Art Department

The art department is dedicated to enriching its students’ lives through the creation and the historical and critical study of art. By providing a stimulating, intellectually challenging, diverse, and nurturing learning environment, the faculty develops the students’ skills, creativity, and confidence in creating art; improves critical thinking; and inspires a lifelong interest in the arts. As mentors, faculty members inspire art majors to achieve their highest professional aspirations and to make enlightened contributions to the art world and the larger community (Mission Statement ‘03).

The art department offers comprehensive degree programs in the creation and history 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.

Programs in Art History: The art department offers a B.A. program with a study option in art history that prepares students for graduate study in art history or careers in museums or galleries. There are also minors in art history and museum studies. Art history courses introduce students to major artistic periods, styles, and concepts from antiquity to the present.

Programs in Studio Art: The art department offers two art studio options: the B.F.A. and the B.A. with a study option in art studio. These program options allow students to select the degree that best suits their personal goals.

B.F.A.: The B.F.A. program is an intensive professional degree that prepares students for art careers or graduate study in either fine arts or graphic design. B.F.A. students are admitted by a portfolio review. Students without portfolios may enter the B.A. program and subsequently apply to the B.F.A. program. Students in the B.F.A. program obtain a solid foundation and broad studio experience, as well as one or more in-depth concentrations in graphic design, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture. The B.F.A. program culminates in a Senior Exhibition. B.F.A. graduates develop technical competence, aesthetic judgment, and a strong commitment to artistic quality.

B.A.: The B.A. program with a study option 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, and graphic design. 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. Art history students select from courses including Greek and Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo, 19th Century, Jewish, Modern, Contemporary, Women in Art, Art of the Book, and American Art. Individualized research and internships are also available.

Careers: Students begin career planning in their first semester. Throughout their course of study, art students work with advisors, faculty mentors, visiting artists, and a variety of career sources to prepare themselves for future careers. Art alumni are pursuing a wide variety of art careers, working 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 Myers Fine Arts Building has twelve well-equipped art studios, including two full computer labs for digital photography and graphic design. Through in-depth experience with processes such as bronze and iron casting, electronic art, lithography, ceramics, and photography, students are prepared for graduate school or art careers.

Art studio students have ample opportunity to exhibit their work, both in the Myers Fine Arts Building and throughout the campus. 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: The Art Resource student organization and the student-led Visual Artist Series give students the opportunity and professional experience to select and host renowned artists, critics, and art historians.

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. Student trips to cities such as New York,  Montreal, and Ottawa provide firsthand experience with works of art.

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 England and Italy.

Scholarships: Several scholarships are available annually, particularly the George and Nina Winkel art scholarships. Scholarships are available for incoming freshmen and for sophomore, junior and senior students.

Programs

• Art (Study Option in Art History), B.A.
• Art (Study Option in Art Studio), B.A.
• Art Studio, B.F.A.

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