The studio art major provides a conceptual and process-oriented approach to the fine arts. Students take a minimum of seven studio art and three art history courses.* These include two foundational courses, in two- and three-dimensional design. Introductory-level and advanced courses are offered in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and new media, and graphic design.

Students are also encouraged to dissolve boundaries between mediums and to explore nontraditional media (you are required to take courses in two or more mediums). Special topics courses in a variety of other media are regularly offered; recent courses have concentrated on book arts, installation art, performance, and video. In addition, students may design and create independent special projects with a faculty sponsor.

Senior Exhibit

In their final semester, all senior studio art majors exhibit their work in a group show in the Wright Museum of Art. The arrangements for the exhibit (including gallery space allocation, publicity, and exhibit installation) are planned in Senior Seminar (ART 384 & ART 385), which equips students with an array of additional professional skills (e.g., how to prepare a résumé and portfolio, how to apply to grad school and for employment, how to document one’s artwork).

While the senior exhibit is on display, two full-time art department faculty conduct an oral examination with each senior. Seniors should personally approach faculty members to request and invite participation on their orals committee. The student is given ten minutes to explain his/her exhibit and art. The faculty members on the orals committee then question the student about the work/exhibit for approximately ten minutes. The final ten minutes are dedicated to reflective and instructional observations by the faculty.

The senior exhibition in the Wright Museum of Art is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to comply with all policies and procedures set forth by the senior seminar advisor and museum staff. There will be a $100 damage deposit charged to all seniors exhibiting in the museum. This deposit will be returned after all your artwork is removed from the museum and your space is returned back to normal.

Teaching Art

Students may also be certified to teach art in schools (K-12); details can be obtained from the Education and Youth Studies Department at Beloit College.