art & Design has the
following requirements for continuation in its programs:
- Foundation Program: GPA of 2.67 is
required.
- Sophomore Portfolio Review:
Successful completion of the portfolio review is required before
given entry into the BFA program.
- GPA: A GPA of 2.67 or higher is
required for both the BFA and BA degrees in Art.
