Introduction
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.