Bachelor Degree in Studio Arts

The studio art major is designed both for the student artist and students with an interest in art. The program focuses on students' creative inquiry and provides a platform to develop the techniques, sensibility, and understanding necessary for working with different materials. Our vibrant faculty is comprised of artists, designers, collectors, scholars and activists, and our students benefit greatly by collaborating with experts who are actively engaged in the art world. An understanding and exploration of the meanings and ideas generated by artistic creations are refined throughout the program, along with awareness of the satisfaction of creating art. Students are guided to build a visual vocabulary to create critique and analyze artwork in studios, museums and galleries. A studio art major provides a solid basis for continuing work in graduate school or finding work in art-related fields such as design, teaching, museum and gallery curating, art therapy, design, and advertising. MISSION: The Studio Art Program of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts offers comprehensive, hands-on experiences in the visual arts through the Core and in both major and minor programs. All practical and theoretical aspects of Studio are covered through coursework, active participation in the studio production of art and in the exhibition of artwork. The faculty is comprised of practicing artists, as we believe that students benefit from working with professors actively engaged in the discipline. Every student has the opportunity to explore different materials and ideas in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture during his/her four years at Fairfield and there are opportunities for advanced work in all of these areas. Students leave Fairfield with a solid foundation in technical skills, as well as a strong understanding of the cultural and intellectual contributions contemporary visual arts continues to make in our world. As part of a liberal arts education, studying in the Studio Art Program prepares students for any career that requires creativity and an understanding of visual language. A perk of the Studio Art program is the Lukacs Gallery and Experimental Space where art majors and minors are able to have their solo and class exhibitions and display their work on campus. GOALS: Increase your creative abilities Develop specific skills and habits needed by professionals in the field Gain a deeper understanding for materials and methods of working Learn to make decisions and problem solve Gain confidence in critiquing, speaking and writing about art