Art and Design Department

The Art Department is dedicated to providing a stimulating, intellectually challenging, diverse and nurturing learning environment in which students can develop their technical expertise, creativity and confidence in creating art.  The curriculum and the faculty will inspire a lifelong interest in the visual arts and students will have the tools to achieve their highest professional aspirations (Mission Statement ‘20).

The art department offers a comprehensive degree program in the creation of art. Students obtain a solid foundation in studio and art history, acquire broad experience in a variety of media, and concentrate in the areas of their choice. With faculty as mentors, students develop skills, creativity, aesthetic awareness, and knowledge in preparation for a variety of careers.

Program in Studio Art: The art department offers a B.A in art studio.

The B.A. program in art studio permits students to combine in-depth study in studio art with broader liberal studies, a second major, or a minor. It is well-suited for students who wish to enter fields such as art therapy, elementary education, arts management, or advertising. After receiving a solid foundation, students select one or more concentrations in graphic design, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture.

Art Studio Minors: The department also offers minors in studio art, photography, graphic design and Art Therapy. Students complete minors either for self-enrichment or to complement other majors.

Art Courses: Foundation courses offer students basic skills and concepts and an introduction to disciplines, such as art history, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. This breadth of experience helps the studio student discover personal strengths and interests. From these disciplines, the studio student selects one or more areas to study in-depth, developing confidence and ability and a professional portfolio. 

Careers: Throughout their course of study, art students work with advisors, faculty mentors, and visiting artists, to prepare themselves for future careers. Art alumni are pursuing a wide variety of paths, working for example as graphic designers, art directors, museum directors, college professors, teachers, studio sculptors and painters, professional potters, commercial and fine arts photographers, printers, wallpaper stylists, and Web designers.

Faculty and Facilities: The art department has an experienced, full-time, professional faculty. These dedicated teachers are currently involved in creative, high-quality work in studio and art history. Through direct instruction, by example of their own creative work, and by their professional collaborations, faculty members help students achieve their potential, develop their portfolios, and prepare for careers or graduate school. Class sizes are small enough for personal attention.

The John Myers Building has twelve well-equipped art studios, including a full computer lab for digital photography and graphic design. Through in-depth experience with processes such as bronze and iron casting in sculpture, electronic art, lithography in printmaking, ceramics, drawing, painting, and photography, students are prepared for graduate school or art careers.

Art studio students have ample opportunity to exhibit their work, both on-campus in the galleries of the John Myers Building and off-campus with the annual SUNY-wide Student Art Exhibition as well as undergraduate student exhibitions at the Frederic Remington Museum in Ogdensburg, NY and the Lower Adirondack Regional Art Center in Glens Falls, NY. Students experience professional art firsthand through the notable Plattsburgh State Art Museum, which includes three galleries, a sculpture court, an outdoor sculpture park and terrace, and installations in other public spaces throughout the campus. There are about 10,000 historical and contemporary works of art, representing a variety of western and non-western cultures. The Art Museum is complemented by a strong print library and film and video collections.

Student Organizations: Students can participate in the Plattsburgh Association of the Visual Arts (PAVA) a student-led organization that gives members an opportunity to help plan and organize the Student Association’s visiting artist program to visit museums and galleries and to coordinate exhibitions and arts activities on campus.

Workshops and Trips: Workshops and presentations given by visiting artists in areas such as iron casting, book arts, and painting give students knowledge that enhances their experience within the studio classes.

Internships and Study Abroad: Plattsburgh’s art majors enhance their professional development through internships and study abroad. Internships exist both on and off campus. In addition, some students study abroad, especially in Ireland, England and Italy.

Scholarships: Several scholarships are available annually, particularly the George and Nina Winkel art scholarships. Scholarships are available for first-year students (Including incoming first-year) and for sophomore, junior and senior students.

Programs

• Art Studio, B.F.A.
• Art, B.A.

• Art Therapy Minor (for Art Majors or Art: Studio Minors)
• Art Therapy Minor (for Psychology Majors or Minors)
• Art: Graphic Design Minor
• Art: Photography Minor
• Art: Studio Minor